We hear it all the time. “Be safe!” or “Slow down and think twice!” But it’s easier said than done when running on little sleep and working through the thick of harvest. In 2017 alone, U.S. Census numbers reported that 416 farmers/farm workers died from a work-related injury. Transportation incidents were the leading cause of death in this data (cdc.gov). In addition, every day about 100 agriculture workers suffer a lost-work-time injury. Here are a few tips and reminders for this season.

Municipal tax is one indicator of economic activity. Below are percentage increases/decreases for the months of June and July.

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Additions to Tower Park and the business community were discussed at the Jefferson City Council meeting Sept. 6.

Ongoing sewer issues at the Union County Courthouse have prompted an emergency situation to fix old cast iron sewer lines. Curt Hlavacek of Midwest Pipe Lining out of Watertown, SD was present at the Union County Board of County Commission meeting Sept. 20 to discuss his business and how the courthouse could benefit from their services.

An Elk Point boy with special needs is busy gathering his gear for a big game hunt all courtesy of the PDR Disabled Youth organization. Thomas Kosinski has enjoyed South Dakota’s long-honored hunting tradition before. On a prior deer hunt with the PDR Hunt group his sharp shooting skill was spot-on, and he proficiently harvested a Whitetail deer.

The Union County Fairboard and Extension Staff would like to congratulate the 4-H members, leaders and parents on all the static and livestock exhibits and Youth-In-Action events that 4-H members participated in at the recent South Dakota State Fair. South Dakota 4-H follows the Danish ribbon system. 4-H awards are based on a standard, instead of a comparison of other exhibits in the class. By using the Danish system, each exhibit gets judged on its own merit. Each 4-H members are allowed to take up four display exhibits, four exhibits per each animal species and four exhibits per each Youth-In-Action event to the South Dakota State Fair. The State Fair in Huron was Sept. 1-5.

The “Jefferson Bridge” between Union County Highway #7 and Iowa State #12 will be closing on Monday, Sept. 19.

The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) is seeking nominations for the 2022 South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year Award. Producers and members of the public are invited to nominate a farmer who has made a significant contribution to specialty crop production in the state. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops, including floriculture.

ELO CPAs & Advisors announced the acquisition of Quam, Berglin & Post, P.C., an Elk Point-based CPA firm with satellite offices in Alcester and Vermillion. The combination of these firms brings together two legacy firms that have been each rooted in South Dakota for 40 or more years each. This transaction will bring a wealth of additional services, technical expertise and resources to our mutual clients. The combination will: