Tag: economic development

Community, economic development, Government, North Sioux CityLeave a comment
Sticky post

Planning & Zoning Commission has hearing on and approves TIF District #5

Gary Dickson

The North Sioux City Planning and Zoning Commission met on February 12 to discuss development projects and business retention. Key topics included a workforce housing shortage and the Union Crossing Tax Increment Finance District #5, which received unanimous approval. Final plats and several building permits were approved, although procedural concerns arose regarding the VIP Gaming Lounge expansion. Continue reading Planning & Zoning Commission has hearing on and approves TIF District #5

Economy, Government, Health, JusticeLeave a comment

THC seltzers quietly find a foothold in cannabis-cautious South Dakota

Gary Dickson

About a year ago, bar owner Justin Henrichsen started offering THC seltzers and cocktails at his four establishments in Rapid City, Spearfish and Sioux Falls.

Since then, he’s watched the libations’ popularity spike with each passing month, across age groups and demographics, sometimes outselling wine and on pace with craft beers.

What he hasn’t seen are problems. A year in, he can say something about cannabis drinkers he can’t say about beer drinkers. The drinks are a natural extension of the adult beverage business, he argues, no more difficult to fold safely into a bar’s daily operations than the higher-alcohol craft beers that began to take hold across the nation a few decades ago. Continue reading THC seltzers quietly find a foothold in cannabis-cautious South Dakota

economic development, Nebraska, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Visitors flowing in to kayak and tube at Norfolk’s new North Fork Whitewater Park

Gary Dickson

The North Fork Whitewater Park in Norfolk, Nebraska, has drawn a steady flow of visitors since its opening in June. The park features engineered rapids for activities such as kayaking and river surfing, attracting visitors from nearby states. The $3.5 million renovation project aims to revitalize the downtown area and has already generated increased interest and investment in the city. Continue reading Visitors flowing in to kayak and tube at Norfolk’s new North Fork Whitewater Park

Agriculture, economic development, Environment, NebraskaLeave a comment

Nebraska pitched as possible destination for ‘climate migrants’

Gary Dickson

Climate change is expected to drive a mass migration from coastal areas due to rising sea levels and extreme weather. This presents an opportunity for rural Midwest communities like Nebraska to revitalize and attract new residents. Initiatives such as enhancing quality of life and promoting soil health hubs are seen as ways to prepare for potential climate migrants. Continue reading Nebraska pitched as possible destination for ‘climate migrants’

economic development, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Makerspace, new businesses bring hope for former ‘Skid Row of the Plains’

Gary Dickson

In Whiteclay, Nebraska, the Makerspace has replaced alcohol with art, providing a place for local artisans to create and sell goods. The initiative has transformed the village, reducing alcohol-related problems and improving the local economy. However, state support is lacking, hindering the Makerspace’s full potential for positive change. Continue reading Makerspace, new businesses bring hope for former ‘Skid Row of the Plains’

Government, North Sioux CityLeave a comment

The continuing saga of NSC City Hall: Parts 2.1 and 2.2

Gary Dickson

The North Sioux City Council met to canvass election votes, revealing wrong dates for plat tracts and absentee voter irregularities. The appointment of a new city alderman was delayed, and the finalization of a former city administrator’s severance package was approved. Additionally, routine agenda items and bill payments were discussed. Council also addressed future city administrator and alderman appointments. Continue reading The continuing saga of NSC City Hall: Parts 2.1 and 2.2

Economy, South DakotaLeave a comment

Rapid rise in South Dakota home prices is ‘not sustainable,’ economist says

Gary Dickson

Average first-time homebuyers can expect to spend about two-fifths of their pre-tax income on a monthly payment for a house in South Dakota.

“This situation is unheard of,” said Dakota Institute CEO Jared McEntaffer.

He addressed the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development on Wednesday at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

McEntaffer called home prices one of the biggest economic issues the state faces. His analysis highlighted the decoupling of housing costs from incomes, posing a challenge for attracting new workers. Continue reading Rapid rise in South Dakota home prices is ‘not sustainable,’ economist says

Business, Career, economic development, Government, Personal Qualities, South DakotaLeave a comment

‘Freedom’ not enough to fill South Dakota jobs: Local business leaders say there are hurdles with campaign

Gary Dickson

Bob Douglas, touted as a success story of Gov. Kristi Noem’s “Freedom Works Here” workforce recruitment campaign in South Dakota, confirmed a few things during a recent interview with News Watch.

The 66-year-old recreational vehicle salesman does enjoy freedom, it turns out. And he loves South Dakota. He plans to move to the Sioux Falls area once he sells his house in southern California, maybe as early as next spring. Douglas was referenced in a Sept. 21 press release from the governor’s office as having “recently moved to South Dakota.”

As for being heralded by the governor’s staff as an example of Noem’s $6.5 million ad campaign drawing new residents to the Mount Rushmore State, well, that’s not exactly true either. Continue reading ‘Freedom’ not enough to fill South Dakota jobs: Local business leaders say there are hurdles with campaign

Business, Sioux City, Siouxland2 Comments

Just what Riverside needs — another Dollar Store

Gary Dickson

By Gary Dickson garydickson@siouxlandobserver.com Have you been wondering what that building is being constructed just west of Earl May Garden Center on War Eagle Drive? Well wait no longer. It’s just what Riverside and North Sioux apparently needs: another dollar store. More specifically, it’s a brand, spankin’ new Dollar Tree at 4140 War Eagle Dr. And they’re already advertising for employees, in case you are interested. Dollar Tree will join their sister store, Family Dollar, which already is in the Riverside neighborhood of Sioux City, at 2200 Riverside Blvd. There are also competing bargain retail dollar stores close by. One … Continue reading Just what Riverside needs — another Dollar Store

Business, Community, Dakota Dunes, economic development, Government, Siouxland, South DakotaLeave a comment

Whither goes the Dakota Dunes strip mall?

Gary Dickson

It’s been nearly nine months since Slowey Management, SRK Development and Dunes Realty announced that the new strip mall at 2 Rivers Drive on the eastern end of the Interstate 29 interchange in Dakota Dunes was ready for potential tenants. The Yankton-based Slowey Management developed the Holiday Inn Express and Convention Center adjacent to the new strip mall that’s been open since 2018. According to a story published in the Sioux City Journal on Jan. 29, 2023, the strip mall is 14,000 square feet in size and has five tenant spaces. Dakota Dunes and North Sioux City residents have watched … Continue reading Whither goes the Dakota Dunes strip mall?