The Union County Sheriff’s Office recently promoted two deputies to the rank of sergeant: Jerry Renken and Evan Spindler. Sheriff Jim Prouty recognized both officers for their leadership, dedication and service to the community. Their promotions mark a significant milestone in their careers and reflect the department’s continued commitment to excellence.

This past month, the City Commissioners and I reviewed the proposed budget for 2026. As always, our goal is to maintain the high level of service our residents expect while keeping the tax burden as low as possible.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of North Sioux City, community of Dakota Dunes, Union County, Iowa DOT, Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will hold a public meeting open house from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, for the Interstate 29 Corridor Study.

Steve Kistner, a McCook Lake resident and Dakota Valley School District Board Member, recently received the Distinguished Service Award, from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD). It was an honor to recognize his decade of service. It was also a big milestone for Kistner as all ushered in the start of the 2025/26 academic school year.

Fleurish Flower Farm will celebrate the close of its u-pick flower season with a two-day autumn festival, “Fall Into Fleurish,” on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20–21. The event will be held at the farm’s location at 47663 SD Hwy 50, just west of Elk Point, and will feature seasonal foods, live music, pumpkins, and one final stroll through the flower fields.

The Dakota Valley School District Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, Sept. 8, addressing a full agenda that included staffing transitions, policy revisions, surplus declarations, and union negotiations. The meeting was held at 6 p.m. in the district board room and was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Matt Thompson. Board members Jessica Hanson, Andrew Nilges, and Emily Norby were present; member Steve Kistner was absent. Superintendent Garrett Schmidt and Business Manager Jill Sponder were also in attendance.

Jefferson Beer Supply, a Siouxland craft brewery, invites everyone to join in the fun and celebrate Oktoberfest with us Saturday September 20th from 12-6pm. This familyfriendly traditional German beer garden event features live original music, German food and drinks, Oktoberfest games, steins, and more- all while supporting a worthy cause.

Aiden Keenan, a recent graduate of Dakota Valley, received the honor of Eagle Scout on May 18, 2025. In order to earn this high achievement, a scout must advance through the ranks via the order of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life.

It seems no matter a person’s age, he or she can always recall where they were on September 11, 2001 when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City. The 9/11 terrorist attack, which also targeted the Pentagon, was an atrocity on the United States. What occurred when four commercial planes were overtaken by Islamist extremists, from the network known as al-Qaeda, was difficult to fathom even as it unfolded on live television. It now serves as a core memory for many.