By: South Dakota Searchlight staff

Dusty Johnson will run for governor of South Dakota next year, he confirmed Monday during a campaign event in Sioux Falls.

The announcement was a formality after Johnson was widely rumored to be a candidate and said last week that he planned to make a political announcement Monday.

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 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

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