If Gov. Kristi Noem doesn’t fulfill her campaign pledge to repeal the South Dakota sales tax on food during the 2023 legislative session, voters may get a chance to decide the issue on the 2024 ballot.

USDA announced that distressed borrowers with qualif ying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Ser v ice Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.

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Erin Kuper, who is a Physical Education Teacher at Elk Point-Jefferson, was named as the SHAPE SD New Physical Education teacher of the year. “She is a graduate of SDSU and has made a difference in the profession as a student and as a teacher,” said Nikki Heinz of SHAPE SD Awards.

A relatively new program in education has allowed six Elk Point-Jefferson students a chance to gain real life experiences outside of the classroom. Hayden Smith, a 17-year-old senior and son of Cathy Smith and Todd Mc-Inerney, is one of the students taking advantage of the internship program.

Want a way to brighten someone’s holiday? Take a gift tag or angel tag from a donation tree. There are two available in Elk Point.

South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University Extensions are hosting a series of free virtual workshops for caregivers. There will be three presentations: Jan.

Recently I had the opportunity to help out during a jam session at a local restaurant that promotes live music weekly and a special open stage jam session monthly. Over 30 musicians of all ages, skill levels and performance experience participated, and the level of enthusiasm and mentorship was encouraging in every way.

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Brad Fowler State Farm Insurance is sponsoring a Wel-Life Resident Gift Tree. Gift tags are available at his office at 113 W. Main Street of Elk Point. People are able to pick up a gift tag, purchase a gift or gifts as indicated on the tag with a $20 value. If people don’t have time to shop, but would still like to participate, they can donate $20 and the shopping will be done for them. All gifts need to be returned, wrapped with the gift tag on the outside of the package by Dec. 15. For any questions or more information, call 605-356-3371.