Union County commissioners worked through a full agenda Tuesday, approving election agreements, abatements, highway contracts and personnel actions, while also receiving updates on public health, emergency management and the upcoming courthouse expansion.

The Dakota Valley School Board voted Feb. 9 to hire Jeff Hamm as the district’s next high school principal, making the leadership transition the central action of a meeting that also included approval of a major roof‑replacement project and several personnel changes.

The North Sioux City Planning Commission welcomed its updated membership Feb. 11 as commissioners moved through a pair of meetings that included officer elections, multiple public hearings, development plats and updates on major projects throughout the city.

Family and friends gathered Friday morning at the Union County Courthouse to dedicate a memorial bench honoring longtime Sheriff Dan Limoges on the second anniversary of his passing. The bench, crafted by Davis IronWorks of Irene, South Dakota, was installed outside the courthouse as a permanent tribute to Limoges, who served as Union County sheriff for 33 years and was widely regarded as a steady leader and mentor in South Dakota law enforcement.

As February reminds us to appreciate what we love, I’ve been reflecting on what makes North Sioux City such a special place to live and lead. Although my wife and I made the move to North Sioux City in 2022, I’ve been familiar with the area for a long time.

The North Sioux City Commission advanced two major infrastruc‑ture initiatives Monday night, approving a se‑ries of property acquisi‑tions for the Northshore Drive Realignment Proj‑ect and authorizing a multi‑year water meter replacement program. Mayor Chris Bogenrief called the Feb. 2 meet‑ing to order at 6 p.m. with commissioners Ju‑lie Burhoop, Lynn Hoff‑man and Vincent Tucker present. Commissioner Jessica Strain was ab‑sent. City Administrator Jeff Dooley, Finance Of‑ficer Amy Lilly and City Attorney Sarah Kleber also attended.

Kendall Hanson is the voice of the Huskies and a familiar face throughout the area. He grew up in the area and is a Husky high school alumnus. While many know him, even more recognize his tone and dictation from the countless EPJ livestreams he has called over the past few years.

The Union County Commission handled a full agenda Tuesday, approving abatements, awarding bridge contracts and appointing a new interim Register of Deeds during its Feb. 3 regular meeting at the courthouse. Chairman Kevin Joffer called the meeting to order with commissioners Michael Dailey, Bob Ballard, Tom Kimmel and Peggy Ustad present.

Union County Sheriff Jim Prouty an‑nounced his cam‑paign for re-election, reaffirming his commitment to keep‑ing Union County safe, supporting law enforce‑ment professionals, and serving residents with integrity, accountability, and common-sense lead‑ership.

Occasionally in life, we encounter extraor‑dinary individuals who inspire us through their selfless service as public servants—people who act with relentless courage, sometimes even when their lives are on the line. Lisa Schenzel is among the ranks epitomizing that rare commitment whether serving in the military, law enforcement or assisting military vet‑erans in receiving their well-deserved compen‑sation from the country they served.