Richmond Newspapers v. Virginia (1980), in the words of Justice John Paul Stevens, “squarely held that the acquisition of newsworthy matter is entitled to constitutional protection,” it was protecting under the First Amendment’s Free Press Clause the essential foundation of our democracy.

Dakota Dunes murder suspect, Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales, was ordered by the court to receive county dollars in order to hire a forensic pathologist for his defense. The judge’s order stated Castellanos- Rosales may utilize a forensic pathologist to assist in his defense, but any cost above $5,000 would need another approval.

After an executive session toward the end of their meeting on Feb. 13, the Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education approved a bid from Persing Excavating to demolish the existing nursing home facility – formerly known as Prairie Estates Care Center.

It is again that time of year when taxpayers will be receiving a tax bill and an assessment notice. The tax statement comes from the Treasurer’s office and the assessment notice comes from the Assessor’s office. Even though these notices come within a month of each other, they are for separate years. The tax bill you received is for the 2023 tax year payable in 2024. The assessment notice is for the 2024 tax year payable in 2025.

A trip through the stars – that’s what the Elk Point-Jefferson elementary students experienced on Monday, Feb. 5.

After almost two years of owning the Alcester Steakhouse, the Union County Board of County Commissioners approved a purchase offer of $205,000 from Harvey and Rita Nolt at their meeting Feb. 6. The commissioners approved Commission Chairman Milton Ustad and Vice Chairman Rich Headid to sign the purchase agreement.

The recent purchase agreement of the former Jefferson High School property was discussed at the Jefferson City Council meeting Feb. 5. After a brief executive session for legal matters, the council listened as City Attorney Sabrina LaFleur-Sayler outlined the specific requirements of the agreement.

A new business is joining the Elk Point Business Park come this spring. Next Mechanical announced their new facility on social media last week.

The Elk Point-Jefferson School District will join districts across the state to thank school board members for their leadership and service to our local school district and community during South Dakota School Board Recognition Week from Feb. 19-23.

A new group wishes to welcome newborn babies and their families into the world. Union Country Right to Life has decided to begin a new program for newborn babies. The group wishes for expecting mothers in Union County to inform them of their due dates so they can help welcome your baby into the world. The program is only eligible for residents living within Union County.