With the 2026 session of South Dakota Boys State set to begin next week in Aberdeen, two recent Elk Point‑Jefferson graduates who attended last year say the program remains one of the most valuable civic‑education experiences available to high‑school students.

Panther students who hope to pursue careers in health were in Sioux Falls, on April 16-17, 2026, for the South Dakota HOSA State Leadership Conference. Spread out over three sites, Dakota Valley high schoolers attended events held at the Sanford Pentagon, Southeast Technical College and University of South Dakota-Sioux Falls. Kenton MacArthur, Panther HOSA advisor, accompanied the students. He was pleased with how all of the HOSA members did in their competitions throughout the conference.

The Elk Point‑Jefferson Board of Education worked through a full agenda Monday night, approving tax levies for the coming school year, accepting several resignations, and finalizing both certified and non‑certified contracts during its May 11 regular meeting.

The Elk Point Pink Ladies will host their fifth annual Pink in the Park Activity and Ven‑dor Fair on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elk Point City Park. The community event features a mix of family activities, food options and local ven‑dors.

The Union County Commission moved through a full agenda Tuesday, approving several highway contracts, discussing temporary office relocation during courthouse construction and handling routine business during its May 12 meeting.

Law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes and community members took part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in Elk Point on Monday, car‑rying the “flame of hope” through town in support of Special Olympics South Da‑kota.

American Legion Post 319 of North Sioux City will hold its Memorial Day services on Monday, with ceremonies at 10 a.m. at McCook Lake Cemetery and 10:30 a.m. at Civil Bend Cemetery. Members of the post will offer brief remarks and honors at each site as part of the community’s annual observance. The public is invited to attend.

Join the Dakota Valley Business Council for a Meet & Greet with North Sioux City Commission candidates on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 PM at North Sioux City Hall. Candidates Jeff Myers and Vincent Tucker have been invited to participate.

The North Sioux City Commission approved a significant contract amendment for the Northshore Drive realignment and opened a federal disaster‑relief funding process Monday, advancing several long‑term infrastructure and planning efforts.

County‑Level Contested Races Union County voters will see several contested races on the June 2, 2026, primary ballot, according to the official publication bal‑lots released by the Union County Auditor and the South Dakota Secretary of State. The Republican primary includes competi‑tive races for sheriff, regis‑ter of deeds, three county commission districts and multiple legislative seats.