After more than 35 years of dedicated leadership and service, Fire Chief William D. “Bill” Pappas will retire at the end of the year, marking the close of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the North Sioux City Fire Department (NSCFD). Chief Pappas joined the department in 1986 and assumed the role of Fire Chief in 1989. For over three decades, his steady leadership, mentorship, and vision have shaped the department into what it is today.

The North Sioux City Planning Commission met Nov. 26, 2025, at City Hall, with Chair Holbrook calling the meeting to order at 4 p.m. Commissioners Tony Carpenter, Dave Mitchell and Chairman Peter Holbrook were present, along with Planning and Zoning representative Ross Kuchta, Economic Development Director Andrew Nilges and Building Inspector Gary Roan.

Dakota Valley Esports carried its strong Week 1 momentum straight into the second week of competition (on November 17-20, 2025) showcasing depth, experience, and talent across nearly every game title. From Mario Kart to League of Legends, the Panthers proved once again why they remain one of South Dakota’s top esports programs.

Dakota Valley high school is giving back to the community this holiday season with their annual giving tree. Panther student council members, in grades 9th-12th, have organized an online giving wishlist to directly benefit local children and families. And they have already received a high number of requests from those in need.

Union County 4-H members, leaders, and supporters gathered at the Southeast Farmers Elevator Coop, Elk Point, SD, on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of 4-H youth and volunteers. This year’s event brought together families, community members, and supporters, to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments and encourage continued involvement in 4-H programs. Several individuals and clubs received special recognition for their exceptional contributions. demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service, volunteer efforts, as well as clubs that achieved significant milestones in project work.

Federal approval of South Dakota’s disaster relief plan has cleared the way for more than $15 mil‑lion in recovery aid to reach North Sioux City, nearly 18 months after floodwaters swept through the commu‑nity in 2024.

Elk Point provider Traci McDonald, EdD, MS, APRN, CNP, PMH‑NP BC; has accepted the role of Director of Behav‑ioral Health for Horizon Health. She began her new position on Novem‑ber 24.

The Elk Point-Jefferson School district received a significant donation from Thermo Bond Build‑ings, LLC on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. A check for $40,000 was presented to the Huskies and all members of the school district are beyond excited and thankful.

Accolades were on the docket for Tami Goehring, of Elk Point-Jefferson, as she was named Middle School Physical Educa‑tion Teacher of the Year on No‑vember 6, 2025. Bestowing this honor was the Society for Health and Physical Educators of South Dakota (SHAPE SD). They an‑nounced this award during a banquet at their annual conven‑tion in Brookings, South Dakota. Goehring has a career in educa‑tion that spans many years, and she has been a part of the Husky family for over a decade.

Elk Point’s second annual Hometown Christmas Market filled Main Street with holiday spirit as families gathered Nov. 30 to celebrate the season with San‑ta, Mrs. Claus and a cast of familiar char‑acters.