It was an exciting time this past week for the Panther boys soccer team as they began their season and brought forth the firs-ever era of boys soccer at Dakota Valley. On Aug. 18 the boys soccer team hosted Tea Area. The Titans boasted a starting line-up of mostly sophomores and juniors while DV relied heavily on 7th and 8th graders. The team and Head Coach Eddie Vongsiprasom knew going into the match that it would be a tough contest. “The game went as we thought it would,” Vongsiprasom detailed. “We looked like boys playing against men. They were faster and stronger than us. The boys didn’t shy down from a challenge though. They battled into the second half. With about 17 minutes left of the second half, Tea hit a 30-yard shot into the top right corner to complete the 10-- goal mercy rule.” Despite the 10-0 loss, much was gained and learned. Seventh grader Reid Herbold was praised as being a “stand out on the team”. He has stepped into the role of goalkeeper, with no prior experience, and done well. Vongsiprasom reported that Tea Area had approximately 30 shots, with 15 on goal, in the match and Herbold gave the roster hope. “If you showed up after the game you would have thought we won the game,” Vongsiprasom stated. “The DV soccer community came out to support that night. The girls team, parents and coaches were a huge part of that. We may not have won on the scoreboard, but it was a huge success for DV soccer.”

It was a busy week for the Dakota Valley girls soccer program. The squad had three games in five days and had good showings at each match. It was an away game to start things off for the Panthers as they travelled to Sioux Falls Christian Aug. 23 to face the Chargers. It was a close varsity match and DV really came together to play as a united front versus a competitive opponent, however they did not garner the win, losing 0-2.

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The students of Elk Point-Jefferson headed back to school Thursday, Aug. 18.

Elk Point-Jefferson’s Carter Langle took 3rd place individually at the Dell Rapids golf invitational Aug. 22. On the par 71 course, Langle shot 6 over ending with a score of 77. The second place finisher was Dakota Munger of Chamberlain with a 74 and Eli Anema of Sioux Falls Christian was medalist with a 71.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies were ready to play Friday, Aug. 19 in their season opener against Parker. After stepping onto the field, the Huskies didn’t look back crushing the Pheasants 50-0 and ending the game in the beginning of the 4th quarter.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies boys golf team lost two lettermen due to graduation – Cade Fennel and Landon Geary – but return three players – Carter Langle (state qualifier), Lucas Hemmingstad and Evan Hailey (letter winners).

The new site of the Union County Electric Cooperative building is starting to take shape. Nelson Construction has been working diligently to get the building raised, the concrete poured and the fence put up. The building is still on track for a spring 2023 completion.

By Beth Sherard-Hutcheson times1@iw.net Many issues awaited the Union County Board of County Commissioners at their Aug. 23 meeting, including sewer lines, county property, potential ordinance violations, tower and generators.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office sent out a scam alert Wednesday, Aug. 17 stating that they have received multiple reports of various individuals receiving scam phone calls.