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.

The Jefferson City Council moved ahead Monday night with zoning amendments tied to trailer and camp regulations, heard a re‑gional transportation safety pre‑sentation and set a special meet‑ing to begin work on next year’s budget.

The Elk Point City Council approved a major water-main construction bid, adopted two sidewalk resolutions and handled several organizational appointments during its July 6 regular meeting. Mayor Deb McCreary presided with council members Abraham, Irwin, Irlbeck and Austad present, while Hurlbert was absent. At the start of the meeting, Finance Officer Erika Hammitt administered the oath of office to Mayor McCreary, Ward One council member Ben Irlbeck, Ward Two council member Brian Wells, and Ward Three council members Renee Irwin and Meghan Austad. Council members subsequently approved the agenda and minutes from June 1 before authorizing the payment of June salaries and bills across the general and enterprise funds.

The North Sioux City Commission officially moved forward with structural flood recovery plans on Tuesday, voting down a federal non-structural alternative in favor of permanent levee repairs and committing hundreds of thousands of dollars toward a regional flood risk study.

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.

Dunes Animal Hospital, in Dakota Dunes, has been in operation for a while and 2026 marked their recent 20th anniversary. The attentive care for animals and innate ability to offer compassion to not only pets in need, but also the owners has made Dunes Animal Hospital a staple in the community. Dr. Chad Anema, along with his fellow veterinarians and dedicated staff, have taken pride in providing pet care to their clients for the past two decades. As a fullservice animal hospital, they handle emergency cases in addition to preventative medicine, surgeries and dental work.

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