The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is underway this summer, providing 20 rescue horses and ponies with a unique opportunity to find their forever homes. Organized by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue, this exciting event will showcase the incredible partnership between these equines and 20 dedicated volunteer trainers. The highly anticipated finale will be held on Aug. 12-13 at the Horseman’s Sports Arena in Mitchell, SD, with the horses and ponies competing in basic skills, over trail obstacles and finally presenting a freestyle exhibition open to the public.

The insect pictured at right, looks like a butterfly, but isn’t. It is in fact a moth – a cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) to be exact. This moth is the largest native moth to North America. They can feature a wingspan of up to 7 inches.

Elk Point’s Fore the Cure held their annual golf tournament fundraiser on June 16. They reported they raised over $24,000 to help this year’s local recipients – Larissa Coulter-Kommes and Jess LaFleur – and to help fund local scholarships.

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Hard fought games were had by Dakota Valley Legion Post 319 from Tuesday, June 13 to Sunday, June 18. Four games were played by the Panthers in the stretch of 6 days. Three of the 4 contests were close battles that resulted in losses, but a big 10-run win at the end of the long week brought the team’s record to 5-4.

On Saturday, June 3 a soon to be 6th grader at Dakota Valley competed in the 2023 North District Championships for martial arts. The tournament took place in South Sioux City, NE and Darian Feese earned the title of district champion in combat sparring and traditional forms. He also achieved 2nd place in traditional sparring.

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Children ages 8-10 years old enjoyed three days of fun at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve on June 13-15. The camp was called Pioneer Fun and ran from 9:30 a.m.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for the proposed constitutional amendment that would revise legislative term limits. The proposed amendment was submitted by State Sen. Brent Hoffman of Sioux Falls.