Elk Point City Park will burst with red, white and blue energy this Independence Day as the VFW Post #915 Auxiliary hosts its second annual 4th of July Kids Party in the Park. 

The free community event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 4. Following a highly successful debut last year, organizers are looking to build major momentum this summer with the hope of cementing the celebration as a permanent annual tradition for local families. 

Patriotic crafts, music 

and door prizes

Commissioners met twice last week, canvassing the June 2 primary election, drawing precincts for a post‑election audit and reviewing construction progress and department operations as the county prepares for upcoming moves into the Turner building.

Commissioners Kevin Joffer, Michael Dailey, Tom Kimmel, Peggy Ustad and Bob Ballard attended both the June 4 special meeting and the June 9 regular meeting.

June 4: Primary canvass and audit drawing

The Elk Point‑Jefferson Board of Education canvassed the June 2 school board election, approved several personnel changes and received detailed updates on construction and end‑of‑year operations during its regular meeting Monday.

Board President Travis Geary called the meeting to order with members Sabrina Sayler, Tory Norby and Elijah Vander‑Weerdt present. The board approved the June agenda with one addition — a resignation from junior high boys basketball coach Gary Nebelsick — along with the May 11 minutes, monthly bills and the May 31 financial report.

Local student Thora Larson earned third place in the 2026 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest, finishing among the top young wildlife artists in the country with a painting she says was inspired by both faith and family.

Larson, 14, was recognized for her acrylic and oil painting of a blue‑winged teal titled “Simple Joys.” She chose the species intentionally, hoping to highlight a bird she believes is often overlooked.