Tag: Flooding

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State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

Gary Dickson

South Dakota faces potential lawsuits from McCook Lake property owners due to severe flood damage linked to state flood diversion efforts. Residents allege inadequate warning and communication about the risks as authorities diverted floodwaters, resulting in devastation. State officials defended their actions while acknowledging the gravity of the situation and ongoing legal concerns. Continue reading State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

Environment, GovernmentLeave a comment
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‘Wild places are worth fighting for’: Concern grows for receding South Dakota wetlands

Gary Dickson

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA has weakened federal protections for wetlands, threatening conservation efforts and accelerating habitat loss, particularly in South Dakota. Conservationists, like John Cooper, emphasize the need to incentivize wetland preservation over agricultural expansion to combat climate change and support wildlife ecosystems essential for future generations. Continue reading ‘Wild places are worth fighting for’: Concern grows for receding South Dakota wetlands

Environment, GovernmentLeave a comment

McCook Lake victims still ‘in the dark,’ waiting for FEMA help nearly seven weeks after flood

Gary Dickson

Victims of the June 23 flood in McCook Lake feel abandoned by government officials, with uncertainty about federal aid. The flood destroyed 40 homes and caused infrastructure damage. South Dakota’s disaster declaration process delayed FEMA assistance. State officials defended the assessment process and contractors, while some officials expressed confidence in aid approval. Continue reading McCook Lake victims still ‘in the dark,’ waiting for FEMA help nearly seven weeks after flood

Economy, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

Gary Dickson

Residents in McCook Lake, South Dakota were caught off guard by a devastating flood on June 23, 2024, despite inadequate warning from authorities. The flood caused extensive damage, and relief efforts have been disorganized, leaving residents uncertain about the future. Many lack flood insurance and are waiting for potential FEMA assistance. Continue reading ‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

Environment, GovernmentLeave a comment

McCook Lake catastrophe shatters complacency around old flood plans

Gary Dickson

Victims, scientists, and researchers in South Dakota call for recognition of climate and land use changes following a devastating flood. The outdated flood mitigation plan led to destructive consequences in McCook Lake, highlighting the need for updated plans and infrastructure to address the increasing frequency and severity of floods. Urban development and changing river flows are contributing factors, requiring updated zoning laws and design standards to mitigate future flood hazards. Continue reading McCook Lake catastrophe shatters complacency around old flood plans

Transportation1 Comment

Local driver is a slow learner

Gary Dickson

Despite warnings about water-covered roadways and “Road Closed” signs in the Siouxland area, a man chose to disregard them and drove around the barriers, getting his car stuck in floodwaters. Onlookers laughed as he attempted to fix the car, but two women eventually helped him before leaving. The incident emphasized the importance of heeding safety warnings. Continue reading Local driver is a slow learner

Dakota Dunes, Geography, Government, Siouxland, South Dakota, TransportationLeave a comment

Public meeting is Monday night for Northshore Drive bypass project

Gary Dickson

Persons interested in the proposed Northshore Drive Bypass Project in the McCook Lake area should note there is a meeting they may want to attend about the project on Monday evening.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), City of North Sioux City and Stockwell Engineers will hold a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the North Sioux City Community Center, 205 Sodrac Dr. Continue reading Public meeting is Monday night for Northshore Drive bypass project