There is a new face at the extension office and the counties of Union and Clay are excited about it. Laurie Fritsch has hit the ground running in her new position as 4-H Educator for the two neighboring areas in South Dakota’s southeastern corner. She began her new job role on June 2, 2025. She comes to the extension office from the University of South Dakota where she worked for the computer science department as a Senior Administrative Assistant.

On June 16, 2025 the Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District (CID) held a regular meeting at the Welcome Center on Sioux Point Road. The meeting started at 7 pm with the following on-site: Ken Beaulieu, Scott Wetz, Julie Shanafelt and Janet Finzen. District Manager Andrew Tramp and Finance Officer Katelyn Irby, as well as local resident Larry Wiese were also present. Bill Shorma attended the meeting via phone at 7:30 pm. Darrell Jesse, the CID’s attorney, also attended by phone.

The Union County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 8 at the county courthouse, with Vice Chairman Mike Dailey presiding. Commissioners Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel, and Peggy Ustad were present; Commissioner Kevin Joffer was absent. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda, which included the addition of a discussion on the speed limit for County Road 23.

On June 23, the North Sioux City Fire Department, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, honored Shawn Moller for his courageous and decisive response during an emergency last month.

A group of Panther students accompanied Dakota Valley high school art teacher Demi Harlan and chaperones to Europe on June 8-21, 2025. The art trip took the travelers to Italy and Greece for two weeks where they saw many sites and observed the area’s historical and cultural aspects.

North Sioux City’s elected officials gathered on July 7 for their regular commission meeting, where they reviewed ongoing recovery efforts, approved infrastructure plans, and addressed community concerns. Mayor Chris Bogenrief called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., with Commissioners Lynn Hoffman, Julie Burhoop, Jessica Strain, and Vincent Tucker in attendance. City Administrator Jeff Dooley, Finance Officer Amy Lilly, and City Attorney Sarah Kleber also participated.

The North Sioux City library hosted Fontenelle Forest on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 for a raptor program starting at 2 pm. Two experts spoke to a crowd of approximately 40 people about their work at the nature center which is located in Bellevue, Nebraska. In addition to the pair of experts, there were also three winged creatures introduced to the crowd.

This past month has been busy and hopeful for North Sioux City, with progress taking shape in both new development and flood recovery efforts that will help our community move forward stronger than ever. Several exciting projects have broken ground recently.

The Union County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on July 8 at the county courthouse, with Vice Chairman Mike Dailey presiding. Commissioners Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel, and Peggy Ustad were present; Commissioner Kevin Joffer was absent. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda, which included the addition of a discussion on the speed limit for County Road 23.

Held during Jefferson Days, the 18th Annual Sue Lulf Memorial Run welcomed 95 registered runners for a day of fitness and remembrance. In the 5K Women’s Division, Kristine Honomichl claimed first place with a time of 18:34, followed by Courtney Joiner and Lily Harris.