Fritsch new 4-H Educator for Union and Clay

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…

 

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5th Annual Cross Country 5K Road Race Fundraiser

Runners raced for a cause at the 5th Annual Cross Country 5K Road Race Fundraiser, held Saturday, July 19, 2025. The event brought together dozens of participants and supporters, with community spirit and fast finishes marking a successful day.

 

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EPJ teacher honored at National Educators Rising Conference in Orlando

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…

 

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USD Coyotes lead youth football camp at Elk Point-Jefferson

The Huskies football program joined forces with the Coyotes of the University of South Dakota (USD) to bring a skills camp to Elk Point on July 15-16, 2025. Interested young athletes from Elk Point-Jefferson were invited with over 50 youth campers ultimately attending the event The camp was held on the EPJ high school football field. Starting at 6 pm, there were 3rd through 6th graders taking the…

 

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EPJ tops DV, falls to Vermillion in Legion matchups

The Huskies had legion baseball back-to-back days on July 16 and July 17, 2025. A huge victory was seized versus nearby rival Dakota Valley (DV) as Elk Point-Jefferson claimed the win by a score of 3-1. The next day they battled Vermillion and were on the losing end 3-13.

 

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Panthers represent DV at FBLA Nationals in Anaheim

Two Panther students were in Anaheim, California on June 29-July 2, 2025 for the Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.’s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). Soon to be 11th grader Asher Pfeifer and incoming 10th grader Kshitij Patil were South Dakota student representatives at this year’s conference. The pair from Dakota Valley attended along with over 15,000 others.

 

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EPJ Board adopts Budget

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…

 

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Youth fishing derby casts a line for fun

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.

 

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Ollie’s Out Back brings new energy to local icon

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.

 

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Union County Commission reviews budget requests

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.

 

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