North Sioux City News: Issue 6

From the Mayor’s Office

Recently, the City Commissioners and I reviewed the proposed 2026 budget, which reflects our commitment to maintaining strong services while keeping the tax burden low. The budget supports important community priorities, including:

• Major flood recovery projects like the Northshore Drive Reconstruction and new lift stations.

• Investments in growth and development, backed by $18.5 million in federal funding and nearly $11 million in state loans and grants.

• Continued support for housing, infrastructure, and local business expansion.

This balanced approach means North Sioux City can move forward with key projects, support families and businesses, and build on the momentum of recent growth all while planning responsibly for the future. VIEW BUDGET STARTING ON PAGE 32 →

Trivia & Tidbits

Did you know? Nearly 70% of North Sioux City’s annual revenue comes from sales tax. For a community of just over 3,000 residents, that’s extraordinary - adding up to about $4.8 million in the city's recent budget. Here’s how that compares to nearby cities:

• North Sioux City (pop. ~3,000) - $4.8M = ~$1,580 per resident

• Yankton, SD (pop. ~15,400) - $14.1M = ~$916 per resident

• Vermillion, SD (pop. ~11,700) - $6.2M = ~$534 per resident

This shows just how unique North Sioux City is: a small community with one of the strongest business bases in the region, generating more sales tax per resident than many cities several times its size.

Community Spotlight

Meet Faustin Mahlke – This month, the City of North Sioux City proudly recognizes Officer Faustin Mahlke on his 10th anniversary with the Police Department. Since joining the force in August 2015, Officer Mahlke has made an impact not only through his patrol duties, but also by helping improve the department’s operations - from designing new shoulder patches and patrol car lettering to updating day-to-day paperwork.

Known for his strong community spirit, Officer Mahlke regularly volunteers at events such as National Night Out and the Dakota Valley Homecoming Parade, and also serves as a certified EMT with the North Sioux City Fire Department. His dedication extends beyond his shift; one of his most notable moments came when he responded off duty to an armed robbery call, quickly identifying the suspect vehicle and helping secure an arrest within 30 minutes.

Colleagues praise his sharp memory, attention to detail, and professionalism, as well as his volunteer service with the Fire Department. Officer Mahlke’s commitment to both law enforcement and public service reflects the very best of North Sioux City, and we are grateful for his decade of dedication to keeping our community safe.

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 Drive – Work continues on Phase 1 of the Homeowner Recovery Program for residents of Northshore and Penrose Drive, including finalizing property acquisitions. The City is also working to secure the remaining easements from property owners to keep the reconstruction of Northshore Drive on track.

🚧 Penrose Drive Reconstruction – Construction is now complete. Thank you to residents for your patience during this important recovery project.

🌊 McCook Lake – South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks will keep the No Wake in place until next spring. The City’s public boat ramp will also reopen then. In the meantime, lakefront property owners are asked to stabilize their lots to help prevent wave erosion before the water is filled back up.

Library Corner

See what’s new at the library this fall!

The fall season at the North Sioux City Library is packed with activities for all ages. Preschool Storytime begins September 17 at 10:30 a.m., while Little Legos meets the second Tuesday of each month from 10:30–11 a.m. during the school year. Older kids can join Lego Builders, which continues to meet on the last Monday of each month from 4–5 p.m.

The Friends of the Library will host their annual fall book sale on September 18 (5–7 p.m.), September 19 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.), and September 20 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.). Anyone interested in joining the Friends group can reach out to Morgan Smith at [email protected]

Patrons can also check out the newest South Dakota Teen Choice Award books, now featured in the Young Adult section, and explore Book Club Bags - sets of multiple copies of popular titles designed for anyone interested in hosting their own book club.

Community Reminders & Updates

🍂 Fall Clean Up Weekend – A great chance to tackle fall cleaning projects! North Sioux City residents can dispose of unwanted items at the City’s Maintenance Shop (300 Parkside Avenue) at NO COST. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 4 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.) and Sunday, October 5 (8 a.m.–2 p.m.). Regular dumping fees will be waived, though tire disposal will still cost $3 each. Rain date (if needed) is Saturday, October 11 (8 a.m.–2 p.m.).

🗑️ Garbage & Recycling Update – Thank you to residents across North Sioux City for your patience during recent service delays. G&K Disposal worked through unexpected equipment challenges, even purchasing a new truck to get routes back on schedule.

⚓ City Surplus Sale – Looking for a boat? A 2005 Lund 1600 Pro Sport Adventure with trailer will be available for bid September 22–30 through the City’s surplus sale. Visit GovDeals.com/NorthSiouxCitySD to place a bid, & learn how the process works HERE →

🚨 Free Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms – The North Sioux City Fire Department is offering free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, including installation, to local residents. Request yours today HERE →

📆 Upcoming Commission Meetings: The next City Commission meetings will be held on Monday, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20 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

Exciting progress is underway at Prairie Dunes, the next phase of the Union Crossing development. At its August 13 meeting, the Planning Commission approved a building permit for Signature Companies’ apartment and townhome project, which includes 100 apartment units, 77 townhomes, 3 garages, and a clubhouse - a total investment of nearly $21 million. Construction is anticipated to begin later this year.

Meanwhile, work has already started on the single-family portion of Union Crossing. Grading and infrastructure are in progress, with paving of streets expected to be completed by the end of the year. New home construction is anticipated to begin as early as spring 2026, adding even more housing options for North Sioux City residents.

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 

• September 18 (5–7 p.m.), September 19 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.), and September 20 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.): Friends of the Library Book Sale, NSC Library

• September 19th: Little Naturalist Program (Ages 2-4) - 10 - 11 a.m., Adams Nature Area

• September 29th: Lego Builders (K-6th Graders) - 4 - 5 p.m., NSC Library

• October 4 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) & October 5th (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.): Annual City Fall Clean Up Weekend, 300 Parkside Ave - Dumping fees are waived

• October 6th: City Commission Meeting – 6 p.m., City Hall 

• October 9th: SDDOT I-29 Corridor Study Open House - 4:30-6:30 p.m., NSC Community Center

• October 14th: Little Legos (Ages 3-5) - 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., NSC Library

• October 17th: Little Naturalist Program (Ages 2-4) - 10 - 11 a.m., Adams Nature Area 

• October 20th: City Commission Meeting – 6 p.m., City Hall

📸 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.

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