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The Tea Area School District Board has appointed Dr. Tonia Warzecha as Superintendent. With over a decade of leadership and prior experience in the district, she is dedicated to enhancing student success and fostering collaborations between schools and communities, emphasizing a student-first approach. Continue reading DV Superintendent headed to Tea Area School District
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South Dakota Senator Chris Karr has introduced a legislative package to enhance oversight of state spending, addressing concerns over former Governor Kristi Noem’s administration bypassing legislative approval. The bills focus on requiring legislative consent for significant expenditures, long-term leases, and budget transfers, aiming to ensure accountability in government finances. Continue reading Noem’s actions motivate state senator’s attempt to limit executive power
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On February 10, the Dakota Valley Board of Education approved updates to the Wellness Policy to promote student health through better nutrition and physical activity. The board discussed bullying prevention, staffing changes, and upgrades to school facilities. They also renewed administrator contracts and scheduled the next meeting for March 10. Continue reading Coach resignation, wellness policy changes and administrator contract renewals occupy DV school board
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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
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The Jefferson City Council met on February 3, covering financial reports, personnel changes, and insurance updates. Key discussions involved a new city attorney candidate, property tax abatement, and plans for street repairs and upcoming elections. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Continue reading Jefferson City Council discusses insurance and departure of city attorney
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The Union County Treasurer’s Office will be closed on February 14 for the installation of new motor vehicle software, reopening on February 18. Additionally, the Board of Commissioners appointed Robert Ballard as District 3 Commissioner amid personnel changes and discussed various issues, emphasizing transparency and compliance with open meeting laws. Continue reading Ballard named to vacant county commission seat
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Iowa students rallied for gun regulation after a school shooting, reflecting rising concerns about school safety. Advocacy for threat assessment teams, aimed at identifying potential threats, has grown since tragedies in Florida. However, inconsistencies and potential biases in these teams’ operations raise concerns about fairness and the treatment of at-risk students. Continue reading Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings
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South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the arrest of 28-year-old Hudson Wheeler for threatening Governor Larry Rhoden. Wheeler faces a felony charge and a potential ten-year prison sentence, awaiting his next court appearance on February 19, 2025. Continue reading Rapid City man charged for threats made toward governor
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South Dakota lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 51, which mandates displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools and incorporating them into the curriculum. Sponsored by Sen. John Carley, the bill reflects concerns about mixing religious displays with education. Critics argue it imposes unfunded mandates on schools, undermining secular education. Continue reading Commandments bill continues the effort to convert schools into churches
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The South Dakota Department of Corrections faces a significant nursing shortage, with vacancy rates of 53% for licensed practice nurses and 40% for registered nurses. Secretary Kellie Wasko attributes these issues to unsafe working conditions and challenges competing with the private sector amid a nationwide nursing shortage. Efforts are underway to improve staff conditions. Continue reading Prison medical staff shortage worsens as security shortage eases
The Siouxland Observer 