By shannon jost

timesleader1@gmail.com

The Dakota Valley School Board moved through a full agenda Sept. 14, approving the district’s FY26 annual report, adopting the FY27 budget and tax levies, and taking action on staffing, surplus property, and several purchases affecting daily school operations.

Vice‑Chairperson Matt Thompson opened the meeting at 6:01 p.m. All board members were present, with Steve Kistner joining by phone. Superintendent Schmidt and Business Manager Sponder also attended.

By Kelly Riibe

times2reporter@gmail.com

A jury trial was held at Union County’s court house, in Elk Point, South Dakota, on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The case involved defendant Christopher Lomatayo who faced a trio of charges that included: driving under the influence, failure to maintain insurance and careless driving.

By shannon jost

timesleader1@gmail.com

The Elk Point‑Jefferson Board of Education moved through a wide-ranging agenda Sept. 14, approving district goals for 2026‑27, adopting tax levies for the coming year and hearing extensive updates on enrollment, technology upgrades, student behavior systems and ongoing construction impacts across the district.

By shannon jost

timesleader1@gmail.com

The Union County Commission continued work on construction, staffing and infrastructure issues Sept. 17, approving highway agreements, personnel changes and a letter supporting a statewide effort to reclassify 911 dispatchers under the South Dakota Retirement System.

SUBMITTED

The South Dakota Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting open house on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, to discuss proposed improvements to Interstate 29 at Exit 15 and Main Street in Elk Point. The project includes structure replacement, ramp modifications, grading, surfacing and ADA upgrades.

2026 Elk Point-Jefferson Homecoming royalty, front row from left: Jacob Schultz, William Wiseman, Jake Kappenman, Amia Mrsny, Megan Muhlbauer, and Kambrie Bertrand. Middle row from left: Tenley Throener, Addison Jacobs, Levi Hanson, King Dawson Fullenkamp, Queen Bailey Johnson, Gracelynn Bruns, Emmy Suing, Ben Trudeau, and Daniel Leate. Back row:  Alexis Niles, Carson Jacobs, Ben Akin, Eli Connors, Laney Trometer, Jayden Shay, and Mason Hammitt. See more on pg 6.