South Dakota senior citizens and citizens with disabilities have until July 1 to apply for sales or property tax refunds under South Dakota’s Tax Refund Program. Under the program, eligible individuals may receive a portion of the sales or property taxes they paid from the previous year.

Each year, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognizes top sponsorship groups for excellence in serving their local community while helping to share the yearlong mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. Among the thousands of supportive groups honoring locally interred veterans through wreath sponsorships, WAA recently announced that special recognition has been given to five sponsorship groups for their contribution as the 2023 top groups in South Dakota.

On Tuesday, April 16, Ben Linden received the Hancher Finkbine medallion. This 107 year old award is the highest, most prestigious award given to students at the University of Iowa.

The Dakota Valley School Board called a special meeting on May 1 and held two executive sessions and approved the resignations and new hires. The first executive session for personnel matters had no motion made in open session.

.

Auditions for Dakota Players’ original musical production of On the Road to Bremen Town theatre camp will be held at the EPJ middle school Gym on Monday, May 20 at 1 p.m. Dakota Players will guide the young talent of Union County and the surrounding area through a fun-filled, motivating week of theatre magic! On the Road to Bremen Town production is designed with suitable parts for every age, skill and experience level involved.

The Dakota Valley Annual Art Show was held on April 29 and April 30 from 5-7 p.m. in the DVHS basketball gym. Works by Panther students ranging in age from junior kindergarten to 12th grade were on display. Students, families and art fans could visit the art show and see a variety of art that included: clay models, drawings, beaded works, paintings and more.

The list of accolades for Dakota Valley Activities Director Bill Clements is always growing. Recently, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) recognized Clements with an award honoring the longtime Panther administrator for his 30 years of service.

.

At the last meeting, the Dakota Dunes Community Improvment District Board of Supervisors instructed District Manager Andrew Tramp and board member Janet Finzen to bring back playground designs and proposal costs to be discussed at the next meeting.