Union County commissioners voted 4–1 on Tuesday to accept a $45,600 proposal from Michaels Fence to replace the failing fence around the fairgrounds track and grandstand. Commissioners Kevin Joffer, Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad supported the bid, while Commissioner Michael Dailey cast the lone dissenting vote.

Soloists, duets, trios and ensembles played in Dakota Valley’s Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 19, 2026 for the “Night of Superiors” music concert. It was an evening full of band and choir performances. The goal of the concert was to recognize Panther students who had received the high rating of SUPERIOR at regional small group contests in 2026.

Union County 4‑H member Regan Ras‑mussen returned from San Antonio with more than memories—she came home a national reserve champion. Rasmussen, the daughter of Mike and Trisha Rasmussen of Elk Point, represented South Dakota at the 2026 4‑H Family & Con‑sumer Sciences Nation‑al Championship, where the state’s Skill‑A‑Thon team earned second place nationally and third place in the Life Skills Assessment.

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This year’s prom at Dakota Valley will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026 for Panther seniors and juniors, plus their dates. This year’s theme is “Masquerade Mystery”. The grand march is set to happen at 8 pm in the high school gym. It is a great opportunity for the general public to attend and take photos in addition to seeing attendees in their formalwear.

The Horizon Health Foundation is hosting an event April 18 to raise money to support pa‑tients living with chronic diseases like diabe‑tes, heart and dental disease. This is the finale of the Drive It Home ’26 Campaign Raffle.

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The Elk Point‑Jef‑ferson Board of Educa‑tion covered technology updates, staffing needs, building projects and student achievements during its March 9 regu‑lar meeting, while also approving resignations, volunteer coaching ap‑plications and Board of Equalization appoint‑ments.

The Dakota Valley School Board moved through a full agenda March 9, taking action on personnel changes, curriculum purchases and 2026–27 contracts while hearing updates on school safety, community events and the upcoming school board election deadline.

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