As we wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the progress our community has made this year. From major infrastructure improvements and flood recovery progress to continued growth in housing, business development, and city services, 2025 was a year defined by steady momentum and thoughtful investment in North Sioux City’s future. This month’s Mayor’s Message in the Dakota Dunes / North Sioux City Times looks back on the milestones, improvements, and everyday efforts that shaped the year and the people who helped make that progress possible.

READ THE MAYOR’S MESSAGE →

Wishing you a joyful holiday season,
Mayor Chris Bogenrief

🏛️ Holiday Office Closures: City offices will be closed December 24–26 and January 1 for the holidays. Garbage and recycling collection will not be affected and will continue on the regular schedule.

🍴Senior Meals at the NSC Senior Center: Nutritious meals are served Monday–Friday at Noon at the NSC Senior Center (301 Military Rd). Open to adults 60+, their spouses, and eligible household members. Meals are $7, with dine-in or carry-out available. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Lynn at 712-203-0896.

🏘️ Housing & Redevelopment Commission - Now Recruiting: North Sioux City is seeking two new members for the Housing & Redevelopment Commission, which supports affordable housing initiatives and community improvement projects. Interested in serving? Contact Andrew Nilges at 712-444-0826 or [email protected]. Learn more HERE. 

We’re looking ahead to 2026 and we want your input! Your feedback will help guide how we share information, improve communication tools, and create more opportunities for connection across North Sioux City. Survey closes December 31, 2025.

Your voice truly guides our communication and community engagement efforts. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts!

🛣️ Northshore Drive Reconstruction: Planning continues for the full reconstruction of the eastern half of Northshore Drive and the adjacent sidewalk, with construction expected to begin in spring 2026 as part of the City’s long-term flood recovery and neighborhood restoration efforts. 

🏘️ Land Acquisition & Neighborhood Stabilization: The City is finalizing the purchase of flood-impacted properties through the Homeowner Recovery Program, with closings expected by the end of the year. These acquisitions will allow the City to clean up and stabilize the areas most affected by the 2024 flood.

💧 Flood Repair Fee Relief: To support residents recovering from last year’s flood, the City Commission approved a resolution waiving and reimbursing building and permit fees for repair work and new construction along Northshore Drive and Penrose Drive.

The North Sioux City Library is wrapping up the year with several fun programs and opportunities for all ages. Families can enjoy Gingerbread House Making now through December 23 during regular library hours. Adults (ages 16+) can take part in the Winter Reading Raffle - each book read earns an entry to win one of ten $50 gift certificates, sponsored by Fareway and the Friends of the Library. Winners will be drawn on December 22.

The library is also gathering community input to help shape future programs and services.

Share your feedback in the Library Survey →

Looking ahead, the Winter Reading Challenge, sponsored by McDonald’s, begins January 5. Readers of all ages (Kindergarten through Adult) can complete a tic-tac-toe reading card to earn prizes and be entered into a grand-prize drawing. The challenge runs through the end of February.

Stay connected with everything happening at the library by visiting nsclibrary.org or following the North Sioux City Library on Facebook.

Exciting progress continues at Union Crossing, where work is now underway on the Prairie Dunes apartment and townhome community. The project includes two apartment buildings with 50 units each and 77 townhomes for lease. On the single-family side of the development, street paving and utility installation for Phase 1 are nearly complete, with construction of approximately 110 new homes and duplexes anticipated to begin in March 2026. Commercial development in Union Crossing is also moving forward quickly. Of the 28 commercial acres available, 23.3 acres are already sold or under contract, with an estimated 10–12 new businesses expected as the area builds out. Check out this video of the progress!

The North Sioux City Economic Development Corporation (NSCEDC) supports projects that drive long-term growth and opportunity in our community. LEARN MORE AND VIEW AVAILABLE PROPERTIES →

✨ Holiday Parade of Lights Recap: Thank you to everyone who braved the cold and joined us for the Holiday Parade of Lights on December 4! The parade was filled with festive floats, smiling faces, and holiday spirit thanks to the many local businesses, organizations, and community groups who participated.

A special thank-you to the NSC Parks & Rec Committee for organizing the event, and to the North Sioux City Police Department for hosting the post-parade stop with refreshments, Letters to Santa, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Additional thanks to Peoples Bank for sponsoring refreshments, Rabbitt Family Vision Center for promoting the parade on their digital billboard, and KTIV News 4 for helping share the fun.

👉 View the full list of parade participants and photos on our Facebook page.

🏠 Holiday Lighting Contest Recap: The North Sioux City Police Department hosted this year’s Holiday Lighting Contest, with officers nominating standout displays across town during evening patrols December 8–12. The contest was organized with support from City Commissioner Jessica Strain and made possible thanks to generous prize donations from local businesses.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:
🥇 1st Place: Shaun Florke – 14 Union Ct
🥈 2nd Place: Jason & Tiffany Jund – 17 Alcoma Dr
🥉 3rd Place: Esteban Barajas – 640 Lakeview Dr
🎄 Clark Griswold Award: James & Mandy Heeren – 388 Lakeshore Dr

A big thank-you to Subway, Casey’s, Bob & Ellen’s, Big Papa’s Grub On The Run, Taco John’s, Beano & Sherry’s Casinos, and J’s Nutrition for donating prizes and helping make this festive community event possible.

We hope you enjoyed this issue of North Sioux City News! This newsletter is just one way 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.

Stay Connected:
🌐 City Website 
📺 Meeting Recordings
📣 NSC Facebook Page
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