The first Union County Board of County Commissioners meeting of 2023 was rescheduled from Tuesday, Jan. 3 to Thursday, Jan. 5 due to poor weather conditions. During the rescheduled meeting, the commissioners determined various appointments to the county, including chairman and vice-chairman.

Dustin Sharkey, a seasoned law enforcement officer, was named the Jefferson Police Chief Dec. 19.

Larry Ness, CEO and Board Chairman of First Dakota National Bank, retired as CEO on Dec. 30, 2022. Ness came to First Dakota in August 1983. At the time, First Dakota was a struggling bank that was expected to fail. Under his leadership, the bank rebounded and has enjoyed nearly four decades of growth and success. In 1983, First Dakota had one location and $42 million in assets. Today, they have 17 locations in 12 South Dakota cities with $2.7 billion in assets.

The first Friends Feast of 2023 will be held Jan. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

South Dakotans depend on their local community newspaper to keep them informed and connected. Who are the people who read South Dakota newspapers? Every month, 574,000 consumers – or 83 percent of South Dakota adults – read the local newspaper in print or online.

Derek Tuttle, Elk Point City Administrator: “My New Years’ resolution is to spend more quality time with friends and family.” Philip Schoenbaum, Elk Point-Jefferson Superintendent: “It would be to be better everyday. A better dad, a better husband, a better person, and a better coworker.

A new organization came to South Dakota in April, 2022 – Hometown Hero Outdoors (HHO). The purpose of this 501(c) (3) non-profit organization is to reach out to every first responder, law enforcement offi cer, military service member and military veteran and ensure that they’ve got a way to temporarily escape the daily stress and frustration of civilian life through a safe outdoor adventure of their choosing.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Marching Band members had a unique experience Jan. 2.

A new law that makes it easier for people to sell homemade foods directly to consumers in South Dakota could expand business opportunities for small producers and increase product offerings at homes, farmers markets, fairs and roadside stands.

The third annual Name the Snowplow Contest began in November, before the snow began to fly in earnest. The contest was created by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) to engage people across the state in winter driving safety awareness. The SDDOT encourages travellers to use SD511 resources to make informed travel decisions during winter weather. Travellers can sign up for customized notifications on https://sd511. org to receive text messages and/or email notifications for road closure updates and travel advisories along pre-selected travel routes.