Father Joe Vogel celebrates retirement

An open house celebration at St. Peter’s Community Center was held for Father Joe Vogel on Sunday, June 30th. Vogel served as a priest for St. Peter’s in Jefferson, St. Teresa’s in Dakota Dunes and St. Joseph’s in Elk Point. The retirement open house happened from 2pm to 5pm with a program occurring at 3pm.

Flooding 2024

Homes and roads in McCook Lake area ravaged

Authorities say Big Sioux River rose to record level faster than anticipated; residents criticize response

By Seth Tupper and  Makenzie Huber - southdakotasearchlight.com

Homes were ruined, roads were washed out, sinkholes opened up, a railroad bridge was destroyed, and rescuers worked through Sunday night into Monday morning to save people from rising floodwaters in the McCook Lake area of southeastern South Dakota.

Changes likely for All-State Band auditions

The South Dakota High School Activities Association is looking for some direction from the state’s high school band directors about how to change the procedures for conducting auditions for All-State Band.

Enhancing community safety through International Fire Code 2024 Adoption

Earlier this year, the community took a considerable step towards ensuring safety by embracing the International Fire Code 2024. This code serves as a crucial tool in establishing the minimum requirements for offering a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from fire hazards, explosions, and dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures, and premises. Moreover, it ensures the safety of our firefighters and emergency responders during operational crises.

DDCID discusses parks, golf cart usage

Parks were a big discussion during the Dakota Dunes Community Improvement Districts’ meeting on May 20. Discussions revolved around Prairie Park.

Brewer appointed to one year school board term

At the Elk Point-Jefferson School District meeting on May 15, school board member Tim Brewer was appointed to a one-year term for the 2024-25 school year. The term will be for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.