Fleurish Fest: A brand-new flower festival

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

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

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.

Castellanos-Rosales guilty

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.

Nature camps at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

Nature campers, Jody Moats and interns all play with a large parachute for a fun game during the “Wild for Wetlands” camp on June 19, 2025.         Photo by Kelly Riibe • times2reporter@gmail.com

Fourth annual Pink in the Park

On June 7th, the city park in Elk Point welcomed the community for the 4th annual Pink in the Park, an event hosted by the Pink Ladies, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals facing cancer. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., families, neighbors, and friends gathered to enjoy the day together. Food trucks offered a variety of meals and treats, while local vendors set up booths with handmade goods and community-focused offerings. Children played games and enjoyed activities spread across the park.          Submitted photos

Board discusses library policies

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education held its regular meeting on June 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the high school study hall. Vice President Sayler presided over the meeting, with board members Brewer, Hanson, and Jacobs in attendance. Board member Geary was absent, and Superintendent Dr. Schonebaum was present.

Schonebaum President Elect for the SDCA

Leadership for the South Dakota Counseling Association announced, in June, that Elk Point-Jefferson’s very own Danielle Schonebaum has been named President Elect for the South Dakota Counseling Association (SDCA).

Union County considers jail security upgrades

The Union County Board of Commissioners held its regular session on June 10, 2025, at 8:30 AM in the Courthouse in Elk Point, South Dakota. Commissioners Dailey, Joffer, Ballard, Kimmel, and Ustad were present. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the May 27 session before moving into a review of the county’s financial reports. The county treasurer’s records showed a total balance of $20,023,998.55, including deposits, investments, and funds administered for city, school, and township revenue accounts. Monthly reports from various departments were presented, with the Sheriff’s Office collecting $15,793.85 in federal prisoner and INS room and board fees, the Register of Deeds recording $19,298.50 in transfer taxes, and the Clerk of Courts generating $27,842.77 in revenue. The Veteran Service Office reported 28 contacts for the month, while Nurse Donations totaled $50 in May following no recorded donations in April.