Tag: North Sioux City

Government, Health2 Comments

Restaurant inspection update: Meatloaf loafing above the pork, slimy lettuce, rodent feces – and other food safety violations

Gary Dickson

State and city food inspectors in Iowa and South Dakota have found various food safety violations in local restaurants and stores in recent weeks. Violations include insufficient refrigeration, improper food cooling, handling food with bare hands, and dirty facilities. The public is reminded that these reports are only a snapshot in time and that violations are often corrected on the spot. For more details, visit the respective state departments’ websites. Continue reading Restaurant inspection update: Meatloaf loafing above the pork, slimy lettuce, rodent feces – and other food safety violations

Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Union County has new disaster notification system

Gary Dickson

The Union County in South Dakota has introduced a new disaster alert system called Hyper-Reach, allowing citizens to receive immediate notifications for various hazards and weather conditions. Through this system, alerts will be sent via landline, cell phone, email, and TTY, keeping the community informed 24/7 about potential emergencies and weather events. Continue reading Union County has new disaster notification system

Environment, GovernmentLeave a comment

Noem, who sent Guard troops to Texas, resists using them for her own state’s flooding

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces criticism for deploying National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border but not to assist with flooding in the state, citing costliness. Despite opposition, her spokesperson hints at possible Guard utilization. Noem’s decision comes after allocating funds to previous border deployments and faces backlash from state officials and residents. Continue reading Noem, who sent Guard troops to Texas, resists using them for her own state’s flooding

Commentary, GovernmentLeave a comment

Flood washes away Noem’s false veneer of leadership

Gary Dickson

Severe weather in southeast South Dakota exposed Governor Kristi Noem’s shortcomings as she left the state for a political conference and interview, neglecting to adequately warn people about the impending danger. Despite her lackluster crisis response and departure for a fundraiser, she defended her actions, leaving many to question her priorities and leadership. Continue reading Flood washes away Noem’s false veneer of leadership

Environment, Government, North Sioux CityLeave a comment

McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

Gary Dickson

Homeowners allege inadequate warnings, authorities defend communication in the face of record floodwaters at McCook Lake, South Dakota. State and local authorities executed a flood mitigation plan, but some residents claim insufficient warnings. Cleanup and future plans are now in question as the community grapples with the aftermath of the devastating flood. Continue reading McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

PoliticsLeave a comment

Prouty swamps Headid in sheriff’s race.

Gary Dickson

Jim Prouty secures 79% of the vote, defeating Rich Headid in the Republican primary for Union County Sheriff. With no Democratic primary, Prouty is poised to complete the late Sheriff Dan Limoges’ term. Prouty’s extensive experience and widespread support across precincts underscore his victory. Additionally, Sydney Davis, Chris Kassin, and William Shorma win GOP legislative primaries. Continue reading Prouty swamps Headid in sheriff’s race.

Crime19 Comments

Matt Vanderpool ran for North Sioux City alderman. Thursday he was arrested for rape and sexual contact with a child.

Gary Dickson

Last Thursday turned out to be the day from hell for Matt Vanderpool. It’s hard to know whether or not Matt Vanderpool had a smile on his face in a minute or two before 6:30 a.m. Or what his thoughts were. Vanderpool was driving his truck and was near the corner of Alcoma and Streeter Drives. It is probably a good guess, though, the look on his face changed to a look of bewilderment or a frown when he noticed two police cruisers were following him with their lights and sirens on. The police officers had in their possession paperwork that charged Vanderpool with five different counts: rape, solicitation of a minor, abuse and neglect of a child, sexual contact with a child under the age of 16, and sexual exploitation. Continue reading Matt Vanderpool ran for North Sioux City alderman. Thursday he was arrested for rape and sexual contact with a child.

CommentaryLeave a comment

I’m taking a vacation from covering local government

Gary Dickson

I’m told it’s springtime. I would guess that is true judging from the green color of the grass and the leaves in the trees around Siouxland. I don’t want to waste any more of my time sitting in city council or county commission chambers observing our elected officials haggle over whether or not this plat has been correctly presented and dated. I’m annoyed by the one-upmanship and other games being played. So, for the next three or four or five months I leave you to your own motivations.

Continue reading I’m taking a vacation from covering local government

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

Art, Education, South DakotaLeave a comment

Dakota Valley student to compete in Poetry Out Loud national finals

Gary Dickson

Grace Powell, a senior at Dakota Valley High School in North Sioux City, SD, won the South Dakota Poetry Out Loud state contest. She will compete in the national finals in Washington, D.C., with the chance to win a top prize of $20,000. The competition aims to promote poetry education and public speaking skills among high school students. Continue reading Dakota Valley student to compete in Poetry Out Loud national finals