Twelve Elk Point-Jefferson Educators Rising students traveled to Portland, Oregon, June 19–23 to compete at the Educators Rising National Conference, joining more than 3,000 students from all 50 states. Their hard work and dedication paid off as six students earned national recognition for their outstanding performances.

The Elk Point Chamber of Commerce has launched a new summer dining punch card program designed to highlight area restaurants and drive local community engagement. The promotion runs through Aug.

Elk Point law enforcement officers and local residents will join millions of neighbors across the country next month for the community’s annual National Night Out celebration aimed at strengthening police-community partnerships.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education reorganized for the upcoming school year, adopted a multi-million-dollar budget, and approved price increases for meals and athletic events during its regular meeting Monday, July 13.

Mason Marx and Claire LaFerrier earned top individual honors at the sixth annual Elk Point-Jefferson Cross Country Road Race. Marx led the male division with a time of 19 minutes, 32 seconds.

A piece of local pioneer history will be formally honored next month as community members gather for the rededication of Elmwood Cemetery and the unveiling of a new South Dakota State Historical Society marker.

More than 150 area 4-H students will take center stage at the local fairgrounds this summer as the Union County Fair returns for three days of agricultural competitions and community events. The annual fair serves as the culmination of months of preparation for local youth, who will showcase livestock projects, craftsmanship, and farming skills in competitive judging rings throughout the weekend.

What started as a modest patch of family soil has officially put Union County agritourism on the state map. Launched in 2020 by local florist Christy Heckathorn, who has designed weddings for over 20 years, the project began with a straightforward goal: she wanted to share the simple beauty of country-grown flowers with her neighbors.

The Jefferson City Council moved ahead Monday night with zoning amendments tied to trailer and camp regulations, heard a re‑gional transportation safety pre‑sentation and set a special meet‑ing to begin work on next year’s budget.

The Elk Point City Council approved a major water-main construction bid, adopted two sidewalk resolutions and handled several organizational appointments during its July 6 regular meeting. Mayor Deb McCreary presided with council members Abraham, Irwin, Irlbeck and Austad present, while Hurlbert was absent. At the start of the meeting, Finance Officer Erika Hammitt administered the oath of office to Mayor McCreary, Ward One council member Ben Irlbeck, Ward Two council member Brian Wells, and Ward Three council members Renee Irwin and Meghan Austad. Council members subsequently approved the agenda and minutes from June 1 before authorizing the payment of June salaries and bills across the general and enterprise funds.