The City of Elk Point was informed from the state of South Dakota that portions of the city lagoons need to be updated in order to meet current regulations. According to Elk Point City Administrator Derek Tuttle, the city was informed that the lagoons have “failing discharges” and the “style of lagoon” is incorrect. Due to this, the Elk Point City Council was presented a Wastewater Treatment Facility study from John Graupman of Bolton & Menk. Graupman discussed various options for the city to choose from and answered questions from the council members.

The Elk Point-Jefferson school board opened their meeting May 8 with the approval of canvassing of the school board election held April 11. The totals were 144 for Sabrina Sayler, 129 for Noelle Jacobs and 81 for Dennis Stabe.

Governor Kristi Noem announced that Steve Westra, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), will be stepping down from that position, effective May 22. “South Dakotans are building the strongest economy in America with the lowest unemployment rate of all time.

The Loess Hills chapter of Wild Ones is a non-pro_t organization that promotes planting native landscapes, both small and large, in Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Native plants attract native pollinators and wildlife, enhancing your home and the environment. Loess Hills Wild Ones is selling native plants for your yards and gardens this spring. The sale is open to the public on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to Noon each day.

The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with STChealth, has announced the launch of its new Immunization Information System (SDIIS), a leading provider of health information technology solutions. The new system will improve immunization reporting and coverage throughout the state, making the lives of public health of_cials, immunization providers, and local communities easier.

According to the Union County Sheriff’s Department the suspect wanted in a Dakota Dunes murder was apprehended in Mexico, not far from the border on May 12. Authorities stated Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales was expelled from Mexico and turned over to the U.S.

The Elk Point-Jefferson School District held its annual awards ceremony for staff, April 28. The following staff were recognized: • Retirements: Toni Hall – 29 years of service to EPJ and Jefferson schools.

For the last 12 years, the Elk Point and Jefferson communities have supported the Elk Point-Jefferson Education Foundation through their donations to the annual Chili Cup. The Chili Cup began 12 years ago when then EPJ Superintendent Brian Shanks tasked Melissa Curry with developing an annual event to raise money.

Changes over the last few months have been noticed happening by travellers and residents of Union County at Park Jefferson Speedway. Most noticeable was the dirtwork being done in what used to be the spectator parking area.

On May 2, the PEO chapter (in Elk Point) hosted a reception at The Pointe Golf & Event Center to present this year’s scholarship recipients and their moms. “Our scholarships are given in the names of Leona Gronveld and Linda Chris Nearman who were both beloved school teachers at EPJ,” President Chapter A Noreen Jorgensen said.