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.

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.

A statewide network of weather stations is seeking to expand in Union County. Mesonet at SDState is the statewide network of weather stations providing crucial data to the National Weather Service, Army Corps of Engineers and South Dakota citizens. The mesonet is seeking a public or private landowner in Union County to host a new station.

Midco has launched Midco Mobile in Elk Point and Jefferson, expanding its communications offerings to include wireless service alongside internet. The new service connects customers with local support teams and ex‑tends the com‑pany’s regional network foot‑print.

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, the station extended its daily hours, remaining open seven days a week until 11 p.m.

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.

Transportation at Dakota Valley (DV) has a new look for the 2026/27 school year. Foreman Sales and Service will now be in charge of bus routes and activity transport for the Panthers. Many have noticed the sleek yellow school buses driving through the neighborhoods of North Sioux City, Dakota Dunes and Wynstone since school began on August 18, 2026.

Elk Point‑Jefferson has added Lilly Mockler to its elementary staff for the 2026‑27 school year. Mockler, a Vermillion native and recent SDSU graduate, is teaching second grade and settling into her first full‑time classroom. Below is a look at her background and interests.

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.

Some called it a blessing and others declared it a miracle. Both descriptions ap‑pear to be correct when it comes to the “Grass‑hopper Crosses” of Jef‑ferson, South Dakota. It was in the late 1800s that three crosses were erected in the small town within Union County. This was done in an effort to combat the devastating lo‑cust outbreak. A plea for divine intervention worked and the cross‑es still stand today. Therefore, an excit‑ing community event is planned for Sunday, September 13, 2026. It includes a pilgrimage walk, mass service plus a potluck meal to honor the cross’s 150th anni‑versary.