With Thanksgiving approaching, I’ve been reflecting on how grateful I am for the people who serve our city and support our community in so many ways. To the staff who keep our city running every day - thank you.

The Dakota Valley School District Board of Education met Nov. 10 in regular session, where members heard a detailed presentation on the district’s English Learner program, approved several coaching changes and authorized the purchase of new custodial equipment.

A ceremony to induct the next class of Huskies into the National Honor Society (NHS) took place at 7 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The event happened in the high school with many from the community in attendance. Elk Point-Jefferson’s NHS advisor, Rita Ahmann, welcomed the crowd before turning over speaking duties to the students in order for them to discuss the four pillars associated with NHS.

Each November, communities across South Dakota gather to honor the men and women who served our country. This past week, I joined students, families, and community members in Elk Point for a Veterans Day ceremony that reminded me how important this day is for all of us.

The Union County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 12 at the courthouse in Elk Point, where members approved rezoning for Rancho Pacifica, renewed liquor licenses and adopted new Union County Fair Board by-laws.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education met in regular session Nov. 10 at St. Peter’s Community Center, where members celebrated student achievements, approved personnel items and reviewed district projects.

In an era when social media posts and online accounts of news can be edited, deleted or reshaped within minutes, the printed newspaper remains a permanent record of the day’s events. Once ink hits paper, the story stands. It cannot be altered to fit a changing narrative—and that’s exactly why it matters.

Hosting the semifinals for 11B playoff football were the Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. Their opponent was Deuel who received the kick-off to start the contest. The weather was chilly, but both teams appeared warmed up and ready as an invitation to the state finals was on the line.

Snowfall on November 8, 2025 did not stop people from stepping back in time to visit the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve for this year’s “Christmas at the Homestead”. The parking lot and grounds were filled, as people came to enjoy baked goods, hot dogs, cocoa, coffee and a fun holiday atmosphere. Choir singing and crafts were also a part of the afternoon festivities.

Three longtime EP-EPJ staff members— Lois Matson, Delories Rosenbaum and Delores Vondrak—were honored with a surprise celebration of their 90th birthdays during the district’s annual retirees’ gathering Oct. 29 at the Pointe.