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Jorgensen competes on reality show

A local face is getting national attention as Burbank resident Kelley Jorgensen competes for $750,000 on the CBS reality hit show “Big Brother.” In its 27th season on the air, Jorgensen is among several other houseguests living together in isolation from the rest of the world. Challenges, prizes, alliances and strategies are in play throughout the competition as houseguests are voted off the show on a scheduled basis.
Buffalo chips, pie and pioneer spirit at Adams

In honor of the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve becoming a state park in South Dakota, a celebration was held on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitors flocked to the landmark to step back in time and enjoy the historical atmosphere. This has become an annual event and marked the 28th year for Adams being a state park.
Little Free Libraries spark connection, curiosity

A simple wooden box filled with books has become a symbol of connection, curiosity, and community in Elk Point, thanks to the efforts of local resident and teacher Vanessa Norby. What began as a summer inspiration has grown into a wellloved fixture in town. A year ago, Norby installed her first Little Free Library in the front yard of her home at 110 Cedar Court. Since then, the small structure has welcomed readers of all ages, offering free access to books and encouraging neighbors to share their favorites. Last weekend, Norby expanded the project with a second Little Free Library, now located in the city park near the playground.
Novacek speaks to Panther crowd

The Dakota Valley annual fall sports meeting was held on Monday, August 4, 2025 in the high school gym. A special guest speaker was on-hand as parents and student athletes got to hear from former NFL Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek.
Fun flows at NSC National Night Out

The corner of River Drive and Victor Avenue in North Sioux City was a happening place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 as the city hosted their annual “National Night Out” event on the grounds near the community’s library. City staff, plus the fire department and local police, were all on-hand to help with traffic, serve food, chaperone the fun and mingle with the public.

Ironclad

Holiday harmonies ring out at EPJ middle school winter concert

Holiday cheer could be heard from Elk Point-Jefferson as middle schoolers performed for the winter music concert on Monday, December 8, 2025. The program began with vocals as EPJ choir members, in grades 6th-8th, performed under the direction of Katelyn Brunick.

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Huskies battle hard but fall to Madison in opener

Competitive play met up with the Husky boys basketball team on December 13, 2025. Elk Point-Jefferson was in Madison to kickstart the 2025/26 high school basketball season. The game proved fierce and unfortunately the Huskies did not leave town with a win. However, hard work was observed on the court.

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Defense powers girls to victory over Madison

Mother Nature finally decided to let the high school basketball season begin for the Elk Point-Jefferson girls basketball team on Saturday, December 13, 2025. An earlier contest, December 11 versus Canton, was postponed until January 5, 2026 due to snow and icy conditions.

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EPJ delivers standout storytelling, theatre

South Dakota’s state oral interpretation festival, for high schoolers, was held on December 5-6, 2025. The event took place in Watertown and Elk Point-Jefferson was represented at state by Carter Heckathorn, Austin Clercx, Jaxon Vande Vegte, Lexi McDermott and Stella Bonnema. All of these pupils punched their tickets to state after qualifying at regionals in November.

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County authorizes budget changes

The Union County Board of Commissioners met Dec. 9 at the court‑house, working through a wide agenda that ranged from facility upgrades and highway easements to tax abatements and budget adjustments.

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EPJ approves audit report, policy updates

The Elk Point-Jefferson School Dis‑trict Board of Education met Dec. 8, approving routine business, personnel changes, and policy updates while high‑lighting student achievements across the district.

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DV Esports posts strong midseason results across multiple titles

The Panther Esports program was busy throughout the week of December 8-11, 2025 with multiple matches played over many differing game titles. Dakota Valley Esports will be on a short hiatus with the holidays as winter break is set to start on December 19. They will be back in the new year for more competitive play.

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A Message from Mayor Chris Bogenrief - A Year of Progress

As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made this year.

ARK Kids Free Shopping Spree

A beloved North Sioux City tradition returned Dec. 6 as ARK United Methodist Church hosted its an‑nual Kids Free Shop‑ping Spree, drawing dozens of families for a day of holiday cheer and generosity.

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St. Paul Lutheran grant aids Food Pantry

Dorothy Langle, a member of St. Paul Lu‑theran Church, secured a $250 Thrivent grant that was used to sup‑port the Elk Point Food Pantry.

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