SDDOT seeks public input for I-29 corridor study

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.

North Sioux City honors Officer Mahlke

Officer Faustin Mahlke was recognized on Tuesday, September 16, for a decade of service with the North Sioux City Police Department, marking 10 years of dedication to public safety and community engagement.

Mahlke joined the department in August 2015 and has since played a key role in both patrol operations and internal improvements. His contributions include redesigning shoulder patches, updating patrol car lettering and streamlining departmental paperwork.

WEL-Life celebrates Assisted Living Week

Residents and staff at WEL-Life in Elk Point marked National Assisted Living Week with a full slate of themed activities, family gatherings, and milestone celebrations from Sept. 7 through 13.

Kistner honored for decade of service

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.

Jones’ Food Center marks 30 years with gratitude, growth and community ties

Jones’ Food Center in Elk Point is celebrating 30 years of service this September, marking three decades of local ownership, evolving technology, and deep community connection. The store’s roots trace back to Tom Jones, who operated multiple grocery stores across southeastern South Dakota.

Fleurish Flower Farm to host two-day fall festival

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.

Prost! JBS hosts Oktoberfest

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.

DV Board finalizes hires, policy updates

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.