Steve Kistner, a McCook Lake resident and Dakota Valley School District Board Member, recently received the Distinguished Service Award, from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD). It was an honor to recognize his decade of service. It was also a big milestone for Kistner as all ushered in the start of the 2025/26 academic school year.

Jones’ Food Center in Elk Point is celebrating 30 years of service this September, marking three decades of local ownership, evolving technology, and deep community connection. The store’s roots trace back to Tom Jones, who operated multiple grocery stores across southeastern South Dakota.

Fleurish Flower Farm will celebrate the close of its u-pick flower season with a two-day autumn festival, “Fall Into Fleurish,” on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20–21. The event will be held at the farm’s location at 47663 SD Hwy 50, just west of Elk Point, and will feature seasonal foods, live music, pumpkins, and one final stroll through the flower fields.

Jefferson Beer Supply, a Siouxland craft brewery, invites everyone to join in the fun and celebrate Oktoberfest with us Saturday September 20th from 12-6pm. This familyfriendly traditional German beer garden event features live original music, German food and drinks, Oktoberfest games, steins, and more- all while supporting a worthy cause.

The Dakota Valley School District Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, Sept. 8, addressing a full agenda that included staffing transitions, policy revisions, surplus declarations, and union negotiations. The meeting was held at 6 p.m. in the district board room and was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Matt Thompson. Board members Jessica Hanson, Andrew Nilges, and Emily Norby were present; member Steve Kistner was absent. Superintendent Garrett Schmidt and Business Manager Jill Sponder were also in attendance.

The Elk Point City Council met in regular session Monday, Sept. 8, addressing a full agenda that included the swearing-in of a new council member, approval of the city’s 2026 appropriations ordinance, and discussion of infrastructure and development issues affecting local residents.

Aiden Keenan, a recent graduate of Dakota Valley, received the honor of Eagle Scout on May 18, 2025. In order to earn this high achievement, a scout must advance through the ranks via the order of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life.

The Jefferson City Council met in regular session Monday, Sept. 8, approving the city’s 2026 budget ordinance, reviewing ongoing nuisance abatement efforts, and considering community requests related to Oktoberfest and future grant funding. The meeting was held at City Hall with Mayor Paddy Rigg presiding; all council members, Tony Boulware, Jason Casper, Mark LaFleur, John Lokhorst, and Michael Stokely, were present. Also attending were City Attorney Kaleigh Koch, Finance Officer Michaeleen Roark, and Police Chief Dustin Sharkey.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, Sept. 8, approving a range of personnel contracts, tax levy certifications, and surplus declarations, while spotlighting student achievements, district initiatives,+ and ongoing community engagement.