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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.

Union County 4-H members, leaders, and supporters gathered at the Southeast Farmers Elevator Coop, Elk Point, SD, on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of 4-H youth and volunteers. This year’s event brought together families, community members, and supporters, to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments and encourage continued involvement in 4-H programs. Several individuals and clubs received special recognition for their exceptional contributions. demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service, volunteer efforts, as well as clubs that achieved significant milestones in project work.

Federal approval of South Dakota’s disaster relief plan has cleared the way for more than $15 mil‑lion in recovery aid to reach North Sioux City, nearly 18 months after floodwaters swept through the commu‑nity in 2024.

The Union County Board of Commission‑ers met in regular ses‑sion Nov. 25, 2025, at the courthouse in Elk Point, with Commissioners Peg‑gy Ustad, Michael Dailey and Kevin Joffer present.

Fourteen families across Union County schools received com‑plete Thanksgiving meals this week thanks to donations from local businesses and coor‑dination by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The initiative provid‑ed turkeys, side dishes and desserts to fami‑lies in the Dakota Val‑ley, Elk Point‑Jefferson, Beresford and Alcester school districts.

The North Sioux City Commission on Nov. 17 approved a slate of infrastructure measures, staffing updates and financial actions during a meeting that also featured community concerns and plans for the city’s holiday parade.

The North Sioux City Planning Commission on Nov. 12 approved two plats, tabled a third for legal review, and discussed upcoming development projects during its regular meeting at City Hall.