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The Union County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting on July 22, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at the courthouse in Elk Point. Commissioners Michael Dailey, Kevin Joffer, Peggy Ustad, Bob Ballard, and Tom Kimmel were present.

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Submitted The Union County Fair is back and better than ever, running from Thursday, July 31 through Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Union County Fairgrounds in Alcester. This beloved annual event brings together 4-Hers, families, farmers, and fairgoers for three days of fun, learning, and celebration.

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A large crowd was gathered on the morning of Friday, July 18, 2025, in Dakota Dunes, to honor veterans Robert Irwin and Robert Ensurd. Centenarian Awards were presented to both of these brave heroes as Irwin celebrated his 100th birthday and Ensurd turned 95-years-old.

Children in the Elk Point-Jefferson area have been giving back to the community this summer in a unique and helpful way. The nice acts have come in the form of lawn care and free mowing services. Several young adults have taken the challenge to help others for no fee as a way to be kind, considerate and upstanding.

Elk Point-Jefferson High School’s own Karlene Stabe, teacher leader for the school’s Educators Rising chapter, attended the National Educators Rising Conference held June 25–29 in Orlando, Florida. Accompanied by three students, the group represented EPJ with pride on the national stage. One of Stabe’s students, Ava Peters, placed an impressive 8th out of 80 competitors in the Job Interview competition.

There is a new face at the extension office and the counties of Union and Clay are excited about it. Laurie Fritsch has hit the ground running in her new position as 4-H Educator for the two neighboring areas in South Dakota’s southeastern corner. She began her new job role on June 2, 2025. She comes to the extension office from the University of South Dakota where she worked for the computer science department as a Senior Administrative Assistant.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education convened its regular monthly meeting and annual budget hearing on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. The meeting began with President Travis Geary calling the Fiscal Year 2025 board session to order. Board members in attendance included Geary, Sabrina Sayler, Noelle Jacobs, Kyle Hanson, and new member Tory Norby. District leaders present were Superintendent Philip Schonebaum, Business Manager Heather Watterson, Principals Skyler Eriksen and Laura Throener, and K–12 Dean of Students/Activities Director Justin Clercx.