The Union County Board of Commissioners held its regular session on June 10, 2025, at 8:30 AM in the Courthouse in Elk Point, South Dakota. Commissioners Dailey, Joffer, Ballard, Kimmel, and Ustad were present. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the May 27 session before moving into a review of the county’s financial reports. The county treasurer’s records showed a total balance of $20,023,998.55, including deposits, investments, and funds administered for city, school, and township revenue accounts. Monthly reports from various departments were presented, with the Sheriff’s Office collecting $15,793.85 in federal prisoner and INS room and board fees, the Register of Deeds recording $19,298.50 in transfer taxes, and the Clerk of Courts generating $27,842.77 in revenue. The Veteran Service Office reported 28 contacts for the month, while Nurse Donations totaled $50 in May following no recorded donations in April.

With jury selection on June 12-13, 2025, Elk Point’s courtroom for the state’s case versus Alfredo Castellanos-Rosales in the murder of Jordan Beardshear was at full capacity. On Monday, June 16, 2025 lawyers appeared more than ready to address the jury in opening statements. As the morning progressed, state prosecutors began calling their witnesses to the stand in what is expected to be a multi-day trial that could go into next week or potentially July.

The board of supervisors, for Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District (CID), held their monthly regular session meeting with District Manager Andrew Tramp present, along with board members: Ken Beaulieu, Scott Wetz, Julie Shanafelt, Janet Finzen and Bill Shorma. The CID’s attorney council, Darrell Jesse, was also at this meeting which was held on May 19, 2025. The following local residents were also on hand: Beth Noel, Sabrina Sayler for Dan Patee, Gary Pack, Joel Jarman and Shennen Saltzman.

The North Sioux City Commission held its regular meeting at City Hall, with Mayor Bogenrief presiding. Commissioners Hoffman, Burhoop, Strain, and Tucker attended, alongside City Administrator Jeff Dooley and City Finance Officer Amy Lilly. The meeting followed formal proceedings, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the agenda and minutes from the May 27 session. As part of the city’s commitment to accessibility, the meeting was live-streamed and remains available for public viewing on the city’s website.

On June 5th, the North Sioux City Fire Department proudly unveiled its new state-of-the-art Training Facility. Designed to enhance the skills and preparedness of EMS, rescue, and fire personnel, this facility offers expanded opportunities for training, skill development, and professional growth. Submitted photo

.

Union County 4-H Teen Leaders will host a pancake breakfast Saturday Aug 2nd beginning at 8:30 a.m. Th event will be at the Hoop Building at the Union County Fairgrounds.

The North Sioux City Commission convened for a regular meeting on May 27, 2025, addressing infrastructure improvements, community concerns, and scheduling updates. The session, held at City Hall, commenced at 4:00 p.m. under the leadership of Mayor Chris Bogenrief. Commissioners Lynn Hoffman, Julie Burhoop, Jessica Strain, and Vincent Tucker were in attendance, alongside key city officials, including City Administrator Jeff Dooley, Finance Officer Amy Lilly, and City Attorney Sarah Kleber.

The North Sioux City Library has a lot of great reading plans for the summer of 2025. On June 5, there is to be a huge kickoff party, at the library, to usher in this year’s summer reading program. Activities include a color run, catered food, face painting, crafts and more. People are encouraged to wear, or bring, a white shirt if they plan to participate in the color run course.