North Sioux City News - Issue 2

Your official source for city news and updates

June 25, 2025

From the Mayor’s Office

North Sioux City was recently mentioned on Capitol Hill as Senator Mike Rounds highlighted the devastation at McCook Lake during a U.S. Senate hearing with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. General Graham acknowledged the need for an updated mitigation study and expressed the Corps’ commitment to finding a better long-term solution. It’s encouraging to see this critical issue gaining attention in Washington D.C. Locally, we remain committed to advancing recovery efforts and advocating for lasting solutions.

– Mayor Chris Bogenrief

Trivia & Tidbits

Did You Know? We recently shared a bit about the Big Sioux post office - now let’s talk about what came next. In 1873, it was replaced by the McCook post office, which operated off and on until 1911. It sat in “old town McCook,” between the railroad tracks and where I-29 runs today, just south of Exit 4. The postmaster made $32.86 in 1875 - and a whopping $39 by 1907!

1879 map showing location of “McCook”. Note the spot on the map called “Texas” west of Jefferson.

Community Spotlight

Meet Ashley Verdoorn - passionate early childhood educator, mom of five, and longtime North Sioux City resident. A proud Dakota Valley alum, Ashley has spent more than 12 years caring for children in her home while raising her own active family. She later expanded her impact by purchasing Little Scholars Preschool, a local North Sioux City business that helps young learners build confidence and prepare for kindergarten. Whether she’s guiding little minds or exploring local parks and nature areas with her kids, Ashley’s heart for children and dedication to community shines through. She’s helping shape the next generation and making North Sioux City a better place, one little learner at a time.

Know someone who's making a positive difference in North Sioux City? Whether it’s a neighbor, local volunteer, business owner, or city staff member, we’d love to highlight them in a future issue. Send your nomination to [email protected] with a few sentences about who they are and why they should be featured!

Flood Recovery Updates

🌊 One Year Later: June 23 marked one year since the flood that deeply impacted our community. While much was lost, we’re grateful for the first responders, volunteers, and neighbors who stepped up in those difficult days. We know there is still work to do, and we haven’t forgotten about those still recovering. With new city leadership and a renewed focus on transparency and long-term solutions, we remain committed to doing the work needed to move forward together.

📢 State Recovery Plan Open for Public Comment: The South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (SDGOED) has released a draft plan for how $15.3 million in federal disaster recovery funds may be used in areas impacted by the 2024 flood. North Sioux City and Union County are eligible. Public comments are being accepted through July 11 via email at [email protected]. VIEW PLAN & DETAILS →

🚧 Penrose Construction Progress & Traffic Reminder: Construction on Penrose Drive is now fully underway, with work progressing on schedule. As crews continue through early August, please be aware that the speed limit on Northshore Drive has been temporarily reduced to 15 MPH for safety. VIEW SCHEDULE & UPDATES →

Library Corner

Absolute Science Foam Cannon Party

Book Babies Storytime Class

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Classes! The Summer Reading Program is in full swing, bringing hands-on learning and engaging activities for all ages! Two upcoming classes still have openings: Stop the Bleed on June 26 (1–2 PM) teaches emergency bleeding control with local EMTs, and Road Ready Auto Class on June 27 (1–2:30 PM) offers teens 13+ driving and car care tips from our police department. Sign up for both at the library. Other highlights include Book Babies (June 30 & July 7), the Fontenelle Forest Raptor Program (July 8), Book Club (July 8), and Walk-in Wednesday crafts (July 9). Weekly Mahjong continues every Monday.

See full details on THE LIBRARY’S FACEBOOK EVENTS PAGE or stop by the library (601 River Dr) to learn more!

Community Reminders

🎆 Fireworks Rules: Fireworks can only be discharged within city limits from June 27 to July 5, between 7:00 AM and 12:01 AM. Large public displays require a permit. Please be courteous to neighbors, follow all safety rules, and help keep our community safe this holiday.

📬 Contact City Hall Anytime: Have a question, concern, or idea? You don’t need to wait for a commission meeting - reach out anytime! Email us at [email protected] or call City Hall at 605-232-4276 to connect with city staff or an elected commissioner. We’re always happy to hear from residents.

Inside Economic Development

Contractor Shops Underway in Flynn Business Park

Nelson Gateway Spec Building

Three Projects Break Ground - It’s been a busy few weeks for development in North Sioux City with several new projects breaking ground:
 🚧 Flynn Business Park: Construction on the first of four contractor shops is underway, offering space for local trades and small businesses. The first building will be 9,600 sq ft.
 🚧 Nelson Gateway Spec Building: A 99,000 sq. ft. warehouse is now under construction on the north end of the Gateway campus.
 🚧 Lloyd Apartments: A new $13.5M multifamily project will bring 116 units across six buildings to NSC.

The North Sioux City Economic Development Corporation (NSCEDC) continues to support projects that drive long-term growth and opportunity. LEARN MORE AND VIEW AVAILABLE PROPERTIES →

What’s Ahead: Upcoming Events & Meetings 

  • June 28: Bird Hike (8AM) - Adams Nature Area

  • June 28: City-Wide Rummage (9AM-1PM) - Sponsored by ARK United Methodist Church - Text 712-574-4734 to register ($5 to be put on map, $10 for a table space at the church - 120 Gateway Dr)

  • June 28: One Year, One Community Event (4-9PM) - Union County Long-Term Recovery Group at Park Jefferson Speedway - Click HERE for more info.

  • July 2: Barnyard Buddies (9AM) - Adams Nature Area

  • July 4: City Hall buildings will be CLOSED in observance of the holiday.

  • July 5: A Casual Walk with Occasional Plants program (11AM) Adams Nature Area

  • July 7: City Commission Meeting (6:00pm) – Stream live on YouTube or watch the recording HERE

  • North Sioux City Community Library Events - Click HERE to see the many events they have going on this summer! 

  • ROCS Food Pantry: Mon & Wed 2:30-4:30, Fri 12-2PM - 504 River Dr

📸 Captured in NSC 📸

NSC Police Department receives upgraded gear through the FBI’s Legacy Body Armor Program.

Spotted at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve - photo by Tim Tushla.

Want your photo to be featured in a future issue? Email your photo, name, and a short description to [email protected] with the subject line: “Community Photo.”

Thanks for Reading!

We hope you enjoyed this issue of North Sioux City News! This newsletter is just one more way we’re working to keep you informed, connected, and proud to call North Sioux City home. We’d love to hear what you think: what you liked, what we could improve, or what you'd like to see in future issues. Just hit reply to this email to share your thoughts.

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