North Sioux City News: Issue 5

From the Mayor’s Office

As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, two key projects are moving forward to improve safety, support growth, and benefit families — especially those with children at Dakota Valley Schools. Mayor Chris Bogenrief shares the details in his latest North Sioux City Times column. READ THE MAYOR’S MESSAGE →

Trivia & Tidbits

Speaking of a new school year approaching…did you know the Dakota Valley School District was created on July 1, 1994, with 621 students and a $132 million valuation, making it the newest and smallest K–12 district in South Dakota at the time? It was formed when the southern portion of the former Jefferson School District separated from the northern portion, which became part of the Elk Point–Jefferson district.

Today, Dakota Valley has more than doubled its enrollment to over 1,300 students, its valuation has grown to over $1.3 billion, and community members have generously donated more than $5 million toward new facilities and enhancements. The district is now known for strong academics, outstanding arts, and competitive athletics. We are proud of this growth and grateful to have such an exceptional school district for the children and families of our community.

Community Spotlight

Earlier this month, the North Sioux City Fire Department honored Chief Bill Pappas for more than 35 years of leadership, service, and commitment to our community. Chief Pappas joined the department in 1986 and became Fire Chief in 1989, guiding the team through major changes, mentoring every member who has served, and championing the importance of realistic, hands-on training.

Thanks to his persistence, a vision more than 20 years in the making has become reality: a dedicated training center to prepare firefighters for the challenges they face. In recognition of his lasting impact, the facility has been officially named the William D. Pappas Training Center - a permanent reminder of what it means to lead, serve, and never stop learning.

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

🛣️ Northshore Bypass Project Video: See how this new bypass road, connecting I-29 to Westshore Drive, will improve traffic flow and emergency access - a key step in building a more resilient community after last year’s flood. WATCH THE BYPASS VIDEO →

📽️ Northshore Drive Reconstruction Video: Take a virtual drive along the rebuilt Northshore Drive and see how it will connect to the bypass. This project improves safety and access to Dakota Valley Schools while strengthening critical routes impacted by flood damage. WATCH THE RECONSTRUCTION VIDEO →

🚧 Penrose Drive Reconstruction: Another important link in our recovery plan, Penrose Drive is on track for full completion by September 15. The Northshore Drive detour will remain in place through August 17 but should reopen in time for the first day of school on August 18. READ THE LATEST UPDATES →

Library Corner

The results are in - and what a summer it’s been! The Summer Reading Program at the North Sioux City Library had over 2,900 books read and more than 2,500 hours logged by the youngest patrons alone. In total, more than 600 people participated, filling the library with great energy and a love of reading. Congratulations to all Grand Prize winners, and thank you to everyone who took part. Fall programming is just around the corner - stay tuned!

Community Reminders & Updates

⚠️ Northshore Drive Detour Reminder: Detour remains in place through August 17 due to Penrose Drive work. Expected reopening on August 18 for the first day of school.

📖 Library Fall Programming: Fall events and activities are coming soon at the North Sioux City Library. WATCH FOR EVENTS HERE →

📆 Upcoming Commission Meeting: The next City Commission meeting will be held on Monday, August 18th at 6:00 PM at City Hall. Can’t attend in person? Watch it live or catch the replay on our YouTube channel.

Inside Economic Development

The North Sioux City Economic Development Corporation (NSCEDC) is excited to share that the City Commission recently approved a work order to update Title 17 – Land Use and Development of the city ordinance. While it may sound technical, this update will have a real impact on daily life in our community.

From housing and neighborhood growth to road improvements and local business development, Title 17 guides how our city grows and functions. Updating it means clearer rules, faster processes, and development standards that reflect today’s needs, making it easier to build, improve, and invest in North Sioux City.

The goal is simple: create ordinances that work better for residents, support a variety of housing options, and encourage thoughtful economic growth for years to come.

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 →

What’s Ahead: Upcoming Events & Meetings 

• August 14: Back to School Night - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Dakota Valley Schools

• August 15: Little Naturalist Program - 10:00 a.m., Adams Nature Area

• August 18: City Commission Meeting – 6 p.m., City Hall

• August 18: First Day of School - Dakota Valley Schools

• September 5th: Dakota Valley Homecoming Parade - 1:30 p.m.

• ROCS Food Pantry: Every Mon & Fri 12–2 p.m., City Hall

• Mahong Gaming: Every Mon 10 a.m., North Sioux City Library

📸 Captured in NSC 📸

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.

Stay Connected:
🌐 City Website 
📺 Meeting Recordings 
📣 NSC Facebook Page
📰 View Past Newsletters

Not subscribed yet? If a friend or neighbor forwarded this to you, be sure to sign up to receive future issues directly: northsiouxcity-sd.gov/get-notified