Two Panther students were in Anaheim, California on June 29-July 2, 2025 for the Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.’s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). Soon to be 11th grader Asher Pfeifer and incoming 10th grader Kshitij Patil were South Dakota student representatives at this year’s conference. The pair from Dakota Valley attended along with over 15,000 others.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education convened its regular monthly meeting and annual budget hearing on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. The meeting began with President Travis Geary calling the Fiscal Year 2025 board session to order. Board members in attendance included Geary, Sabrina Sayler, Noelle Jacobs, Kyle Hanson, and new member Tory Norby. District leaders present were Superintendent Philip Schonebaum, Business Manager Heather Watterson, Principals Skyler Eriksen and Laura Throener, and K–12 Dean of Students/Activities Director Justin Clercx.

Young anglers across Elk Point are invited to cast their lines and make lasting memories at the upcoming Youth Fishing Derby, set for Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Heritage Park. The event welcomes children ages 3 to 14 for a morning filled with friendly competition and outdoor fun.

For decades, Ollie’s Drive Inn was more than just a place to grab a bite—it was a local landmark. Now, thanks to a thoughtful renovation and a new partnership, the restaurant is entering its next chapter as Ollie’s 2.0 and Ollie’s Out Back, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.

The Union County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 8 at the county courthouse, with Vice Chairman Mike Dailey presiding. Commissioners Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel, and Peggy Ustad were present; Commissioner Kevin Joffer was absent. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda, which included the addition of a discussion on the speed limit for County Road 23.

On June 23, the North Sioux City Fire Department, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, honored Shawn Moller for his courageous and decisive response during an emergency last month.

A group of Panther students accompanied Dakota Valley high school art teacher Demi Harlan and chaperones to Europe on June 8-21, 2025. The art trip took the travelers to Italy and Greece for two weeks where they saw many sites and observed the area’s historical and cultural aspects.

North Sioux City’s elected officials gathered on July 7 for their regular commission meeting, where they reviewed ongoing recovery efforts, approved infrastructure plans, and addressed community concerns. Mayor Chris Bogenrief called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., with Commissioners Lynn Hoffman, Julie Burhoop, Jessica Strain, and Vincent Tucker in attendance. City Administrator Jeff Dooley, Finance Officer Amy Lilly, and City Attorney Sarah Kleber also participated.

The North Sioux City library hosted Fontenelle Forest on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 for a raptor program starting at 2 pm. Two experts spoke to a crowd of approximately 40 people about their work at the nature center which is located in Bellevue, Nebraska. In addition to the pair of experts, there were also three winged creatures introduced to the crowd.

This past month has been busy and hopeful for North Sioux City, with progress taking shape in both new development and flood recovery efforts that will help our community move forward stronger than ever. Several exciting projects have broken ground recently.