The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $42,956,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for South Dakota drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.

The start of March was an important time for the Dakota Valley high school debate team as they traveled to Watertown for the state competition on March 1 and 2. South Dakota has two classes for debate.

Dakota Valley high school art teacher Demi Harlan and some of her students were in Vermillion on Friday, Feb. 9 for the 2024 Art Wars competition. This event was hosted by South Dakota High School Activities Association and was held at the University of South Dakota.

The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded 24 preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement Bridge Improvement Grants (BIG) totaling approximately $20 million at the recent commission meeting held in Pierre. The goal of the grant process is to enhance the overall condition of critical assets that South Dakotans are dependent upon each and every day. These struc- tures provide the link that drives the interconnectedness of the state’s overall transportation system, while enhancing statewide economic development overall.

The deadline to return petitions to be on the North Sioux City City Council election ballot was Friday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.

The North Sioux City City Council began their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20 with a moment of silence in observance of the unexpected passings of North Sioux City City Council Member Doug Berg and Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges.

The second readings of Ordinances Nos. 202401 – Water Rate Increase and 2024-02 – Sewer Rate Increase were held Feb. 20 at the Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District Board of Supervisors meeting.

The City of Elk Point had four seats up for election on their city council. However, no election will have to be held come April as only one petition was returned for each seat.

The City of Jefferson will hold an election in April for the city council seat in Ward I. Petitions had to be turned in to City Hall by 1 p.m.

Across South Dakota there are many farmers working hard to increase access to fresh, locally grown foods and products. A plethora of specialty crops including honey, cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, jams, salsas and other value added products are available across South Dakota.