The City Commission approved a series of infrastructure payments and authorized property appraisals tied to McCook Lake’s recovery during its Aug. 18 regular meeting, as residents voiced support for the Northshore Bypass and urged the city to retain state funding.

The Dakota Valley Board of Education approved a $472,199 bid for a middle school boiler upgrade, finalized multiple staff hires and resignations, and advanced several policy and handbook revisions during its Aug. 11 regular meeting.

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Submitted Jefferson Beer Supply is bringing the community together to celebrate the outdoors with Wild Things Welcome, a new event series highlighting native plants, pollinators, and wildlife. The series pairs hands-on learning with fresh craft beer— starting with the release of a brand-new brew.

Union County Commissioners approved new hires, infrastructure agreements, and a provisional 2026 budget during their Aug. 19 regular meeting, while reviewing more than $17.4 million in managed funds and authorizing over $500,000 in claims.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education approved a $304,431 payment to Huff Construction, finalized its 2025–26 salary listings, and enacted several policy updates during its regular meeting and budget hearing held Aug. 11. The board also welcomed a new member and approved multiple personnel changes as the district prepares for the upcoming school year.

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Only board members Janet Finzen and Bill Shorma were absent for the regular meeting of the Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District (CID) on July 21, 2025. Ken Beaulieu, Scott Wetz, Julie Shanafelt were present along with CID attorney Darrell Jesse, CID Manager Andrew Tramp, Finance Officer Katelyn Irby and resident Larry Wiese.

Elk Point-Jefferson is pleased to welcome Kaitlyn Tassler to the elementary school as a new 1st grade teacher for the 2025/26 school year. The Leader-Courier reached out to Tassler with a questionnaire so all in the community could get to know her better.

Students and their families could stop by the Elk Point-Jefferson school from 3 pm to 7 pm for this year’s open house on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Grades 6th through 12th were encouraged to attend as all get ready to usher in the 2025/26 school year. Families with students in junior kindergarten through 5th grade received email notifications in order to set up their own visits with teachers.