On January 21, 2025, the Union County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular session at the Courthouse in Elk Point, South Dakota. The meeting began promptly at 8:30 a.m. and was attended by Commissioners Michael Dailey, Tom Kimmel, Kevin Joffer, and Peggy Ustad.

It was a busy news day in regards to weather and politics on Monday, January 20, 2025. Arctic temperatures had Dakota Valley and Elk Point-Jefferson calling for late starts to the school day in order to keep morning commutes safe. The next President of the United States also took the oath of office in Washington D.C.

The Dakota Valley School District’s regular Board of Education meeting took place on January 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM, led by Chairperson Kistner. In attendance were board members Kistner, Nilges, Norby, and Thompson, while Dooley was absent. A number of district administrators were also present, including Dr. Warzecha and Business Manager Sponder.

Daily rehearsals have been happening for Dakota Valley’s one-act cast of “Oh, What a Tangled Web”. The play, written by John R. Carroll, will be performed by the Panthers at regionals on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in Vermillion.

On January 6, 2025, the North Sioux City City Council convened for their regular meeting, presided over by Mayor Teel. The meeting commenced promptly at 7:00 p.m., with all council members present, including Mr. Benson, Mr. Bogenrief, Mr. Christenson, Ms. Christiansen, Mr. Davis, Mr. Green, Ms. Hoffman, and Mr. Meyer. Key city officials, such as City Administrator Jeff Dooley, City Finance Officer Amy Lilly, and City Attorney Sarah Kleber, were in attendance.

On January 7, 2025, the Union County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular session at 8:30 a.m. in the Courthouse. Commissioners Michael Dailey, Kevin Joffer, Tom Kimmel, and Peggy Ustad presented for the meeting. This was the annual organizational meeting, where key positions and responsibilities were determined for the upcoming year.

Stability is the focus for Jeff Dooley as North Sioux City’s new city administrator. It is a role he feels ready to take on as he looks forward to being an asset to a community in need. Dooley’s first day was December 2, 2024 and with it came an excitement and an energy that many are eager to have at city hall.

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December 16th, at 5 pm, was the date and time of the last regular meeting of 2024 for the Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District (CID) Board of Supervisors. It was held at the Welcome Center on Sioux Point Road. Budgets and plans for the year ahead were the main topics of discussion throughout the meeting.

Taxpayers affected by the flood will be eligible to file for an abatement for the taxes due in 2025. Those taxes are for the 2024 tax year. The 2024 tax year is from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023. But whenever there is a natural disaster such as flood or fire, taxpayers may apply to abate taxes for that calendar year, even though those values were set over a year ago. The tax bills you will receive in January are not for this past year, including the flood. They are for 2024 tax year payable in 2025. This past calendar year is for the 2025 tax year. You will not receive a tax bill for those values until 2026 (payable in 2027). November 1, 2024, started the 2026 tax year (payable in 2027). This illustrates how we are ahead of the treasurer.