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 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.

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Local emergency personnel and community members will gather next month for North Sioux City’s annual National Night Out celebration. The free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug.

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.

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.

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.

Avera Health has officially acquired the Center for Neurosciences, Orthopaedics & Spine (CNOS), a major regional medical group based in Dakota Dunes. The transition will take effect Jan.

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.