Shannon Jost
Verified- Publisher, Elk Point Southern Union Co. Leader-Courier
- Owner and Publisher, Dakota Dunes North Sioux City Times
Elk Point, North Sioux City, South Dakota
Articles by Shannon Jost
EPJ takes the plunge for Special Olympics
Students, law enforcement officers and community members gathered at Elk Point-Jefferson School on Friday, Oct. 2, for the school’s first Cool School Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics South Dakota. The event was held in partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics South Dakota and brought participants together for an afternoon of fundraising, school spirit and a quick …
North Sioux City library earns state accreditation
The North Sioux City Community Library was among 10 public libraries recognized this year for earning accreditation through the South Dakota State Library, while two members of its staff also received professional certification. Margaret Meiers and Hannah Mosterd, both with the North Sioux City Community Library, were among 35 librarians statewide recognized for certification during the annual Sout…
VonHaden earns Girl Scout Gold Award with Adams project
What started with a picture and an idea has become a permanent place for visitors to sit, rest and enjoy Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. Megan VonHaden, a junior at Siouxland Christian School in Sioux City, recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award after completing a project that added two rustic watertank benches beneath the pergola near the grain bin gazebo at the homestead. The benches were…
County approves 2027 budget
Union County commissioners approved the county’s 2027 budget Sept. 29 while also reviewing progress on the county building project, awarding a jail meal contract and addressing several other county matters. The 2027 budget includes $10,003,323 in total county tax levies, with a listed levy of $4.692 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. Of that amount, about $9.1 million is designated for general county …
A growing idea: Simpson opens shop
After years of growing produce, creating spice blends and selling at farmers markets, Wendy Simpson is bringing the market to her. Simpson Spice Shop is set to open Oct. 3 on Simpson’s rural Elk Point property, where a former outbuilding has been transformed into a small country store filled with homemade canned goods, spices, seasonings and products grown just steps away in Simpson’s halfacre gard…
North Sioux City Fire Department plans open house
The North Sioux City Fire Department will open its doors to the public Sunday, Oct. 11, for an afternoon of fire safety information, demonstrations and family activities. The department’s open house will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the fire station, 205 Sodrac Drive. Visitors will have an opportunity to tour the station, see fire equipment up close and watch live demonstrations. The event will a…
North Sioux City continues flood recovery work
North Sioux City commissioners continued work on flood recovery projects Sept. 21, approving nearly $950,000 in payments for reconstruction, property grading and a longterm study of flood risks along the Big Sioux River. The commission approved a $709,619.98 payment to Reede Construction Inc. for the Northshore Drive reconstruction project and an $88,747.22 payment to Lieber Construction for the s… Subscribe to continue reading Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Corps’ Omaha District joins Big Sioux flood study; Sioux City will not participate
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Omaha District has entered into a cost-share agreement with Union County to begin a three-year study of flood risks along the lower Big Sioux River and potential measures to reduce future flood damage. Union County, which requested the partnership in 2025, will serve as the non-federal sponsor, with support from North Sioux City and the Dakota Dunes Community…
County shifts next meeting date
The Union County Board of Commissioners worked through a wide range of construction updates, department requests and contract approvals Tuesday morning, taking action on several items tied to ongoing building projects and county operations. The board met Sept. 1 at Elk Point City Hall with all members present. Much of the meeting focused on construction work at county facilities. Commissioners appr…
Elk Point council weighs scooter rules and trailer code overhaul
The Elk Point City Council approved its 2027 budget ordinance Tuesday night and continued work on two ordinance updates that could affect residents citywide — one deal‑ing with electric scooters and bicycles, and another aimed at fixing long‑stand‑ing problems in the city’s trailer regulations. The council met Sept. 1 at City Hall with Mayor Deb McCreary presiding. Members Irwin, Irlbeck, Hurlbert,…
Fort Brule historical marker restored
A weathered piece of Union County pioneer history has been restored following a volunteer preservation effort along South Dakota Highway 50. The Fort Brule monument, located five miles north and one mile east of Elk Point near Brule Creek, underwent roughly 50 hours of maintenance to clean the stone marker, repaint the wooden perimeter fence and restore faded informational signage. “It had been negl…
School Board OKs hires, major upgrades for new school year
Preparing for the 2026‑27 school year, the Dakota Valley School Board used its Aug. 10 annual meeting to finalize staff‑ing changes, approve major curriculum purchases and authorize several facility upgrades. The meeting lasted 56 minutes and covered more than $2.2 million in ex‑penditures across district funds. Board members approved the amended agenda and consent agenda, which includ‑ed July fina…
Jefferson approves 2027 budget
The Jefferson City Council moved through a full agenda Monday night, approving the city’s 2027 budget, adopting a regional roadway‑safety plan and finalizing two ordinance amendments that update long‑standing rules for trailers, camp cars and mobile home parks. The special meeting lasted 17 minutes but covered several items that will shape next year’s spending and future development decisions. The …
DV's Kristi Maloney named SDAESP Instructional Leader of the Year
Dakota Valley El‑ementary Principal Kristi Maloney has been named the 2026 Instructional Leader of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Elementary School Principals, a statewide organization that rec‑ognizes administrators who strengthen teach‑ing and learning across their districts. Maloney, who leads Dakota Valley’s ele‑mentary building, was selected for her work guiding district‑wide curr…
NSC planners approve fire training tower
The North Sioux City Planning Commission moved quickly through a short agenda Aug. 26, recommending approv‑al of a new plat in the Union Crossing devel‑opment and authorizing a three‑story training tower for North Sioux City Fire & Rescue. The meeting lasted 17 min‑utes. Commissioners opened a public hear‑ing for the plat of Lots 40–46 in Union Cross‑ing Second Addition, submitted by PBR Capi‑t…
Big upgrades rolling in at Jefferson Conoco
Under new ownership, the Jefferson Conoco Pit Stop is expanding its inventory, extending daily operating hours and introducing a new on-site dining option for local residents and interstate travelers. The travel plaza recently secured its municipal liquor license and began stocking full inventory across the previously empty shelves. To better serve evening travelers and local convenience needs, th… Subscribe to continue reading Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
Cybersecurity upgrade approved for county email
Union County commissioners on Tuesday reviewed upcoming courthouse construction work, discussed needs at the temporary Turner Building office site and approved several financial actions during their Aug. 18 meeting in Elk Point. Mollet Industrial reported that interior demolition on the first floor of the courthouse will begin Aug. 21 as part of the county’s renovation project. Treasurer Hertel sai…
Federal review OKs Northshore funding path
NSC Construction for McCook Lake Grading Phase 1 at $38,937.85. North Sioux City commissioners on Monday received updates on federal grant requirements, flood recovery construction and several zoning matters during their Aug. 17 regular meeting. Administrator Jeff Dooley said the federal historic preservation review tied to the city’s Economic Development Administration grant has been completed, positioning the city to move forward once grant timelines are rele…
NSC celebrates "Barks & Rec Dog Park’'
Area residents and four-legged companions gathered Wednesday, Aug. 12, to celebrate the grand opening and official naming of North Sioux City’s new dog park during a summer ice cream social hosted by the North Sioux City Parks and Recreation Board. Located at 300 Streeter Drive, the facility offers a fully fenced open-play area featuring obstacle structures, fresh water stations, and customized fir…
Planning commision approves car wash permit
The North Sioux City Planning Commission recommended updates to the city’s commercial and industrial zoning regulations and approved a conditional use permit for a new car wash during its Aug. 12 meeting. Acting as the Board of Adjustment, members approved a setback modification for Power Wash USA at 601 S. Sioux Point Road in the Union Crossing subdivision. The conditional use permit allows vehicl…
EPJ sets staffing lineup
EPJ water bottles and out-of-school suspensions. With the start of the school year approaching, the Elk Point-Jefferson School Board locked in coaching positions, raised adult meal prices and reviewed facility up‑dates during its Aug. 10 meeting. Projected enrollment for the district stands at 673 students, including 314 in elementary, 162 in middle school and 197 at the high school. “Overall, we are en‑tering the school year with tremendous mo‑me…
Jefferson accepts Council resignation
The Jefferson City Council accepted a res‑ignation Monday and ad‑vanced zoning updates while approving a hous‑ing study and addressing park equipment needs. Ward 1 Council Mem‑ber Mark LaFleur, who has served on the council for many years, resigned following a brief execu‑tive session at the start of the meeting. The city will determine how to fill the vacancy. The council continued revising two ord…
Union County offices move to Turner Building
Union County’s relocation of several courthouse offices to the Turner Building began this week as commissioners advanced a re‑zoning request, closed out a high‑way project and approved personnel changes during their Aug. 4 meet‑ing at Elk Point City Hall. The Treasurer, Register of Deeds and Auditor offices started their move to the Turner Build‑ing, located at 122 W Main St in Elk Point, with temp…
Union County launches TextMyGov
Union County residents now have a direct line to official county information and alerts following the launch of TextMyGov, a mobile text messaging service implemented Aug. 1 by county officials. The mass notification system allows the county to deliver text updates regarding motor vehicle renewal dates, property tax deadlines, community events, emergency notifications and weather alerts directly to…
SD ranks No. 2: Union County outpaces state norms
South Dakota earned the No. 2 overall spot in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings, driven by top performances in environmental quality, employment and infrastructure. The national study evaluated states across dozens of operational and economic metrics. South Dakota took the No. 2 ranking for natural environment, supported by a No. 3 finish in low pollution levels and No. 5…
5th annual Elk Point Ambulance golf tourney
Elk Point Ambulance will host its fifth annual golf tournament on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, raising funds to support the local emergency medical service provider. The annual event, which serves as the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year, features a nine-hole, fourperson best-ball format. Registration will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the day of the tournament, followed by a 1…
Northshore project hits 50% mark
Reconstruction on Northshore Drive reached a major milestone this week as crews poured permanent concrete, bringing the vital flood-recovery project to roughly 50% completion. Ross Kuchta of Stockwell Engineers delivered the monthly engineer’s update during the July 20 City Commission meeting, reporting that significant progress continues along the lakefront corridor. To support the ongoing work, c…
Fun, food, and fundraising at Load King
Load King employees combined team appreciation with community support on Monday, July 13, raising $433 for the Elk Point Food Pantry during an outdoor employee luncheon. The Team Appreciation Day featured a catered lunch and friendly competition, with workers taking on games of darts and cornhole throughout the afternoon. The highlight of the event was a dunk tank, where employees lined up to purcha…
Rhoden wins, advances to November
Gov. Larry Rhoden has won the Republican primary runoff for governor, overcoming Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden in Tuesday’s historic election to secure the GOP nomination for South Dakota’s highest office. With complete statewide precincts reporting late Tuesday evening, Rhoden held a commanding 72% to 28% lead over Doeden, garnering 11,330 votes to Doeden’s 4,328 votes. The decisive victory cap…
Jefferson Farmers Market returns
Local growers, makers, and neighbors are gearing up for a full afternoon on the patio as Jefferson’s fifth annual Farmers Market returns next month. The community market is set for Sunday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jefferson Beer Supply, located at 202 Main St. This year’s patio lineup will feature a wide selection of locally sourced goods. Organizers are encouraging residents to drop by, s…
EPJ to host inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony Sept. 5
Elk Point-Jefferson Schools will honor nine outstanding individuals and a historic championship team this fall during the dis‑trict’s inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 5, at The Pointe in Elk Point. The event will celebrate the athletic, academic, and community contribu‑tions that have defined the district’s tradition. The inaugural class of individual inductees includes R…
Roadwork, rezoning focus of county session
Union County officials tackled a packed agenda during their July 21 meeting at Elk Point City Hall, balancing a major road construction surprise with widespread bridge‑funding initiatives, commercial expansion plans and administrative reshuffling. Board Chairman Kevin Joffer presided alongside Commissioners Bob Ballard, Michael Dailey, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad. A 90‑Year‑Old Surprise Under County …
ALPR system reshapes traffic monitoring in Union County
Motorists navigating the central highway cor‑ridors of Union County are now passing automatic license‑plate readers follow‑ing the county’s deployment of vehicle‑tracking technolo‑gy. The Union County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of four sta‑tionary Flock Safety ALPR cameras on Sept. 30, 2025, and the units were installed along major travel routes in mid‑2026. The cameras place Unio…
NSC advances zoning updates, but holds line on business rules
North Sioux City is moving forward with a major refresh of its development rules, though city leaders are taking a slower approach when it comes to new restrictions on businesses. At its July 22 meeting, the Planning Commission recom‑mended approval of six updat‑ed zoning chapters designed to simplify city oversight — nota‑bly allowing developers to skip full site‑plan submittals if a project does …
Dakota Dunes North Sioux City Times & Southern Union County Leader-Courier
The Dakota Valley Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting Monday, July 13, taking the first official steps toward the 2026-2027 school year by swearing in returning board members, electing leadership, and opening a public hearing on its preliminary budget. The board convened with all members present, including Steve Kistner, Matt Thompson, Andrew Nilges, Jesica Hanson, and Emily … Subscribe to continue reading Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
UC Fair spotlights youth agriculture, 4-H exhibitors
More than 150 area 4-H students will take center stage at the local fairgrounds this summer as the Union County Fair returns for three days of agricultural competitions and community events. The annual fair serves as the culmination of months of preparation for local youth, who will showcase livestock projects, craftsmanship, and farming skills in competitive judging rings throughout the weekend. “T…
Punching your ticket to local flavor
The Elk Point Chamber of Commerce has launched a new summer dining punch card program designed to highlight area restaurants and drive local community engagement. The promotion runs through Aug. 31 and gives residents and visitors a chance to explore five local food and beverage spots. Participating businesses include A-1 Quik Stop, Bump N Sam’s, Jefferson Beer Supply, The Pointe, and Union Bean. Ca…
School board approves $9.7M budget, ticket increase
The Elk Point-Jefferson Board of Education reorganized for the upcoming school year, adopted a multi-million-dollar budget, and approved price increases for meals and athletic events during its regular meeting Monday, July 13. Following a public hearing, the board approved the fiscal year 2027 budget totaling nearly $9.71 million, including $6,052,814 for the general fund, $2,072,455 for capital ou…
Historical marker to be dedicated at historic Elmwood Cemetery
A piece of local pioneer history will be formally honored next month as community members gather for the rededication of Elmwood Cemetery and the unveiling of a new South Dakota State Historical Society marker. The ceremony is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at the historic cemetery site in rural Elk Point. Perched on a ridge overlooking the old Missouri River bed, Elmwood Cemeter…
Seed to statewide acclaim: Fleurish blossoms
What started as a modest patch of family soil has officially put Union County agritourism on the state map. Launched in 2020 by local florist Christy Heckathorn, who has designed weddings for over 20 years, the project began with a straightforward goal: she wanted to share the simple beauty of country-grown flowers with her neighbors. Today, that small idea has blossomed into Fleurish Flower Farm, …
NSC stands firm on levee repairs
NSC levee rehabilitation, the city clears the way for the Corps of Engineers to advance its engineering and design phase without technical delays. The work follows a May 8, 2026, cooperative agreement between the city, Union County, and the Department of the Army to address deferred maintenance and structural damages left behind by the 2024 flood.
Jefferson council advances zoning updates, prepares for safety grants
The Jefferson City Council moved ahead Monday night with zoning amendments tied to trailer and camp regulations, heard a re‑gional transportation safety pre‑sentation and set a special meet‑ing to begin work on next year’s budget. Mayor Paddy Rigg opened the July 6 meeting with council mem‑bers Tony Boulware, Jason Casper, Martin Nelkie and Michael Stoke‑ly present. Council member Mark LaFleur was …
EP awards water main bid
The Elk Point City Council approved a major water-main construction bid, adopted two sidewalk resolutions and handled several organizational appointments during its July 6 regular meeting. Mayor Deb McCreary presided with council members Abraham, Irwin, Irlbeck and Austad present, while Hurlbert was absent. At the start of the meeting, Finance Officer Erika Hammitt administered the oath of office … Subscribe to continue reading Premium Content is available to subscribers only.
County Commissioners tackle flood study and staffing
Union County commissioners moved through a full agenda Tuesday, updating long‑range road plans, reviewing courthouse construction progress and addressing staffing changes in the Sheriff’s Office during their July 7 meeting at Elk Point City Hall. Chairman Kevin Joffer called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. with commissioners Bob Ballard, Michael Dailey, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad present. The boa…
Dakota Dunes North Sioux City Times & Southern Union County Leader-Courier
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Labor board reviews Sheriff’s
Recent personnel changes within the Union County Sheriff’s Office have been submitted for administrative review following a filing by a regional labor union. Deputies Zach Brown and Kevin O’Mahoney were separated from employment with the department on June 23. Official documentation from the Sheriff’s Office indicates the separations were executed under South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 7-12-11. Unde…
Electrical failure sparks NSC fire
A middle-of-the-night electrical fire swept through a portion of a North Sioux City motel early Friday morning, forcing dozens of sleeping guests to flee into the parking lot. The emergency began at approximately 12:45 a.m. on July 3, when a structure fire was reported at the Super 8 Motel, located at 108 Sodrac Drive just off Interstate 29. According to reports the North Sioux City Fire Department,…
Museum undergoes updates ahead of America’s 250th
The Union County Historical Society (UCHS) has launched a sweeping preservation and beautification effort at its museum grounds in Elk Point, preparing the historic property for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The multi-phase restoration project addresses structural updates and aesthetic improvements across the entire campus. Among the most noticeable changes is the rejuvenatio…
Tractor pull makes its first run at Jefferson Days of ’59
Jefferson’s Days of ’59 will return July 8–12 with a packed schedule of community events, including a new old‑fashioned tractor pull and the four‑day Picklefest celebration at Jefferson Beer Supply. The festival opens Wednesday, July 8, with a 7 p.m. Texas Hold ’Em tournament at Bud’s Bar, sponsored by Jefferson Fire & Rescue. Events continue Thursday, July 9, with a 21‑and‑over kickball game at…
County terminates public defender contract
The Union County Board of Commissioners handled a full agenda Tuesday, June 23, during its regular meeting at the courthouse in Elk Point. Chairman Kevin Joffer called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. with commissioners Robert Ballard, Michael Dailey, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad present. Commissioners approved the agenda and the June 18 special meeting minutes before reviewing the county’s May 31 b…
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