Mark Leinweaver has been travelling a lot lately to deliver his message of “Why Character Matters” which places an emphasis on anti-bullying and social media awareness. He speaks to students throughout the country on this matter. Dakota Valley was his stop on Friday, Feb. 9 as Leinweaver discussed the importance of being accountable and being selfless.

Monday, Feb. 5 was the start of week 8 for the Panthers in Esports.

A trip through the stars – that’s what the Elk Point-Jefferson elementary students experienced on Monday, Feb. 5.

Elk Point-Jefferson youth wrestlers were at Dakota Valley on Saturday, Feb. 10 for the Panther Wrestling Tournament.

.

A Union County resident called the Sheriff’s Office after receiving a misleading phone call. According to a social media post, “The reporting party stated they were contacted on the phone by a subject who identified themselves as law enforcement with the Department of Homeland Security. The shady trickster attempted to gather bank account information from the potential victim by stating the victim was a suspect in a money laundering investigation.”

The Elk Point City Council held their second meeting of the year on Monday, Feb. 5. During the meeting, the council conducted routine business, including approval to advertise for seasonal employees, approve Code Enforcement Specialists (Joel Johnson) contract – $1,500 retainer fee – and extend the Community Center lease with the Recreation Development Association for the remainder of the loan.

Elizabeth A. Rosenbaum, of Jefferson, SD, was inducted as a Diplomate into the American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL).

A new group wishes to welcome newborn babies and their families into the world. Union Country Right to Life has decided to begin a new program for newborn babies. The group wishes for expecting mothers in Union County to inform them of their due dates so they can help welcome your baby into the world. The program is only eligible for residents living within Union County.

The Elk Point-Jefferson School District will join districts across the state to thank school board members for their leadership and service to our local school district and community during South Dakota School Board Recognition Week from Feb. 19-23.