USDA announced that distressed borrowers with qualif ying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Ser v ice Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.

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Erin Kuper, who is a Physical Education Teacher at Elk Point-Jefferson, was named as the SHAPE SD New Physical Education teacher of the year. “She is a graduate of SDSU and has made a difference in the profession as a student and as a teacher,” said Nikki Heinz of SHAPE SD Awards.

A relatively new program in education has allowed six Elk Point-Jefferson students a chance to gain real life experiences outside of the classroom. Hayden Smith, a 17-year-old senior and son of Cathy Smith and Todd Mc-Inerney, is one of the students taking advantage of the internship program.

Want a way to brighten someone’s holiday? Take a gift tag or angel tag from a donation tree. There are two available in Elk Point.

Sixteen high school finalists have advanced to the 2022 BIG Idea Final Competition. This high school business idea competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opportunities for creating a business in their own region. All students who submitted entries are invited to the Final Competition and Awards Ceremony held Dec. 6-7. The day will feature student pitches, educational booths, a discussion panel of entrepreneurs, and the awards.

South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University Extensions are hosting a series of free virtual workshops for caregivers. There will be three presentations: Jan.

The lake level for McCook Lake Level is 1083.68 and has dropped 3.5 inches in one week. It is 1.5 feet lower than last year.

A priest that used to ser ve the St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Dakota Dunes will be spending Christmas with the military.

Recently I had the opportunity to help out during a jam session at a local restaurant that promotes live music weekly and a special open stage jam session monthly. Over 30 musicians of all ages, skill levels and performance experience participated, and the level of enthusiasm and mentorship was encouraging in every way.