On Sunday, Dec. 10, South Dakota experienced something from Mother Nature it doesn’t normally – an earthquake.

For many years there has been discussions about traffic on Northshore Drive. The farmto- market and residential road has been an issue for many forms of government, not just the city of North Sioux City. However, once again, the issue of Northshore Drive came before the city council at their meeting Dec. 4.

The North Sioux City Holiday Light Parade was held on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m.

The month of December started off in a festive mood for Dakota Valley as the high school held their holiday program on Friday, Dec. 1. The band and choir performed to a full crowd with many music students dressing in concert attire that included hints of red, green and Santa Claus hats and accessories.

Dakota Valley Elementary School held it’s fifth annual Family Math Night Nov. 16.

A benefit is being held to help with ongoing medical expenses for Mike Hanson of Jefferson. Hanson requires an extended hospital stay and extensive rehabilitation after damage to his lungs were found due to complications from chemotherapy, COVID-19 and over 50 years of farming dust.

A fentanyl scare throughout the last election season has all the states and counties looking for ways to prevent overdoses occurring through the mail. Information regarding House Bill 1162 was presented to the Union County Board of County Commissioners Nov. 28 at their meeting. HB1162 is an act to authorize employers to acquire and make available opioid antagonists.

Two hundred and fifty-one (251) South Dakota volunteer fire departments from across the state, including five municipalities from Union County, have been awarded grants totaling $5 million in funding for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Earlier this year, the South Dakota Legislature passed and Governor Noem signed HB1127 appropriating state general funds to the Department of Public Safety creating the grant program to support local volunteer fire departments.

Dakota Valley wrestlers began practice on Nov. 13 and the squad looks ready for action as the season starts to unfold. Over 20 Panthers will take to the mat for 2023-24 in the hopes of earning pins, wins and accolades.