Over the past two winters, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) engaged with thousands of South Dakotans in Name the Snowplow Contests. Heavy snow and high winds were no match for cleverly named snowplows that efficiently cleared the state’s highway system.

ARK Church will host its annual Kids Free Shopping Spree (KFSS). The KFSS is an opportunity for children to “shop” Christmas gifts for their parents and siblings at no cost. This fun event pairs the child with a personal shopper who will help them pick out and wrap gifts. This year’s Shopping Spree will take place Saturday, Dec. 3 at their church in North Sioux City. Due to the popularity of this event, pre-registration is required. The KFSS is for children in K-5th grade. The link is available at arkumc.org Communitymemberscan help in several ways: gift wrapping supplies, especially medium- sized gift bags; new/like new items for kids to “shop” from, especially for dads and teenagers; volunteering to setup/ clean-up; and volunteering to help with shopping and wrapping. More details are available at arkumc.org ARK Church seeks to bring help and hope to the community through events like the KFSS, providing food backpacks on the weekends to students at Dakota Valley facing food insecurity, meal kits during the holidays and more.

While there were plenty of electorial races on this year’s ballot, there was one particular item that brought voters out of the woodwork in North Sioux City. In 2020, South Dakota voters elected to allow for the growing, manufacturing, sale and use of medical marijuana.

The month of November is known as National Veterans and Military Family Month. Jenni Martin, of Dakota Dunes, fits into both of these categories. She has been active in the military for the United States Army and is also a current member of the Air Guard in addition to being a mom.

Dakota Valley held a ceremony to honor Veterans Day in the high school gym on Friday, Nov. 11. Students in 4th through 12th grade, along with teachers and staff, were in attendance. Speakers for the event included student council members, Dr. Tonia Warzecha and Marine veteran Phil Kratz of Dakota Dunes.

The City of North Sioux City had submitted a plan for a new lift station in the southwest part of the city to South Dakota’s state water plan. They learned at the meeting Nov. 7, that the city was awarded $5,351,110 in SRF loan funding and awarded an additional $1,511,890 in ARPA grant funding. The council approved Resolution 2022-09 Sewer Facilities Improvement.

Jim McDonald, of North Sioux City, is a World War II veteran who grew up on a small farm near Smithland, IA. After graduating from high school, McDonald enlisted in the United States Army and embarked on a military journey that was far different from his midwestern life.

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring 2023 semester. Positions are available in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls. Spring internships typically run from January to May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all the universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit.

The South Dakota Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star has elected Grace Bick to the office of Grand Conductress and appointed Keith Sorge to the office of Grand Sentinal for the 202223 Session. Both Bick and Sorge are members of Juno Chapter in Vermillion. The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonically related fraternity of women and men. The order is primarily social and charitable in nature, supporting many local services as well as statewide projects. Funding in the past year includes the Vermillion, Elk Point and Centerville Food Pantries, John Ryger Music Scholarships to two University of South Dakota students, the ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership), The Eastern Star Home in Redfield, SD and the Eastern Star Educational Scholarship.

The South Dakota Well Drillers Association (SDWDA) announced that it is offering the “SDWDA Quality Groundwater Scholarships” totaling $10,000 to be divided between five deserving students. There will be one $4,000, one $3,000 and three $1,000 scholarships awarded.