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.

November 18 kicked off practice sessions for the Panther girls basketball team. There are currently 17 Dakota Valley players out for high school ball with it anticipated that some 8th graders will join once their middle school season wraps up in mid-December. Familiar faces can be seen this year as Head Coach Tammy Lilly returns for her 16th season of leading the Panthers.

The Panther boys high school basketball team hit the gym for the start of the practices on Monday, Nov. 27. Dakota Valley will look to continue their undefeated season winning streak that has been in succession for back-to-back years.

A community coat drive is being held in North Sioux City. In attempts to help those who are in need of warm clothing this winter season, clean and new or gently-used coats can be donated.