EPJ School District earns state ESGR Freedom Award nomination

Representatives from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization visited the Elk Point-Jefferson School District’s staff inservice meeting Wednesday, Aug. 19, to present a statewide recognition honor.

Oktoberfest at Jefferson Beer Supply

Jefferson Beer Supply will celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 19 at the craft brewery and restaurant. The annual community celebration will feature a full afternoon of Oktoberfest-themed fun for all ages, including the debut of the Jefferson Beer Mile, along with traditional games and activities such as hammerschlagen, straw bale throwing and stein-holding contests.

Jefferson approves 2027 budget

The Jefferson City Council moved through a full agenda Monday night, approving the city’s 2027 budget, adopting a regional roadway‑safety plan and finalizing two ordinance amendments that update long‑standing rules for trailers, camp cars and mobile home parks. The special meeting lasted 17 minutes but covered several items that will shape next year’s spending and future development decisions.

SDSU weather network looks to expand in UC

A statewide network of weather stations is seeking to expand in Union County. Mesonet at SDState is the statewide network of weather stations providing crucial data to the National Weather Service, Army Corps of Engineers and South Dakota citizens. The mesonet is seeking a public or private landowner in Union County to host a new station.

Midco launches mobile service in Elk Point and Jefferson

Midco has launched Midco Mobile in Elk Point and Jefferson, expanding its communications offerings to include wireless service alongside internet. The new service connects customers with local support teams and ex‑tends the com‑pany’s regional network foot‑print.

Big upgrades rolling in at Jefferson Conoco

Under new ownership, the Jefferson Conoco Pit Stop is expanding its inventory, extending daily operating hours and introducing a new on-site dining option for local residents and interstate travelers. The travel plaza recently secured its municipal liquor license and began stocking full inventory across the previously empty shelves. To better serve evening travelers and local convenience needs, the station extended its daily hours, remaining open seven days a week until 11 p.m.

EPJ welcomes new second‑grade teacher Lilly Mockler

Elk Point‑Jefferson has added Lilly Mockler to its elementary staff for the 2026‑27 school year. Mockler, a Vermillion native and recent SDSU graduate, is teaching second grade and settling into her first full‑time classroom. Below is a look at her background and interests.

Cybersecurity upgrade approved for county email

Union County commissioners on Tuesday reviewed upcoming courthouse construction work, discussed needs at the temporary Turner Building office site and approved several financial actions during their Aug. 18 meeting in Elk Point.

150 years of the Grasshopper Crosses

Some called it a blessing and others declared it a miracle. Both descriptions ap‑pear to be correct when it comes to the “Grass‑hopper Crosses” of Jef‑ferson, South Dakota. It was in the late 1800s that three crosses were erected in the small town within Union County. This was done in an effort to combat the devastating lo‑cust outbreak. A plea for divine intervention worked and the cross‑es still stand today. Therefore, an excit‑ing community event is planned for Sunday, September 13, 2026. It includes a pilgrimage walk, mass service plus a potluck meal to honor the cross’s 150th anni‑versary.