News | Dakota Dunes North Sioux City Times & Southern Union County Leader-Courier

County hires deputies

Shannon Jost

Friday, April 24, 2026

The Union County Commission approved a series of highway easements, personnel actions and project agreements Tuesday during a wide‑ranging April 14 meeting that also included Board of Equalization business and updates on the courthouse and sheriff’s office construction plans.

Lucas McMahan, a student at EPJ, shows Elk Point’s chief of police how to use the communication cards that the Huskies delivered on April 15, 2026. From left: Lucas McMahan and Police Chief Jacob Limoges.

Student visit highlights communication

Kelly Riibe

Friday, April 24, 2026

Huskies in Cassandra Schmith’s Structured Learning Center (SLC) classroom took a field trip to the Elk Point police station on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The goal for the trip was to deliver communication cards, made by the Elk PointJefferson (EPJ) students, to the Chief of Police and his officers.

Dakota Valley board OKs staffing changes

Shannon Jost

Friday, April 24, 2026

The Dakota Valley School Board approved a series of staffing changes, contract actions and program agreements during its April 13 regu‑lar meeting, moving forward on preparations for the 2026‑27 school year.

SECOG and Region Communities to have Safe Streets for All Public Meeting

News Staff

Thursday, April 23, 2026

The South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG) in partnership with

Canistota

Salem

Spencer

Brandon

Colton

Crooks

Dell Rapids

Garretson

Hartford

Humboldt

Valley Springs

Centerville

Turner County

Vermillion

Canton

Harrisburg

Lennox

Absentee ballots delayed for June 2 primary in Union County

News Staff

Friday, April 17, 2026

Absentee ballots for South Dakota’s June 2 primary election will not be available on the first day of the absentee voting period, the Union County Auditor’s Office announced this week.

Donation sparks Jefferson court talk

Shannon Jost

Friday, April 17, 2026

The Jefferson City Council moved through a full agenda Monday night as members approved licenses, reviewed department updates and heard early plans for this summer’s Days of ’59 celebration. Mayor Padraic Rigg presided over the April 6 meeting with council members Tony Boulware, Jason Casper, Mark LaFleur, John Lokhorst, Martin Nelkie and Michael Stokely present.

NSC weighs mitigation options

Shannon Jost

Friday, April 17, 2026

The North Sioux City Commission moved through flood‑recovery work, resident concerns and spring business during its April 7 meeting, while also taking time to recognize a longtime police officer for his service. Mayor Chris Bogenrief presided with commissioners Julie Burhoop, Lynn Hoffman, Jessica Strain and Vincent Tucker present, along with Finance Officer Amy Lilly and City Attorney Sarah Kleber. Strain presented Police Chief Richard Headid with a plaque honoring his 30 years with the department. Headid also addressed the ongoing road closure from the east side of Northshore to Penrose, saying enforcement will continue as reconstruction work progresses.

Panthers show their smarts at first South Dakota Civics Bee

Kelly Riibe

Friday, April 17, 2026

The first ever South Dakota National Civics Bee regional competition was held in downtown Sioux City, on April 7, 2026, with multiple Panthers competing. Held at the RE/MAX City Centre, and hosted by the Dakota Valley Business Council, students were quizzed on their knowledge of government and history in front of a crowd and three judges.

Speed limit reduced on Highway 105 as detour increases traffic near Dakota Valley schools

News Staff

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Drivers traveling to and from Dakota Valley schools are being asked to slow down and use extra caution after the speed limit on Highway 105 was reduced Thursday morning.

The limit has been lowered from 55 mph to 45 mph in connection with the current detour route around the Northshore Drive construction area. School officials said the change is intended to improve safety as traffic volumes increase during peak drop‑off and pickup times.

From left: Kelli Kappenman, Thomas Kappenman, Police Chief Jacob Limoges, Officer Austin Edwards and members of Girl Scout Troop 161 are pictured as the troop delivers the sensory bags they assembled for the Elk Point Police Department. Submitted photo

From panic to preparation

Shannon Jost

Friday, April 10, 2026

A moment of panic at home led an Elk Point mother to create a new special needs safety pro‑gram now being used by local first responders. Earlier this year, Kelli Kappenman discovered that the front door of her home was open and her son Thomas, who is on the autism spectrum, was no longer inside.