On April 28, 2025 the Elk Point-Jefferson school district gathered teachers and staff to celebrate multiple earned awards from the 2024/25 school year. It was a fun evening of accolades as many received service recognition. The night highlighted the countless dedication by educators and staff who walk the school halls at EPJ. Per Huskies Superintendent Philip Schonebaum the following awards were distributed: Sydney Bosquet was named “Education support Professional of the Year” and Donna Mau received the honor of “Support Staff of the Year.” Community Circle of Excellence was awarded to: Union Bean Coffee and Structured Learning Center with Karissa Munce, Matt Munce and Cassandra Schmith receiving recognition. The “Helping Hands” award went to Larry Wilcox. Shayla Leichtenberg received the honor of “Middle School/High School Teacher of the Year”.

A slight change of venue was in order for the May 13, 2025 meeting of the Union County Commissioners as the downstairs courtroom was in use for court proceedings. Therefore the meeting was moved upstairs to a suite on the main floor. The following commissioners were present: Peggy Ustad, Michael Dailey, Kevin Joffer, Tom Kimmel and Bob Ballard. Two members of the public were on-hand as well as two members of the press/media plus Chief Deputy Auditor Tracy Norton.

On Thursday, May 15, 2025 households of the Dakota Dunes Homeowners Association (HOA) received an email from their HOA Manager Kim Leif regarding a new residential development. “There is a parcel of land behind the Catholic Church that was originally zoned commercial and has been changed by Union County to residential.

On May 12, 2025, the North Sioux City Commission convened for a special meeting, led by Mayor Bogenrief, to address a range of municipal issues, including infrastructure projects, regional planning partnerships, and government restructuring. The meeting, which began at 4:00 p.m., saw the participation of Commissioners Hoffman, Burhoop, Strain, and Tucker, as well as key city officials, including City Administrator Jeff Dooley, City Finance Officer Amy Lilly, and City Attorney Sarah Kleber.The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda and minutes from the May 5 regular meeting. These minutes, now accessible via live stream through the city’s website, offer an overview of proceedings for the community. City Services and Infrastructure Updates During the commission reports, Rusty Montagne provided an update on recent city service initiatives. The city supplied five dumpsters for a lake cleanup weekend and two additional dumpsters for the Keller Williams cleanup day, highlighting ongoing community engagement efforts. Furthermore, Montagne confirmed that the water treatment plant would be operational within the week. In the interim, North Sioux City has successfully utilized water from the Dakota Dunes Interconnect.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education held its regular meeting on May 12, 2025, to discuss a range of district updates, financial considerations, and personnel matters. The meeting, presided over by President Geary, commenced at 4:30 p.m. in the high school study hall. Board members Brewer and Jacobs were present, while Hanson and Sayler were absent. Also in attendance were Superintendent Schonebaum, Business Manager Watterson, Principals Eriksen and Throener, Technology Coordinator Larsen, and K-12 Dean of Students/Activities Director Clercx.

To start the month of May, the South Dakota High School Coaches Association announced Kelly Haberling, of Elk Point-Jefferson, as the new executive director for the South Dakota High School Golf Association.

Panther seniors walked in graduation on Saturday, May 10 2025. It was a full crowd in the high school gymnasium, at Dakota Valley, for the signature event. The ceremony showcased the crowning achievement of scholastic hard work and taking a big step towards future success.

The North Sioux City City Commission met for its regular session on May 5, 2025, at City Hall, with Mayor Bogenrief presiding. Commissioners Ms. Hoffman, Ms. Burhoop, Ms. Strain, and Mr. Tucker were present, along with City Administrator Jeff Dooley, Finance Officer Amy Lilly, and City Attorney Sarah Kleber.

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The Elk Point City Council convened for its regular monthly session on May 6, 2025, at City Hall, located at 106 W. Pleasant Street, with Mayor Deb McCreary presiding. All council members— Amanda Abraham, Renee Irwin, Ben Irlbeck, Lance Penfield, Kris Hurlbert, and Kenneth VonHaden—were present. Also in attendance were City Attorney Thompson, City Administrator Derek Tuttle, Engineer Nebelsick, Police Chief Jacob Limoges, and Public Works Director Trevor Job.