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.

Lions Park will see major improvements this year as the City of Elk Point moves forward with a new playground and a dual‑purpose pickleball and basketball court, funded in part by a state recreation grant.

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.

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.

The Elk Point City Council approved new util‑ity rates, playground equipment and several equip‑ment purchases during its regular meeting Feb. 2 at City Hall. Mayor Deb McCreary presided, with council members Amanda Abraham, Ben Irlbeck, Kris Hurlbert, Shelby Penfield, Renee Irwin and Meghan Austad all present.

The Jefferson City Council handled a full agenda Monday night, reviewing financials, insurance coverage, safety planning and upcoming community events during its regular Feb. 2 meeting at City Hall. Mayor Padraic Rigg called the meeting to order with council members Jason Casper, Mark LaFleur, John Lokhorst, Martin Nelkie and Michael Stokely present. Finance Officer Michaeleen Roark and Police Chief Dustin Sharkey 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.

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.

The North Sioux City Commission on Tuesday approved the vacation of a small tract of land tied to a planned Kwik Trip development and moved forward on two land‑ac‑quisition matters during a special meeting that also featured a lengthy discussion about access to a privately owned parcel.