ARK Church will host its annual Kids Free Shopping Spree (KFSS). The KFSS is an opportunity for children to “shop” Christmas gifts for their parents and siblings at no cost. This fun event pairs the child with a personal shopper who will help them pick out and wrap gifts. This year’s Shopping Spree will take place Saturday, Dec. 3 at their church in North Sioux City. Due to the popularity of this event, pre-registration is required. The KFSS is for children in K-5th grade. The link is available at arkumc.org Communitymemberscan help in several ways: gift wrapping supplies, especially medium- sized gift bags; new/like new items for kids to “shop” from, especially for dads and teenagers; volunteering to setup/ clean-up; and volunteering to help with shopping and wrapping. More details are available at arkumc.org ARK Church seeks to bring help and hope to the community through events like the KFSS, providing food backpacks on the weekends to students at Dakota Valley facing food insecurity, meal kits during the holidays and more.

While there were plenty of electorial races on this year’s ballot, there was one particular item that brought voters out of the woodwork in North Sioux City. In 2020, South Dakota voters elected to allow for the growing, manufacturing, sale and use of medical marijuana.

The month of November is known as National Veterans and Military Family Month. Jenni Martin, of Dakota Dunes, fits into both of these categories. She has been active in the military for the United States Army and is also a current member of the Air Guard in addition to being a mom.

Dakota Valley held a ceremony to honor Veterans Day in the high school gym on Friday, Nov. 11. Students in 4th through 12th grade, along with teachers and staff, were in attendance. Speakers for the event included student council members, Dr. Tonia Warzecha and Marine veteran Phil Kratz of Dakota Dunes.

The City of North Sioux City had submitted a plan for a new lift station in the southwest part of the city to South Dakota’s state water plan. They learned at the meeting Nov. 7, that the city was awarded $5,351,110 in SRF loan funding and awarded an additional $1,511,890 in ARPA grant funding. The council approved Resolution 2022-09 Sewer Facilities Improvement.

Jim McDonald, of North Sioux City, is a World War II veteran who grew up on a small farm near Smithland, IA. After graduating from high school, McDonald enlisted in the United States Army and embarked on a military journey that was far different from his midwestern life.

For the first time in Elk Point-Jefferson history, not only does the football team have an 11-0 record, but they have punched their ticket to the State 11B Football tournament. They secured their ticket with a 47-14 win over Hot Springs, Nov. 4 at home.

The Elk Point-Jef ferson Huskies clawed their way through two games – Beresford (Nov. 1) and Canton (Nov. 3) – to secure their way into the SoDak-16. Elk Point -Jef fe rson hosted Beresford Nov. 1 and brought them down in 3 matches – 27-25; 25-23; 25-19. It was a battle to the finish with Natalie Heuertz putting down 14 kills on the night and followed by Bentlee Kollbaum at 9. Danica Torrez led the Huskies with 3 ace serves and was followed by Alyssa Chytka and Hannah Nearman with 2 each. Josie Curry had the sole block on the night. Chytka added 26 digs to her career and was followed by Sophia Giorgio at 15 and Torrez with 12. Giorgio added 33 assists.

The second annual Jefferweetown was held at Jefferson Beer Supply Oct. 29.

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring 2023 semester. Positions are available in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls. Spring internships typically run from January to May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all the universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit.