EPJ moves last day of school to May 20

Elk Point‑Jefferson School District announced that the final day of class‑es will now be Wednes‑day, May 20, shifting the calendar one day earlier than planned. District of‑ficials said the adjustment is necessary to accommo‑date construction work scheduled for late May. Families were notified of the change on Monday.

Union County OKs fence bid, adds legal intern

Union County commissioners voted 4–1 on Tuesday to accept a $45,600 proposal from Michaels Fence to replace the failing fence around the fairgrounds track and grandstand. Commissioners Kevin Joffer, Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad supported the bid, while Commissioner Michael Dailey cast the lone dissenting vote.

Jury convicts Albaidhani

No nearby parking was to be found at the Union Country courthouse on Mon‑day, March 16, 2026. Poten‑tial jurors reported, at 9 am, to the Elk Point building for jury selection in the crimi‑nal case against Samir Yas‑ser Albaidhani. Over 180 county residents were at the courthouse as prosecutors and Albaidhani’s defense team went to work to select a jury of 12 plus three alter‑nates. First Circuit Judge Tami Bern oversaw the tri‑al. Jury selection was com‑pleted by mid-afternoon on March 16.

Rasmussen, SD 4‑H take national runner‑up

Union County 4‑H member Regan Ras‑mussen returned from San Antonio with more than memories—she came home a national reserve champion. Rasmussen, the daughter of Mike and Trisha Rasmussen of Elk Point, represented South Dakota at the 2026 4‑H Family & Con‑sumer Sciences Nation‑al Championship, where the state’s Skill‑A‑Thon team earned second place nationally and third place in the Life Skills Assessment.

EPJ board reviews technology costs

The Elk Point‑Jef‑ferson Board of Educa‑tion covered technology updates, staffing needs, building projects and student achievements during its March 9 regu‑lar meeting, while also approving resignations, volunteer coaching ap‑plications and Board of Equalization appoint‑ments.

Horizon event to raise money for patients in need

The Horizon Health Foundation is hosting an event April 18 to raise money to support pa‑tients living with chronic diseases like diabe‑tes, heart and dental disease. This is the finale of the Drive It Home ’26 Campaign Raffle.

Swatek earns Wrestling Hall of Fame spot

South Dakota’s state wrestling tournament is always a memorable experience. And this year was something special for Dan Swatek of Elk Point. In addition to watching his son, Luke, win 5th place in the 150 pound weight class, Swatek was inducted into the South Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame on February 28, 2026.

Jefferson council reviews safety survey progress

The Jefferson City Council reviewed progress on a community safety study, heard plans for a full season of brewery events and approved routine financial actions during its regular meeting March 2 at City Hall.