October brings fall weather and even more football, which should make Dakota Valley fans happy as the Panthers got a victory on the road against the Watchdogs of Beresford. The scoreboard read 17-14 as the 4th quarter clock expired on Friday, October 3, 2025.

2025 EPJ Homecoming Court, back row from left: Luke Schmitz, Beau Schmitz, Anthony Tatro, King Mason Marx, Queen Paige Jacobs, Caleb Heuertz, Dawson Fullencamp, Aiden Hammitt, and Jack Hayes. Middle row from left: Lauren McDermott, Cera Schmitz, Molly Geary, Laney Trometer, Bailey Johnson, Stella Bonnema, and Carly Schmitz. Front row were the selected 1st grade attendants, from left: Davis DeJong, Kroy Zemietz, Alex Steinbrecher, Harlie Keegan, Savannah Hinrichs, and Harper Nolz. Photo by Peterman Sports Photography • stevepeterman5@gmail.com

The Union County Sheriff’s Office recently promoted two deputies to the rank of sergeant: Jerry Renken and Evan Spindler. Sheriff Jim Prouty recognized both officers for their leadership, dedication and service to the community. Their promotions mark a significant milestone in their careers and reflect the department’s continued commitment to excellence.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of North Sioux City, community of Dakota Dunes, Union County, Iowa DOT, Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will hold a public meeting open house from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, for the Interstate 29 Corridor Study.

This past month, the City Commissioners and I reviewed the proposed budget for 2026. As always, our goal is to maintain the high level of service our residents expect while keeping the tax burden as low as possible.

Horizon Health is sponsoring walk-in flu clinics at its Elk Point location. The clinics are scheduled for October 8 and 15 from 4-6 pm.

Elk Point Ambulance will host its fourth annual golf tournament on Oct. 11 to raise funds for a new building and training facility.

Steve Kistner, a McCook Lake resident and Dakota Valley School District Board Member, recently received the Distinguished Service Award, from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD). It was an honor to recognize his decade of service. It was also a big milestone for Kistner as all ushered in the start of the 2025/26 academic school year.