Dakota Valley Elementary School held it’s fifth annual Family Math Night Nov. 16.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies held their own on the mats to begin the 2023-24 wrestling season in Flandreau, SD at their annual Booster Club Invite Dec. 2.

Elk Point-Jefferson graduates and sisters Kenna and Josie Curry both were able to meet once again on the field, but not as teammates. Both Currys were able to secure track and field scholarships and competed against one another in the SDSU Holiday Open & Multi on Dec. 1 and 2.

Volleyball honors for the 2023 season have been announced. For Elk Point-Jefferson Junior outside hitter Bentlee Kollbaum was named to the DAK-12 Conference Volleyball second team and Class A All-State Honorable Mention.

A benefit is being held to help with ongoing medical expenses for Mike Hanson of Jefferson. Hanson requires an extended hospital stay and extensive rehabilitation after damage to his lungs were found due to complications from chemotherapy, COVID-19 and over 50 years of farming dust.

A fentanyl scare throughout the last election season has all the states and counties looking for ways to prevent overdoses occurring through the mail. Information regarding House Bill 1162 was presented to the Union County Board of County Commissioners Nov. 28 at their meeting. HB1162 is an act to authorize employers to acquire and make available opioid antagonists.

Two hundred and fifty-one (251) South Dakota volunteer fire departments from across the state, including five municipalities from Union County, have been awarded grants totaling $5 million in funding for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Earlier this year, the South Dakota Legislature passed and Governor Noem signed HB1127 appropriating state general funds to the Department of Public Safety creating the grant program to support local volunteer fire departments.

Esports will debut in South Dakota for the winter 2023-24 season and the Panthers will be a part of history as they participate and look to be strong competitors. Dakota Valley will field teams for the following esport games: ● Rocket League ● Smash ● League of Legends ● Chess Rocket League is a video game that mixes soccer and arcade style driving. Smash is a popular game from Nintendo and League of Legends is a well-known multiplayer battle competition with a focus on team strategy and communication. The online game of chess will be played with an anticipated 10 minute allotment for each match. Players will have a time limit on how quickly they must make a move on the chess board.

Dakota Valley wrestlers began practice on Nov. 13 and the squad looks ready for action as the season starts to unfold. Over 20 Panthers will take to the mat for 2023-24 in the hopes of earning pins, wins and accolades.