Leader-Courier | Dakota Dunes North Sioux City Times & Southern Union County Leader-Courier

Children at St. Peter’s Childcare in Jefferson. The licensed center has grown over its 25-year history to serve approximately 80 area children across its traditional daycare, preschool, and summer school-age programs. Photo courtesy of St. Peter’s Childcare

One big family

Shannon Jost

Friday, July 10, 2026

A quarter-century after opening its doors to just three local children in a vacant convent, St. Peter’s Childcare is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a foundational pillar for generations of Union County families.

The Pointe Golf & Event Center Superintendent Dave Nelson, far right, poses with his grounds maintenance crew on the course in Elk Point. Nelson, who has overseen the facility’s daily turf operations and upkeep since 2019, leads a dedicated staff that includes crew members, from left, Sydney Bousquet, Josh Nelson, Isaac Nelson, and Jerod Nelson. Bousquet joined the maintenance team in 2021, while Josh, Isaac, and Jerod have been working alongside Superintendent Nelson since 2019. Submitted photo

Under the green: Upgrades transform links at The Pointe

Robert Lawrence

Friday, July 10, 2026

This is a continuation of last week’s article on the improvements happening at The Pointe Golf & Event Center in Elk Point. While last week’s article focused on enhancements in clubhouse operations, now Superintendent Dave Nelson discusses refinements on the golf course. For 28 years, Dave Nelson has brought both a love for aesthetics and technical expertise to golf course management. The Ponca native has spent the last eight years applying these essential skills to the links at The Pointe.

Labor board reviews Sheriff’s

Shannon Jost

Friday, July 10, 2026

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.

County announces road closures

Shannon Jost

Friday, July 3, 2026

The Union County Highway Department has closed a segment of 471st Avenue and adjoining 306th Street through late summer to accommodate a major bridge replacement project over Brule Creek. Crews have closed 471st Avenue to through traf- between 305th Street and 307th Street.

Members of the Brule Go Getters 4-H Club gather with club leader Jeanne Hanson around their completed “Prairie Roots” pollinator garden project at the Union County Museum in Elk Point. The native planting initiative is designed to establish pollinator-friendly habitats throughout SD. Submitted photo

Museum undergoes updates ahead of America’s 250th

Shannon Jost

Friday, July 3, 2026

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.

Tractor pull makes its first run at Jefferson Days of ’59

Shannon Jost

Friday, July 3, 2026

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 Pointe Golf & Event Center Clubhouse Manager Dustin Wolforth flashes a smile at the facility in Elk Point. Submitted photo

More than a membership:

Robert Lawrence

Friday, July 3, 2026

As the centerpiece of Elk Point for more than 60 years, The Pointe Golf and Event Center, a nine-hole golf course, has undergone two major transitions since starting as a country club. Today, it is a 600-member golf course open to public play that features a bar, a restaurant, and an events center.

County terminates public defender contract

Shannon Jost

Friday, July 3, 2026

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.

County announces road closures

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

The Union County Highway Department has closed a segment of 471st Avenue and adjoining 306th Street through late summer to accommodate a major bridge replacement project over Brule Creek.

Crews have closed 471st Avenue to through traffic between 305th Street and 307th Street. Additionally, 306th Street is closed to eastbound traffic heading from the Interstate 29 interchange at Exit 31.

VFW Auxiliary to host Fourth of July kids party

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Elk Point City Park will burst with red, white and blue energy this Independence Day as the VFW Post #915 Auxiliary hosts its second annual 4th of July Kids Party in the Park.

The free community event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 4. Following a highly successful debut last year, organizers are looking to build major momentum this summer with the hope of cementing the celebration as a permanent annual tradition for local families.

Patriotic crafts, music

and door prizes