Leader-Courier | Dakota Dunes North Sioux City Times & Southern Union County Leader-Courier

From left: Brian Irwin, Traci McDonald, and Brian Oedekoven gather behind the handcrafted bar top—built with local pride and hometown materials. Photos by Shannon Jost • timesleader1@gmail.com

Ollie’s Out Back brings new energy to local icon

Shannon Jost Timesleader1@gmail.com

Thursday, July 17, 2025

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.

Huskies battle through adversity, eye strong finish

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Elk Point-Jefferson got dealt 2 losses as they faced tough opponents in legion summer baseball on June 30 and July 2, 2025. It was a 3-11 defeat against Dakota Valley (DV) to end June and it was a 2-6 loss to Tabor to start July.

EPJ Senior Legion squad takes two tough losses

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, July 3, 2025

It was a tough double header for the Elk Point-Jefferson senior legion baseball squad on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Their opponent was a fierce Dell Rapids Post 65 and the Huskies were dealt 2 losses on the day.

The EPJ trap team was in Aberdeen for state competition on June 6-8, 2025. The Huskies shoot trap on a team that includes a combined roster of athletes from Elk Point, Jefferson and Vermillion. Submitted picture

EPJ performs well at State Trap Championship

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Despite wind gusts at 20-30 miles per hour, the Elk Point-Jefferson trap team performed well at the 2025 Trap Shooting State Championships with the South Dakota State High School Clay Target League. The event took place at the Aberdeen Gun Club on June 6-8, 2025.

Immanuel Lutheran Church welcomed young adventurers to its annual Vacation Bible School from June 3-6, 2025. Submitted photo

Immanuel Lutheran Church holds VBS True North

Shannon Jost Timesleader1@gmail.com

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Immanuel Lutheran Church welcomed young adventurers to its annual Vacation Bible School from June 3-6, transforming the experience into a lively, outdoor-themed journey titled True North. With 28 enthusiastic children ages 4-11 participating, the event was filled with faith, fun, and discovery.

“It was an absolute honor to be selected as the head coach in the All-Star Game. Got to work with some great coaches and meet some awesome young men. Best was the opportunity to get to coach Keaton, Hudson, and Ashton one more time before they move on to their collegiate teams. Definitely an experience I won’t forget,” commented Jake Terry. Coach Jake Terry, third from the left, with other coaches from the All-Star Football Game on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Submitted photo

All-Star Football Game Coaches

News Staff

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Keaton Gale makes contact at the plate during EPJ’s legion game versus Vermillion. Photo by Peterman Sports Photography • stevepeterman5@gmail.com

EPJ Legion baseball team wins two drops one

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Three close contests were played by Elk Point-Jefferson’s senior legion baseball team on June 14 and June 15, 2025. The outcome was 2 wins and 1 loss. The first battle came versus Vermillion on Saturday, June 14th and resulted in a 1-0 victory.

The Elk Point-Jefferson softball team took 7th place at the 2025 state softball tournament. Back row from left: Coach Josh Nearman, Laney Trometer, Paige Jacobs, Breann Johnson, Bailey Johnson, Camryn Norris, Alexis McDermott, Addison Jacobs, Alexis Niles, Brittney Johnson, and Coach Jessie Stouffer. Front row from left: Audyn Otkin, Cera Schmitz, Sailor Kommes, Makinley Hammitt, Natalie Hailey, Samantha Marx, Tessa McMahan, Regan Rasmussen, Molly Geary, and Haley Harkness. Photo by Peterman Sports Photo

CONGRATULATIONS!

News Staff

Thursday, June 12, 2025

By Kelly Riibe

times2reporter@gmail.com

The Huskies returned to Aberdeen for their 3rd consecutive state softball tournament appearance. The competition was held at Players softball complex and had the top 8 Class A softball programs battling it out for a chance to come out on top in 2025.

Sailor Kommes tees off during the girls Class A state golf tournament. Photo courtesy of SDPB

Elk Point-Jefferson State Golfer Kommes

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Elk Point-Jefferson’s Sailor Kommes represented the Huskies well at the 2025 girls state golf meet in Madison, South Dakota. The competition took place on June 2-3, 2025. Kommes came out of regionals, on May 23, with a 21st placing to secure her ticket to the state meet.

The EPJ girls team finished 5th overall at the 2025 State Meet May 29-31, 2025. Photo courtesy of SDPB

Elk Point-Jefferson State Track & Field

Kelly Riibe Times2reporter@gmail.com

Thursday, June 5, 2025

A ton of hardware was brought home by the Huskies from the 2025 state track and field meet, in Sioux Falls, on May 29-31, 2025. Elk Point-Jefferson found themselves on the podium multiple times throughout the 3 day athletic event which brought in the talent from every part of South Dakota.