It is the holiday season of giving and Kshitij Patil, a Dakota Valley sophomore, has gone to great lengths recently to make an impact at the local level. Patil has helped the environment and made gains to combat littering as he donated money and collected trash in Sioux City. He also recently made a significant dona‑tion to help those in need of food and support in the local area.

A beloved North Sioux City tradition returned Dec. 6 as ARK United Methodist Church hosted its an‑nual Kids Free Shop‑ping Spree, drawing dozens of families for a day of holiday cheer and generosity.

Mayor Chris Bogenrief and the North Sioux City Commission met Dec. 1 to ap‑prove a new malt beverage license, waive building permit fees for flood‑damaged properties, and review the city’s 2024 au‑dit.

A large crowd was seated at Dakota Valley’s Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Thursday, December 4, 2025 for the Panther’s holiday band concert. Student musicians in grades 5th-12th took the stage to perform festive pieces for all to enjoy.

The Leader-Courier and Dakota Dunes/North Sioux City Times have announced early deadlines for upcoming holiday editions. The deadline for the Dec.

.

After more than 35 years of dedicated leadership and service, Fire Chief William D. “Bill” Pappas will retire at the end of the year, marking the close of an extraordinary chapter in the history of the North Sioux City Fire Department (NSCFD). Chief Pappas joined the department in 1986 and assumed the role of Fire Chief in 1989. For over three decades, his steady leadership, mentorship, and vision have shaped the department into what it is today.

The North Sioux City Planning Commission met Nov. 26, 2025, at City Hall, with Chair Holbrook calling the meeting to order at 4 p.m. Commissioners Tony Carpenter, Dave Mitchell and Chairman Peter Holbrook were present, along with Planning and Zoning representative Ross Kuchta, Economic Development Director Andrew Nilges and Building Inspector Gary Roan.

Dakota Valley high school is giving back to the community this holiday season with their annual giving tree. Panther student council members, in grades 9th-12th, have organized an online giving wishlist to directly benefit local children and families. And they have already received a high number of requests from those in need.