Fire sparks evacuation warning

On Friday, February 28, 2025, a large grass fire broke out in Union County, South Dakota, sparking concern and mobilizing various emergency response teams.

EPJ Educators Rising Chapter shines at state competition

Story courtesy of Karlene Stabe Elk Point-Jefferson’s Educators Rising chapter, a program established last year by Mrs. Stabe, has quickly made an impact both within the school and at the state level.

School board discusses more remodeling

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education convened in its regular session on February 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM, hosted in the high school study hall. Board President Geary led the meeting with several members in attendance, including Brewer, Jacobs, Sayler, and Hanson, who participated via teleconference. Superintendent Schonebatum, Business Manager Watterson, and various school administrators joined the gathering.

Frigid temperatures adjust schedules

Many schools already had Monday, February 17, 2025 off due to the President’s Day holiday. However, that leave got extended as frigid arctic air forced administrators from Dakota Valley and Elk Point-Jefferson to make adjustments to their weekly schedules. The extreme weather meant school was closed or starting late.

County approves contracts with RTI

The Union County Board of Commissioners convened for a regular meeting on February 18, 2025, at the Courthouse in Elk Point, South Dakota. The session commenced promptly at 8:30 a.m., with members present, including Commissioners Dailey, Joffer, Kimmel, and Ustad. 

EPJ at Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Some Elk Point-Jefferson students took the literal plunge on Saturday, February 15, 2025 to benefit Special Olympic athletes from throughout South Dakota. The “polar plunge” happened in cold waters at the Old Lumber Company in Vermillion.

Cassandra Schmith, a Husky educator and Unified Champion Special Olympics Coach, took the plunge along with Zaden Raber, Clara Lambing, Rawsen Vogt, Korbyn Vogt, Ava Peters and Laila Peters. This type of event raises funds for the Special Olympics South Dakota and was reported to help benefit 2,750 athletes from the state.

Bridge closures scheduled for Interstate 29 at exits 9 and 15

Beginning on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, a repair project is planned for two bridges over Interstate 29 at exits 9 and 15 near Jefferson and Elk Point. Work is set to begin at exit 9, and it is projected to start at exit 15 by late April. The project will include joint replacement, bearing replacement, abutment repair, box girder end repair, approach cold milling, asphalt concrete resurfacing, and guardrail resetting.

Elk Point-Jefferson Husky musicians have busy week

The Elk Point-Jefferson choir department has been staying busy the past few weeks as talented Husky musicians audition and perform for crowds. On Friday, January 31, 2025 there were six EPJ musicians who attended the Wayne State College Treble Honor Choir. The event took place on-campus in Wayne, Nebraska. Those selected had to submit their audition by 5 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Ballard appointed District 3 Commissioner

The Union County Board of Commissioners convened for a regular session on February 4, 2025, with the meeting starting promptly at 8:30 a.m. The commissioners present at this session were Michael Dailey, Kevin Joffer, Tom Kimmel, and Peggy Ustad.

Jefferson council discusses upcoming elections

The Jefferson City Council convened for its regular meeting on February 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall, drawing a quorum of council members, including Mayor P. Rigg, T. Boulware, J. Casper, M. LaFleur, J. Lokhorst, and M. Stokely. Also present were city officials and members of the community.