The City of Elk Point met in regular session March 6 and had only a few items on their agenda. One of those items was the purchase of a backhoe.

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An oversight in the Union County Handbook sparked discussion at the Union County Board of County Commission meeting March 7. In the current handbook, there is a section on employee compensation time, however, it doesn’t state how long compensation time can be carried.

This week is Sunshine Week – a national observance of the importance of open government and the public’s right to know. As Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said more than a century ago: “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” It is a proverb often cited by journalists and others when making a case for why transparency in government is important.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is working with a diverse group of partners to offer two new incentives and new rates for water quality improvement opportunities in the Big Sioux River watershed through its Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI).

In South Dakota, we know our people. We know they desire flexibility, affordable care and freedom to make their own choices regarding practitioners, insurance, facilities and treatment options. I believe that the government’s role in healthcare is to empower, support and partner – not mandate, control and lock down.

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The March Friends Feast will be held Monday, March 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church will host the feast which will be provided by the Elk Point-Jefferson National Honor Society with assistance by the PEO.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of North Sioux City, community of Dakota Dunes, Union County and the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO), is seeking community input on a multi-phased Interstate 29 Corridor Study, beginning with a visioning survey.

The City of Elk Point is continuing its work for the best interests of all the people and businesses in our community. The City has once again hired an independent contractor to make inspections in our community to identify violations of the ordinances as they relate to property maintenance. These violations may include illegal vehicles, unlicensed and inoperable, being stored in the open areas of properties; rubbish, garbage and waste lying in yard areas; vacant and dilapidated buildings; buildings that require repairs such as windows, missing paint or shingles; vegetation overgrowth; and issues that involve the safety and well-being of our citizens. These efforts are meant to protect the health and safety of all families and businesses in our community. They are also meant to protect property values and encourage new families and businesses to choose Elk Point as their place to call home.