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).

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.

With jury selection on June 12-13, 2025, Elk Point’s courtroom for the state’s case versus Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales in the murder of Jordan Beardshear was at full capacity. On Monday, June 16, 2025 lawyers appeared more than ready to address the jury in opening statements. As the morning progressed, state prosecutors began calling their witnesses to the stand in what is expected to be a multi-day trial that could go into next week or potentially July.

The Jefferson City Council met for its regular session at City Hall, with Mayor Padraic Rigg presiding. Council members Tony Boulware, Jason Casper, John Lokhorst, Martin Nelkie, and Michael Stokely were present. The meeting began with procedural approvals, including the agenda and minutes from the previous session on May 5. The financial report was reviewed, showing a total fund balance of $336,032.57 as of May 31. Following the discussion, the council approved the financial statement.

The Elk Point City Council convened for its regular meeting at City Hall, with Mayor Deb McCreary presiding. All council members— Abraham, Irwin, Irlbeck, Penfield, and Hurlbert—were present, along with City Attorney Thompson, City Administrator Tuttle, Finance Officer Hammitt, Police Chief Limoges, and Public Works Director Job.

The Elk Point United Parish held a celebration for all on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Attendance was high for the outdoor church service and multitude of fun activities that followed. Pastor Rick Andrus and his spouse have been a part of the Elk Point United Parish family for almost 24 months now and were thrilled with the number of people at the celebration. Since arriving they have seen significant growth with the church.

Union County 4-H Teen Leaders will host a pancake breakfast Saturday Aug 2nd beginning at 8:30 a.m. Th event will be at the Hoop Building at the Union County Fairgrounds.

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The Union County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on May 27, 2025, at the Union County Courthouse in Elk Point, South Dakota. The meeting began at 8:30 a.m., with all commissioners—Dailey, Joffer, Ballard, Kimmel, and Ustad—present to review county operations, budget concerns, infrastructure projects, and ordinance updates.

Shayla Leichtenberg was honored to be named this year’s “Middle School/High School Teacher of the Year” for the Elk Point-Jefferson School District in April of 2025. Leichtenberg is currently an art educator at EPJ for Huskies in middle school, as well as grades 9th-12th. She is also the head cheerleading coach and the yearbook advisor.