February is a good reminder to appreciate what we love, and Mayor Bogenrief’s latest column does just that. He shares why North Sioux City feels like home, from the everyday moments in our neighborhoods to the strong sense of community he’s seen in his first year serving as Mayor. The full Mayor’s Message is published in the Dakota Dunes / North Sioux City Times.

READ THE MAYOR’S MESSAGE →

🛣️ Northshore Drive Reconstruction - Project Update: The Northshore Drive Reconstruction Project is currently out for bid, with construction potentially beginning in March. Northshore will remain open to through traffic until at least April 1. Once construction is underway, the road is expected to be closed to through traffic for much of the season, reopening prior to the start of school in August. Temporary access will be maintained for residents. Read the full project overview and view updated renderings HERE.

🏘️ Lot Cleanup & Neighborhood Stabilization: The City has now acquired 16 flood-impacted lots in the areas most devastated by the 2024 flood. Work has begun to remove debris - including lakefront cleanup - and a grading plan for all acquired lots will be presented to the City Commission in March.

🚤 McCook Lake Working Group Update: The City continues meeting regularly with the McCook Lake Association, McCook Lake Izaak Walton League, and the Union County Commissioners to coordinate lake restoration efforts. The current lake level is 1081 feet above sea level. A volunteer cleanup effort is planned for mid-March to address visible debris in accessible areas, with the City assisting in disposal. Pumping is expected to begin April 1 (pending adequate river levels), with a target lake level of approximately 1088 feet by June 1.

Join the Friends of the Library: Want to help strengthen one of North Sioux City’s most valued community spaces? The Friends of the North Sioux City Community Library supports programs, events, collections, and services for all ages and they’re looking to grow. With just a small group of active members currently involved, even a few new supporters can make a big impact. Members meet quarterly and stay informed about library news, have opportunities to volunteer, and connect with others who value literacy and lifelong learning. Membership is open to everyone who wants to help keep our library strong. To learn more or join, contact [email protected].

🗳️ City Commission Seat Open for June 2 Election: One 3-year at-large Commissioner seat will be on the June 2, 2026 ballot. Residents interested in serving can begin circulating nominating petitions on February 2. To qualify, candidates must collect 50 signatures from registered North Sioux City voters and file completed petitions with City Hall by March 24. Commissioners attend meetings twice per month and help guide decisions on public safety, utilities, public works, and finance. If you care about the future of North Sioux City, this is a meaningful way to get involved. View election FAQs HERE.

🚦 Safe Streets for All - Share Your Input: SECOG, in partnership with North Sioux City, has launched a Regional Safe Streets for All Plan focused on improving roadway safety. Residents are encouraged to complete a short survey and/or drop a pinpoint on the community map to share safety concerns. Participate HERE.

🧾 Senior/Disabled Property Tax Assessment Freeze: Eligible homeowners age 65+ (or legally disabled) who meet income limits ($56,595 single / $66,885 multi-member) and home value requirements (under $514,500) may qualify for a property tax assessment freeze. Apply through the Union County Treasurer’s Office by April 1. Questions? [email protected].

📚 Non-Resident Library Card Fee Update: Beginning March 1, 2026, the annual non-resident library card fee will increase from $40 to $50. This is the first adjustment in more than 10 years. North Sioux City residents support the library through local taxes, and this fee helps ensure the Library can continue providing high-quality materials, digital resources, and programming to those who live outside city limits while remaining good stewards of public funds.

Spark Market Success + New Local Business Insights – The first annual Dakota Valley Spark Market was a big success, and the North Sioux City Economic Development Corporation (NSCEDC) is proud to have supported it as a founding sponsor. With 50 booths, 75+ student entrepreneurs, and nearly $4,500 in goods sold, the strong community turnout showed how much North Sioux City rallies behind young talent and new ideas.

NSCEDC also recently released its 2026 Business Retention & Expansion Report, based on visits with 38 local employers. Executive Director Andrew Nilges shared that these conversations help identify real-world barriers and opportunities so the City and partners can make smarter decisions related to infrastructure, housing, workforce, and quality-of-life investments. The report found a local business community that is largely stable and optimistic, with most businesses reporting stable or increasing sales - and many planning growth in the coming years. Read the full report HERE.

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.

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