News | Dakota Dunes North Sioux City Times & Southern Union County Leader-Courier

County advances bridge project

Shannon Jost Timesleader1@gmail.com

Thursday, July 3, 2025

The Union County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at the courthouse in Elk Point, South Dakota. All five commissioners— Chairman Ustad, Dailey, Joffer, Kimmel, and Ballard— were present. The board began by approving the meeting agenda and the minutes from the June 10 session.

Dakota Valley students attended HOSA’s International Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN, on June 18-21, 2025. From left: Treston Pulley, Addy Wubbena, Lauren Messersmith, Landon Greene, Bennett Jensen, Tyra Yi, and Prithvi Patthi. Submitted photo

DV students attend HOSA International Leadership Conference

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Several Dakota Valley high schoolers traveled to Nashville, Tennessee on June 18-21, 2025 to represent the Panthers for HOSA which stands for Health Occupations Students of America. The International Leadership Conference (ILC) brought together HOSA students from all over the country and world for seminars, workshops, exhibits and competitive events.

DDHOA 4th of July reminders

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, July 3, 2025

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025 an email was sent by Dakota Dunes HOA Manager Kim Leif to the residents of Dakota Dunes regarding matters pertaining to the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Stated in the email was a reminder of when it is okay to shoot fireworks within the Dunes neighborhoods.

Legislators advocate for McCook Lake

Submitted

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Senator Sydney Davis serves on the Senate Committees for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, and Taxation. Representative Chris Kassin serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the Joint Committee on Appropriations.

Two Dakota Valley high schoolers were in Sioux Falls, on June 23-25, 2025, for the United States Attorney’s Office Academy-Summer Law Camp. From left: Alexandria Murray, and Mia Riibe. Submitted photo

Murray, Riibe attend USAO Academy-Summer law camp

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Soon to be Panther seniors, Alexandria Murray and Mia Riibe, attended the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) Academy-Summer Law Camp for 2025. The Dakota Valley students applied in the spring and had to submit an application as well as answer a variety of essay questions in order to be accepted. The students were alerted near the end of April or early parts of May, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of South Dakota, on their acceptance.

Fleurish Fest: A brand-new flower festival

News Staff

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Submitted Fleurish Flower Farm, located just outside Elk Point, is excited to announce a brand-new event coming to the community this summer. Fleurish Fest will take place Saturday and Sunday, July 19–20, and invites visitors of all ages to enjoy a weekend full of flowers, music, food, and family fun — right here in Union County.

Toads, tunes, and more: Jefferson’s Days of ’59

Shannon Jost Timesleader1@gmail.com

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Each July, the town of Jefferson, South Dakota, comes alive with the Jefferson Days of ‘59 Celebration. This five-day festival honors the community’s founding spirit with a blend of tradition, fun, and smalltown pride. This year’s celebration takes place from Wednesday, July 9, to Sunday, July 13, 2025, and the schedule is packed with activities for all ages.

Picklefest hosted by JBS

News Staff

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Jefferson Beer Supply is hosting a three-day celebration of all things pickle on July 11, 12, and 13. They will have pickle-flavored ale and food.

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, speaks with students on May 19, 2023, in Sioux Falls. (Joshua Haiar/SD Searchlight)

Saying it’s time for a ‘new chapter,’ Dusty Johnson announces his campaign for governor

(not verified)

Monday, June 30, 2025

By: South Dakota Searchlight staff

Dusty Johnson will run for governor of South Dakota next year, he confirmed Monday during a campaign event in Sioux Falls.

The announcement was a formality after Johnson was widely rumored to be a candidate and said last week that he planned to make a political announcement Monday.

Union County Courthouse on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Photo by Kelly Riibe.

Castellanos-Rosales guilty

2026. By Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Friday, June 27, 2025

By: Kelly Riibe

It was a big day on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Elk Point courthouse as the jury handed down a guilty verdict in the murder trial involving Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales and the stabbing of Jordan (Jordy) Beardshear. For almost two weeks, the court had been in session as state prosecutors and the defense team for Castellanos-Rosales presented their sides of the case.