There is a new face at the extension office and the counties of Union and Clay are excited about it. Laurie Fritsch has hit the ground running in her new position as 4-H Educator for the two neighboring areas in South Dakota’s southeastern corner. She began her new job role on June 2, 2025. She comes to the extension office from the University of South Dakota where she worked for the computer science department as a Senior Administrative Assistant.

Elk Point-Jefferson High School’s own Karlene Stabe, teacher leader for the school’s Educators Rising chapter, attended the National Educators Rising Conference held June 25–29 in Orlando, Florida. Accompanied by three students, the group represented EPJ with pride on the national stage. One of Stabe’s students, Ava Peters, placed an impressive 8th out of 80 competitors in the Job Interview competition.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education convened its regular monthly meeting and annual budget hearing on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. The meeting began with President Travis Geary calling the Fiscal Year 2025 board session to order. Board members in attendance included Geary, Sabrina Sayler, Noelle Jacobs, Kyle Hanson, and new member Tory Norby. District leaders present were Superintendent Philip Schonebaum, Business Manager Heather Watterson, Principals Skyler Eriksen and Laura Throener, and K–12 Dean of Students/Activities Director Justin Clercx.

Young anglers across Elk Point are invited to cast their lines and make lasting memories at the upcoming Youth Fishing Derby, set for Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Heritage Park. The event welcomes children ages 3 to 14 for a morning filled with friendly competition and outdoor fun.

For decades, Ollie’s Drive Inn was more than just a place to grab a bite—it was a local landmark. Now, thanks to a thoughtful renovation and a new partnership, the restaurant is entering its next chapter as Ollie’s 2.0 and Ollie’s Out Back, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.

The Union County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 8 at the county courthouse, with Vice Chairman Mike Dailey presiding. Commissioners Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel, and Peggy Ustad were present; Commissioner Kevin Joffer was absent. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda, which included the addition of a discussion on the speed limit for County Road 23.

On June 23, the North Sioux City Fire Department, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, honored Shawn Moller for his courageous and decisive response during an emergency last month.

A group of Panther students accompanied Dakota Valley high school art teacher Demi Harlan and chaperones to Europe on June 8-21, 2025. The art trip took the travelers to Italy and Greece for two weeks where they saw many sites and observed the area’s historical and cultural aspects.

North Sioux City’s elected officials gathered on July 7 for their regular commission meeting, where they reviewed ongoing recovery efforts, approved infrastructure plans, and addressed community concerns. Mayor Chris Bogenrief called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., with Commissioners Lynn Hoffman, Julie Burhoop, Jessica Strain, and Vincent Tucker in attendance. City Administrator Jeff Dooley, Finance Officer Amy Lilly, and City Attorney Sarah Kleber also participated.

The North Sioux City library hosted Fontenelle Forest on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 for a raptor program starting at 2 pm. Two experts spoke to a crowd of approximately 40 people about their work at the nature center which is located in Bellevue, Nebraska. In addition to the pair of experts, there were also three winged creatures introduced to the crowd.