On April first, several of the Elk Point- Jefferson math students attended the annual math contest at USD. Of those students, Emily Schoehnerr was awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her achievements at the event. Overall, there were sixteen students from EPJ who attended the event; these students are currently enrolled in a variety of math classes, ranging from algebra I to pre-calculus. All together, these students worked hard enough to gain the school an astounding overall score of 2nd place at the event. By attending this event, it not only shows the students’ interest in math and competing in an academic contest. but also helps students go over and above what’s required by participating in an event that occurs outside of school time. It’s an occasion for these young people to represent EPJ in a positive academic way. When asked about the event, Miss. Ahmann, one of the coordinators and math teachers here at EPJ, said “We have many athletic, music, and drama contests, but few academic ones. This gives ‘math-letes’ a chance to showcase their abilities.” To which she is exactly right, it is good to see such academic drive for the young people in the community and hard work in those who attended.

Three Elk Point-Jefferson seniors have secured Build Dakota Scholarships. Hayden Smith, Hunter Sharkey and Aidan Suing all plan on attending Lake Area Technical College and have partnered with local South Dakota businesses to receive the Build Dakota Scholarships.

South Dakota senior citizens and citizens with disabilities have until July 1 to apply for sales or property tax refunds under South Dakota’s Tax Refund Program. Under the program, certain individuals are able to receive a portion of the sales or property taxes they paid from the previous year if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Austin Goss, 26, a former reporter for KOTA and Daktota News Now is facing misdemeanor charges after making a prank call in January, 2023. According to cour t documents, Goss may have utilized his connection with Governor Kristi Noem to obtain her personal cell phone number then used an internet program to make a prank call.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and the South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) are proud to recognize longstanding South Dakota family farms and ranches through the Century Farm and Ranch program.

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The City of Elk Point was informed from the state of South Dakota that portions of the city lagoons need to be updated in order to meet current regulations. According to Elk Point City Administrator Derek Tuttle, the city was informed that the lagoons have “failing discharges” and the “style of lagoon” is incorrect. Due to this, the Elk Point City Council was presented a Wastewater Treatment Facility study from John Graupman of Bolton & Menk. Graupman discussed various options for the city to choose from and answered questions from the council members.

The Elk Point-Jefferson school board opened their meeting May 8 with the approval of canvassing of the school board election held April 11. The totals were 144 for Sabrina Sayler, 129 for Noelle Jacobs and 81 for Dennis Stabe.

Governor Kristi Noem announced that Steve Westra, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), will be stepping down from that position, effective May 22. “South Dakotans are building the strongest economy in America with the lowest unemployment rate of all time.

The Loess Hills chapter of Wild Ones is a non-pro_t organization that promotes planting native landscapes, both small and large, in Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Native plants attract native pollinators and wildlife, enhancing your home and the environment. Loess Hills Wild Ones is selling native plants for your yards and gardens this spring. The sale is open to the public on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to Noon each day.