Elk Point-Jefferson’s Karlene Stabe was named the 2026 Outstanding Biol‑ogy Teacher, by the South Dakota Science Teaching Association (SDSTA), dur‑ing a professional develop‑ment conference that hap‑pened on February 5-7, 2026. Recognition for Stabe came at the annual STEM ED Conference, in Huron, South Dakota, which is hosted by SDSTA as well as the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (SDCTM).

The Elk Point‑Jefferson Board of Education moved through a full agenda Feb. 9, approving personnel actions, reviewing district finances and celebrating a wide range of stu‑dent accomplishments during its regular monthly meeting.

Family and friends gathered Friday morning at the Union County Courthouse to dedicate a memorial bench honoring longtime Sheriff Dan Limoges on the second anniversary of his passing. The bench, crafted by Davis IronWorks of Irene, South Dakota, was installed outside the courthouse as a permanent tribute to Limoges, who served as Union County sheriff for 33 years and was widely regarded as a steady leader and mentor in South Dakota law enforcement.

Lions Park will see major improvements this year as the City of Elk Point moves forward with a new playground and a dual‑purpose pickleball and basketball court, funded in part by a state recreation grant.

Union County Sheriff Jim Prouty an‑nounced his cam‑paign for re-election, reaffirming his commitment to keep‑ing Union County safe, supporting law enforce‑ment professionals, and serving residents with integrity, accountability, and common-sense lead‑ership.

The Union County Commission handled a full agenda Tuesday, approving abatements, awarding bridge contracts and appointing a new interim Register of Deeds during its Feb. 3 regular meeting at the courthouse. Chairman Kevin Joffer called the meeting to order with commissioners Michael Dailey, Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad present.

The Elk Point City Council approved new util‑ity rates, playground equipment and several equip‑ment purchases during its regular meeting Feb. 2 at City Hall. Mayor Deb McCreary presided, with council members Amanda Abraham, Ben Irlbeck, Kris Hurlbert, Shelby Penfield, Renee Irwin and Meghan Austad all present.

The Jefferson City Council handled a full agenda Monday night, reviewing financials, insurance coverage, safety planning and upcoming community events during its regular Feb. 2 meeting at City Hall. Mayor Padraic Rigg called the meeting to order with council members Jason Casper, Mark LaFleur, John Lokhorst, Martin Nelkie and Michael Stokely present. Finance Officer Michaeleen Roark and Police Chief Dustin Sharkey also attended.

Kendall Hanson is the voice of the Huskies and a familiar face throughout the area. He grew up in the area and is a Husky high school alumnus. While many know him, even more recognize his tone and dictation from the countless EPJ livestreams he has called over the past few years.

Occasionally in life, we encounter extraor‑dinary individuals who inspire us through their selfless service as public servants—people who act with relentless courage, sometimes even when their lives are on the line. Lisa Schenzel is among the ranks epitomizing that rare commitment whether serving in the military, law enforcement or assisting military vet‑erans in receiving their well-deserved compen‑sation from the country they served.