A trip to China in 1995 forever changed the perspective of life and love for a local surgeon, Dr. Steven Meyer, MD F.A.A.O.S Orthopaedic Surgeon at CNOS. In June of 1996, Meyer travelled to Tanzania with Pastor Jon Gerdts and fell in love with the beauty of the country. However, Meyer was struck by the level of poverty around him. With his eyes opened, Meyer realized he was in a position where he could open his heart and give back. “I felt like God had blessed me with so much and it was my time to give back,” Meyer said. That’s when the idea of an organization to help the people of Tanzania became more than an idea. Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministry (STEMM) was founded in 1996 and organized in 1997. The founders were Meyer and his wife, Dana Meyer, Rev. Jon Gerdts and Lazaro Nyalandu. In 1997, the founders led a group of 10 area residents on the first trip to Tanzania. Since then, 25 years later, there have been over 200 mission trips of which Meyer has been on almost 60.

The Dakota Valley High School welcomed Steve Grant, a former NFL linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, to be a guest speaker on Tuesday, Nov. 1 in the performing arts center. Grant addressed the crowd of students in grades 9th through 12th, as well as teachers, staff and administrators, on the power of making positive choices. He addressed issues such as bullying, mental health and not being a bystander in life.

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Union County 4-H club members and leaders completed the 2021-22 club year with an annual Recognition Event on Sunday Oct. 23 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elk Point. Congratulations to all the club members on a successful 4-H year. Leaders were recognized for their accomplishments in club, county, and state activities. 4-H members spoke about different activities including Horse Event, Teen Leaders, 4-H Camp, Fashion Revue, Poultry Judging, Special Foods, Rabbit Skill-a-thon, and Horticulture Skill-a-thon. Local donors sponsor the awards each year. The following are the clubs in Union County: Eager Beavers, Scattered 4-H Club, Prairie Herdsman, Shooting Sports, A-1 Alcester – B, Brule Go-Getters, Busy Coral and Dakota Kids.

Issues with the current sewer lines and solutions to the issues were the main focus of the Union County Board of County Commission meeting Nov. 1.

News regarding the expansion of the Graham Airport has brought mixed feelings to those in North Sioux City. While some see it as an opportunity of growth, others have concerns. Both sides were heard at the public forum held at Graham’s Airport Nov. 1.

The Dakota Valley Music Department presented a fall vocal preview concert Tuesday, Oct. 25. Student singers in grades 4th through 12th took the stage to entertain the crowd seated in the Dakota Valley Performing Arts Center. The choirs were directed by Kari Wilmes and Lori Jessen was the accompanist.

The Dakota Valley middle school students were able to participate in a pumpkin painting contest. The Middle School Student Council sponsored the contest and the High School Student Council chose the winners.

Results of the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) were released. While some states experienced double-digit declines in average test scores, South Dakota scores stayed above the national average and experienced less volatility than other states.

Supporters of universal free meals for all schoolchildren in America are looking to the U.S. Congress for continued funding, either in a spending measure or the 2023 Farm Bill.