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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The Dakota Valley school district hosted their open house on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The middle school and high school were open for students and families to visit, meet teachers, find classrooms and allow students to practice their locker combinations.

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.

Submitted Horizon Health celebrated National Health Center Week with its annual Circle of Care Awards ceremony Aug. 5.

A local face is getting national attention as Burbank resident Kelley Jorgensen competes for $750,000 on the CBS reality hit show “Big Brother.” In its 27th season on the air, Jorgensen is among several other houseguests living together in isolation from the rest of the world. Challenges, prizes, alliances and strategies are in play throughout the competition as houseguests are voted off the show on a scheduled basis.

In honor of the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve becoming a state park in South Dakota, a celebration was held on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitors flocked to the landmark to step back in time and enjoy the historical atmosphere. This has become an annual event and marked the 28th year for Adams being a state park.

A simple wooden box filled with books has become a symbol of connection, curiosity, and community in Elk Point, thanks to the efforts of local resident and teacher Vanessa Norby. What began as a summer inspiration has grown into a wellloved fixture in town. A year ago, Norby installed her first Little Free Library in the front yard of her home at 110 Cedar Court. Since then, the small structure has welcomed readers of all ages, offering free access to books and encouraging neighbors to share their favorites. Last weekend, Norby expanded the project with a second Little Free Library, now located in the city park near the playground.