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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Larry Rhoden, the 34th and current Governor of South Dakota, was in Dakota Dunes on Wednesday, July 14, 2026 to speak with Union County residents about his current campaign. Governor Rhoden is looking to win the upcoming runoff election versus Toby Doeden that is set for July 28th. Approximately 30 people were in attendance at the event that took place at the Dakota Dunes Country Club. While addressing the room, Governor Rhoden reflected on his two sessions in office and took questions from the crowd.

The North Sioux City Fire Department is proud to welcome John Hoggard as its new fire chief. Originally from Oxford, Mississippi, Hoggard brings nearly 20 years of experience in fire service, emergency medical services, military service and leadership.

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 Norby, who participated via telephone. Business Manager Jill Sponder administered the oath of office to Hanson and Thompson following their re-election. The board then unanimously re-elected Kistner to serve as board president and Thompson as vice president for the upcoming year.

Last week, June 28th July 2nd, 6 student members of the Dakota Valley chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members attended the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The conference was an opportunity for students to participate in motivational general sessions, network with individuals from across the globe, and challenge themselves academically through competitive events. Our students participated in 3 separate competitive events.