The Elk Point-Jef ferson Huskies clawed their way through two games – Beresford (Nov. 1) and Canton (Nov. 3) – to secure their way into the SoDak-16. Elk Point -Jef fe rson hosted Beresford Nov. 1 and brought them down in 3 matches – 27-25; 25-23; 25-19. It was a battle to the finish with Natalie Heuertz putting down 14 kills on the night and followed by Bentlee Kollbaum at 9. Danica Torrez led the Huskies with 3 ace serves and was followed by Alyssa Chytka and Hannah Nearman with 2 each. Josie Curry had the sole block on the night. Chytka added 26 digs to her career and was followed by Sophia Giorgio at 15 and Torrez with 12. Giorgio added 33 assists.

The second annual Jefferweetown was held at Jefferson Beer Supply Oct. 29.

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring 2023 semester. Positions are available in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls. Spring internships typically run from January to May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all the universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit.

The South Dakota Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star has elected Grace Bick to the office of Grand Conductress and appointed Keith Sorge to the office of Grand Sentinal for the 202223 Session. Both Bick and Sorge are members of Juno Chapter in Vermillion. The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonically related fraternity of women and men. The order is primarily social and charitable in nature, supporting many local services as well as statewide projects. Funding in the past year includes the Vermillion, Elk Point and Centerville Food Pantries, John Ryger Music Scholarships to two University of South Dakota students, the ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership), The Eastern Star Home in Redfield, SD and the Eastern Star Educational Scholarship.

The EPJ Cub Scout Pack 87 scouts have been busy since Oct. 20. They conducted a food drive to collect food for the Elk Point food pantry. The scouts learned about service to their community and decorated donation boxes that were placed at Jones Foods. They also created flyers that listed specific needs for the food pantry and stood outside Jones Foods and Fareway in Riverside handing the flyers to customers and asking for donations. On Nov. 1 Pack 87 delivered a trailer full of food to the Elk Point food pantry.

The South Dakota Well Drillers Association (SDWDA) announced that it is offering the “SDWDA Quality Groundwater Scholarships” totaling $10,000 to be divided between five deserving students. There will be one $4,000, one $3,000 and three $1,000 scholarships awarded.

The South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors is considering adding more specific language to its policy against recruiting student athletes from one school to another. “We had a charge of recruiting this year,” said SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos, noting that it was the first one in his six years with the association.

At some South Dakota schools, students are taking the lead in trying to get better sportsmanship at athletic contests. During a discussion on Wednesday of the association’s initiative to increase spor tsmanship among players, coaches and fans, members of the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s board of directors heard a message recorded by grade school students at Hoven. “You are our role models,” the young narrator tells the fans. “We see and hear everything you say and do. Please refrain from making any negative comments.”

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.