Dakota Valley bands shine at Watchdog Marching Festival

Marching band season is here and Dakota Valley received stellar reviews from their first competition on Friday, September 25, 2026. The high school and middle school bands, for the Panthers, took part in the Watchdog Marching Festival held in Beresford, South Dakota.

North Sioux City continues flood recovery work

North Sioux City commissioners continued work on flood recovery projects Sept. 21, approving nearly $950,000 in payments for reconstruction, property grading and a longterm study of flood risks along the Big Sioux River. The commission approved a $709,619.98 payment to Reede Construction Inc. for the Northshore Drive reconstruction project and an $88,747.22 payment to Lieber Construction for the second phase of McCook Lake property grading.

North Sioux City Fire Department plans open house

The North Sioux City Fire Department will open its doors to the public Sunday, Oct. 11, for an afternoon of fire safety information, demonstrations and family activities. The department’s open house will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the fire station, 205 Sodrac Drive.

Four amendments await South Dakota voters

South Dakota voters will decide four proposed constitutional amendments in the Nov. 3 general election, covering Medicaid expansion, voting eligibility, unclaimed property and the number of votes needed to amend the state constitution.

Dakota Valley board adopts FY27 budget

By shannon jost

timesleader1@gmail.com


 

The Dakota Valley School Board moved through a full agenda Sept. 14, approving the district’s FY26 annual report, adopting the FY27 budget and tax levies, and taking action on staffing, surplus property, and several purchases affecting daily school operations.

Vice‑Chairperson Matt Thompson opened the meeting at 6:01 p.m. All board members were present, with Steve Kistner joining by phone. Superintendent Schmidt and Business Manager Sponder also attended.

Lomatayo found guilty in DUI crash

By Kelly Riibe

times2reporter@gmail.com


 

A jury trial was held at Union County’s court house, in Elk Point, South Dakota, on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The case involved defendant Christopher Lomatayo who faced a trio of charges that included: driving under the influence, failure to maintain insurance and careless driving.

SDDOT seeks public input on proposed I‑29 interchange reconstruction at Exit 15

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The South Dakota Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting open house on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, to discuss proposed improvements to Interstate 29 at Exit 15 and Main Street in Elk Point. The project includes structure replacement, ramp modifications, grading, surfacing and ADA upgrades.