Elk Point City Park will burst with red, white and blue energy this Independence Day as the VFW Post #915 Auxiliary hosts its second annual 4th of July Kids Party in the Park. 

The free community event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 4. Following a highly successful debut last year, organizers are looking to build major momentum this summer with the hope of cementing the celebration as a permanent annual tradition for local families. 

Patriotic crafts, music 

and door prizes

By shannon jost timesleader1@gmail.com The Dakota Valley School District Board of Education locked in leadership and pushed forward on infrastructure upgrades during its regular meeting Monday night. In a series of brisk moves, the board approved an amended contract renewal for Superintendent Garrett Schmidt, greenlit a major commercial kitchen upgrade and reviewed administrative reports detailing surging elementary test scores and a high school gymnasium network project. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Board Chairperson Steve Kistner.

The North Sioux City Planning Commission on Wednesday advanced a new tax‑increment financing district intended to help the McCook Lake neighborhood recover from the 2024 flood and approved a four‑lot plat tied to a townhome project nearing completion.

Commission Chair Peter Holbrook opened the meeting with all regular members — Benson, Christenson, DeVries, Holbrook and Layhee — in attendance. Planning and Zoning staff member Ross Kuchta, Economic Development Director Andrew Nilges and Building Inspector Gary Roan were also present.

Amy Lilly, Finance Officer for the City of North Sioux City, SD, was named Finance Officer of the Year last week by the South Dakota Governmental Finance Officers’ Association.

The award is given each year to a member of the association who exemplifies excellence in municipal finance, dedication to public service, and a commitment to strengthening both their community and the profession.

Lilly was recognized for providing leadership, stability, and a steady hand during one of the most challenging periods her community has ever faced.

Commissioners met twice last week, canvassing the June 2 primary election, drawing precincts for a post‑election audit and reviewing construction progress and department operations as the county prepares for upcoming moves into the Turner building.

Commissioners Kevin Joffer, Michael Dailey, Tom Kimmel, Peggy Ustad and Bob Ballard attended both the June 4 special meeting and the June 9 regular meeting.

June 4: Primary canvass and audit drawing

The Elk Point‑Jefferson Board of Education canvassed the June 2 school board election, approved several personnel changes and received detailed updates on construction and end‑of‑year operations during its regular meeting Monday.

Board President Travis Geary called the meeting to order with members Sabrina Sayler, Tory Norby and Elijah Vander‑Weerdt present. The board approved the June agenda with one addition — a resignation from junior high boys basketball coach Gary Nebelsick — along with the May 11 minutes, monthly bills and the May 31 financial report.

Local student Thora Larson earned third place in the 2026 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest, finishing among the top young wildlife artists in the country with a painting she says was inspired by both faith and family.

Larson, 14, was recognized for her acrylic and oil painting of a blue‑winged teal titled “Simple Joys.” She chose the species intentionally, hoping to highlight a bird she believes is often overlooked.