4/9/2024

• Springboard Coworking has a new owner - Jamie Stapleton
• Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition! This contest is intended to encourage and promote entrepreneurial activity and create greater awareness of the resources available to entrepreneurs in Iowa.
• Boathouse is open!! 413 Pierce Street 
• The Sioux City Community School District has lowered their portion of property tax levy so Sioux City residents will see that reflected in the next fiscal year
• SC Public Library is celebrating National Library Week from April 7-13th 
• Iowa Arts Council came around, a way to get more people there and writing grants

 

4/1/2024

• A local Arby’s franchisee was looking to purchase the very same lot in Floyd Valley Crossing that a McDonald’s franchise wants to buy, but the council approved McDonalds 
• Sneaky’s Chicken announced, after 45 years, they will be closed on Sunday 
• Sioux City Sprinkler and Holland Lawn Care have merged 
• Sioux City Marina owners and the City are in discussions about all options to keep the Marina open this summer 
• Opa Time is open again

 

3/26/2024

• Jolly Rogers and the Sioux City Marina will not be open this coming summer, the Hegg Companies is citing lower water levels and a build up of silt, but those things don’t affect the bar and restaurant of Jolly Rogers, so we hope more of the story comes out. 
• Urban Farms Limited plans to construct a 3 acre high-tech indoor vertical farm that will create 100 jobs and internships for Siouxland. The farm will be able to produce 4,000 lbs of fresh, non GMO and pesticide free leafy greens every day! 
• Sioux City City Council approved the motion to move forward in the grant process to apply for a grant that would cover roughly 40 licenses plate cameras. This would cover cameras for Sioux City and Woodbury County. 
• Midwest Hotels, LLC is willing to pay the full appraised price of $1.4M for the north parcel land at Aviation and Discovery Blvd that the city recently put out for bids. This was one of 4 proposals submitted to the city. Midwest Hotels, LLC is planning a “strip-type commercial” to include a hotel. The south parcel is still open for bids. 

 

3/19/2024

• New Stone Bru location headed to North Sioux City, going into the building on the corner of River Drive and Sodrac Drive, no word on opening date yet.  
• Sioux City Council has given final approval to build the new pedestrian bridge over the Big Sioux River between Riverside and Dakota Dunes. It will connect over 40 miles of trails in Sioux City to the trails in Dakota Dunes. Total cost is $1.8M
• Chix Chicken and Waffles is going to a brick and mortar in Le mars, opening in May!
• NAIA starts this Thursday! Good Luck 

 

3/12/2024

• Cathy Bishop of Aggies has been named this year’s Iowa Business Person of the Year Award! 
• Dustin Rhoades of Ability Tech won the Neal Smith Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the State of Iowa. Secreted from about 4,000 nominees, his company works make the lives of individuals with disabilities easier. They provide the custom-built adaptive technology, Eagle Eye, which allows people to control a computer with their facial muscles.  
• Wingstop is coming to Sioux City - 1921 Hamilton 

 

3/4/2024

• Jolly Time Popcorn announces changes in leadership. Steve Huisenga, President, Edward Townley, SVP of Operations and Treasure and David Sitzmann SVP of Production. 
• You can now use major credit/debit cards to pay for parking in the ramps in 4 of the downtown ramps. 
• HR Green Inc, is requesting a site plan approval to construct a Chick-Fil-A at the corner of Hamilton & Wesley Way
• Site Selection ranks the Sioux City Metro area number one per capita for the fourth year in a row! 

 

2/27/2024

• A hearing was held regarding the construction of the city’s first roundabout at the intersection of Old Lakeport Rd, Elk Creek Rd, Southern Hills Drive and Christy Road. Reviews are mixed with a cost of $2m and construction expected to start in May. 
• Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Flemings and Outback Steakhouse, announced that it plans to close 41 locations across all brands, hitting Outback the hardest. A list of locations has not been released yet. 
• McDonald’s USA has submitted a proposal to purchase the land at 3100 Floyd Blvd and Sioux City Council has voted to approve their proposal.
• North Sioux City is in discussions about a proposed development called Union Crossing. This mixed development will have more than 130 residential lots, an apartment complex and 7 commercial lots. 
•  LAMB Theatre has announced a partnership with Morningside University to temporarily bring their production to the Mornigsdie campus. 

 

2/20/2024

• Cone Park announced a few days ago on social media that they are closing for the winter due to warmer weather Siouxland has been experiencing.  
• B’s Nutrition will be opening at 1910 Pierce Street in March. They will offer Tea Bombs, Boba, Protein loaded snack items and much more. KJ and I were blessed to represent them. 
• Little Chicago Deli is rumored to be opening again - what have you heard? 

 

2/13/2024

• The coffee and donut chain Dunkin' Donuts is set to open a location in Holstein next month. The full-size, full-menu Dunkin' will be inside the TA Express gas station at 2010 Indorf Ave., Holstein. 
• Kwik Star is planning to open a convenience store in Sioux City later this year. The gas station will be at 2500 Glenn Ave., just off South Lewis Boulevard near the Floyd Monument. 
• Former Dana College Campus in Blair, which closed in 2010, will become apartments to be occupied by young Nebraskans aging out of foster care. It’s the first part of an ambitious 10-year, $105 million redevelopment of the campus into what’s being called Dana Village.
• ReMax taking over office in Lakes area.

 

2/6/2024

• Sioux City City Council members voted unanimously on rehabilitation plans and estimated costs for Runway 1836 and taxiways B, C, D, and E at Sioux Gateway Airport. The rehabilitation project would include crack seal, seal coat, and re-mark of about 99,000 square yards of existing airfield pavements. The project would also have placement of around 60,000 square feet of pavement marking on the pavements.
• Siouxland talent Bishop Heelan Junior Carson McInerney was named the USATF Iowa Field Athlete of the Year in the 15-18 year old division.
• Sioux City Spartans send 11 swimming to State, from 8 surrounding high schools.
• The Sioux City City Council is working to further develop business Hwy 75 ahead of the construction of the city’s new water park, as such they voted to apply for a RISE grant to help pay for the work needed. 

 

1/30/2024

• Long time Siouxland icon Bob Roe has passed away. He sponsored countless local community organizations and was heavily involved in our community. 
• Elon Musk announced yesterday that Neuralink has implanted a chip in a human brain for the first time. They say the patient is recovering well. Quadriplegic trial patients have a chip surgically placed in the part of the brain that controls the intention to move. 
• Woodbury County supervisor Mark Nelson has announced his bid to retain his seat on the county board. If a primary election is needed, Nelson will be on the ballot June 4th with the general election on Nov 5th. 
• Nebraska's Indian Community College signed an agreement with Haskell Indian Nations to help education students get their bachelors degree. This will allow those who graduate with their associates degree to apply to Haskell to continue their education. 
• Helzberg Diamonds in the Southern Hills Mall has permanently closed, with a sign posted that customers will need to visit the store in Sioux Falls for service and repairs.
• River-Cade has announced their annual cardboard sled races to be held on Feb 18 at Cone Park. 
• Feb. 10 Steins & Vines 
• March 8th - Lila Mae,opened again with good funding

 

1/23/2024

• The Omaha Airport Authority announced plans to expand Eppley Airfields terminal this past week. The $950M will expand the airport creating a single terminal with a centralized TSA checkpoint, add additional gates and the capability of international flights. 
• Siouxland Magazine is going through a rebranding and moving forward will be called Expand 
• Sioux City Council passed a vote to allow Oak View Group to manage the Sioux City Convention Center as well as the Tyson Event Center and Orpheum Theatre. 
• Sioux City Public Schools Foundation has announced their Adopt a Grad program that will help raise funds to cover the expenses of caps, gowns and tassels for students in the Sioux City Community School. For more information you can reach out to the Foundation. 

 

1/16/2024

• The Sioux City Community School District has won a federal grant of almost six-million dollars to buy 15 new school buses, what are considered “clean” buses.  The EPA is taking applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program through January 31st.
• C21 2024 Vision Meeting - training, sales goals, community involvement
  • 2023: C21 was #1 in the market 
• Jitters has announced their new location at Floyd River Flats at 130 Nebraska Street, opening in April 

 

1/09/2024

• Cone Park  officially open on Friday, January 5th
• The SC Council voted unanimously to cancel the city’s agreement with Kinseth Hospitality Inc, who has been managing and operating the Sioux City Convention Center since 2017, giving them 90 days notice and a $70,000 termination fee. 
• Agape Community Services received the zoning approval needed to allow them to move forward with plans to build a long term rehabilitation facility for substance abuse near 3500 28th Street. 
• The 2024 National Civics Bee will be held in Sioux City on March 4th. Participating students are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. A panel of local leaders will review and judge the 500-word essays and the top-20 scoring students will be selected to move on to the next round of competition, which is a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge.

 

12/19/2023

• The Sioux City Council voted in favor to accept proposals for Siouxland Splash, a waterpark planned for a 10-acre parcel along north Hwy 75, slated to open the summer of 2025. Frontline Development LLC is the group of local investors behind the plans. 
•  Cone Park likely to remain closed until after Christmas because of warmer temps 
• The Bay State Block Building on Historic 4th Street is scheduled to undergo renovation late next year, creating 27 apartments in the upper 3 floors. 

 

12/12/2023

• Cold-Link Logistics in Sioux City named Outstanding Business of the Year by the Iowa Area Development Group (IADG).  “Cold-Link Logistics has a 189,000sf  facility and is committed to customer-centric solutions and community integration.” says IADG President/CEO Burce Nuzum.  These awards are given to individuals and organizations, both large and small, in recognition of their significant contributions to Iowa’s economy through entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and the creation of job opportunities
• Rick Grenko, and Lynette Meyer are the winners of "Nixon" at the annual Little Yellow Dog auction for $13,000 at the Ho-Chunk Centre. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Mr. Goodfellows charity to raise money for Christmas toys for Siouxland Children.
• Road Machinery & Supplies Co is relocating its Sioux City operations to Expedition Business Park by the airport. The company proposes to purchase 11.47 acres from the city and construct a 10,000 sf facility. The city will provide a series of property tax rebates on a graduated scale through a development agreement. 
• The 2023 War Eagle Human Rights award goes to Terry Medina, Reverend FLoyd Brown, Kim Jenkins and the Sioux City Area NOW Chapter for their positive work impacting the human rights climate in Siouxland. 
• Progress on Plywood Trail - it is to Merrill right now

 

12/5/2023

• Dutch Bakery in Orange City is closing.
• The Northwestern Red Raiders won last night!  They play the NAIA Volleyball championship tonight at 7pm at the Tyson.
• Crittenton Center breaks ground for 6 new Tiny Homes to help children who will age out of Foster Care.
• The City Council has approved plans, specifications and the estimated cost of $400,000 for the newest “splash pad” to be built in Headington Park, on Sioux City’s west side, at 2951 Isabella Street.
• The Half Moon Bar & Grill was sold to La Juanitas - they will be reopening under their name and menu.

 

11/28/2023

• 24 teams to compete in the NAIA women's volleyball championship starting tomorrow through December 5th at the Tyson Event Center. 
• Festival of Trees live auction to be held this Thursday at 6:30 at the Ho-Chunk Centre’s atrium, remember proceeds go to Support Siouxland Soldiers.
• Former West High teacher and coach Jan George was selected Monday night to serve as Sioux City Community Schools District Board President
  • Additionally SCCSD, they are working to make $7M dollars in cuts following the end of federal ESSER funding. The cuts include staff, closing 2 district pools and disbands some of the IJAG job-training programs. 
• Cronk’s Cafe is back open in Denison, IA since being closed in May 2020 with a full day of food, starting with Breakfast at 7 am. 

 

11/21/2023

• The Sioux City Council voted to move forward with the Headington Park splash pad project, to be completed by October 2024.. 
• The Festival of Trees kicked off it’s 30th year last night!  People can bid on the trees in the Silent Auction until November 30th.  All money raised this year will go to Support Siouxland Soldiers.
• Congress has directed the Federal Railroad Administration to look into restoring Amtrak long-distance services, which could include a route through Sioux CIty. A study report will be given to Congress by Spring of 2024. 
• Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center debuts new trail.  Bur Oak Bluff Trail will now be maintained regularly, creating two trails that connect to the Stone Park trail system. 
• Sioux City Council discussed the potential adoption of a downtown infrastructure reconstruction master plan, but after hearing a presentation, Dan Moore motioned to defer a vote until early next year.  The downtown master plan covers approximately 126 blocks in the area of Wesley Parkway to Floyd Boulevard and from Gordon Drive to Eighth Street. These water, sewer and storm water projects required coordination with multiple public and private stakeholders to align timing and priorities.

 

11/14/2023

• Tako N’ Madre has opened up in North Sioux City, connected to Goode to Go convenience store
• The IRS is introducing new income limits for its seven tax brackets, adjusting the thresholds to account for the impact of inflation. That could provide a break to some taxpayers on their taxes in 2024.  The tax agency on Thursday said it's adjusting the tax brackets upwards by 5.4%.

 

11/7/2023

• Sioux City Council voted to oppose the construction and operation of a CO2 pipeline in our near the city. The resolution states that “granting eminent domain for private companies sets a dangerous precedent” and that both routes are too close to residences and business areas. 
• Another Council vote recommended the contract for air service at Sioux Gateway. SkyWest/United Express will offer 12 flights a week out of Sioux Gateway, with half going to Chicago and the other half to Denver. 
• Rock Valley, IA is proposing a $25M bond to expand their high school. If passed, the expansion would be 80,000 sf that would include a new gym, music room and 20 additional classrooms. 
• Palmer’s Candy is celebrating a big Birthday. Twin Bing is 100 years old and to celebrate they have launched a new Birthday Cake flavor 
• Its Election Day - go out and exercise your right to vote

 

10/31/2023

• Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Small Business Expo is Thursday, November 2nd from 4-7 pm at the Marriott Center in South Sioux City. 
• Dyed Design by Mary Jane has opened in the mall
• Rooted Boutique Fashion Show coming up November 18th, Property Pros is sponsoring the Champagne Bar
• Tour of Homes is coming up - November 16-18, get your tickets online! 
• La Jaunitas opened up a location in Omaha, we wish them luck! 

 

10/24/2023

• The Sioux City Community school District is planning to purchase 43 acres of land formerly known as Southern Hills Country Club for a combined Sunnyside/Nodland Elementary School.The construction of the facility is several years away. 
• Wells Enterprise is celebrating it’s 110th birthday by presenting a $50k check to the Le Mars Betterment Foundation to support renovations at O’Toole Park 
• Iowa Gov, Reynolds announces new grants to address truck driver shortage. The state estimates it will need 10,000 more truck drives by 2030. 10 Iowa Community Colleges are getting a combined $4.8M to expand and remodel classrooms 

 

10/18/2023

• It has been confirmed 313 Perry Street will be the home to a new brewery 
• Stone Bru has broken off its wholesale distribution business announcing, Council Oak Supply Co. The retail locations will still be open and operated under the name Stone Bru 

 

10/10/2023

• Red Valley Natural Food Co at 600 Water Street, Downtown Sioux City will be opening their store October 20th. Their goal is to provide Siouxland with organic and non-gmo grocery essentials.
• The Market Delivers has been sold, new owners are taking over today. Watch their facebook page for announcements 
• Sioux City council members unanimously approved the consent agenda which included a motion authorizing city staff to enter into negotiations with the Sioux City Explorers for a lease agreement to Lewis & Clark Park.

 

10/3/2023

• Several Siouxland colleges and universities reported robust enrollment numbers this fall, with many showing steady year-over-year growth. Briar Cliff University’s fall enrollment grew 1.4 percent compared to 2022. Morningside University reported stable enrollment this year. Western Iowa Tech Community College reported a decrease in overall enrollment, but an increase in new college students. Buena Vista University reported the highest undergraduate enrollment in eight years. Dordt University reported the largest enrollment in its history. The University of South Dakota reported the largest main campus incoming class since 2018.
• The Sioux City Council unanimously approved, first consideration of a zoning text amendment to the municipal code Monday, which would allow Siouxland Community Health Center to operate a mobile shower unit in its Pierce Street parking lot. 
• One restaurants in northwest Iowa are finalists for this year’s Iowa’s best-breaded pork tenderloin contest - The Roadhouse – Orange City

 

9/26/2023

• Sioux City Council approves final consideration of Lieber Heights Concept Plan, this does not allow development to occur, as rezoning and platting need to be approved. The concept plan consists of 49 acres featuring 131 single-family and duplex/townhouse lots. 
• Much Needed Road Repair at Memorial Park Cemetery begins
• Cone Park to host fall festival Cone-Acopia on Sunday, October 15th from 11-3 with a pumpkin catapult, fall tubing, coffee and beer tasting, crafts, and much more!!!
• Journey, featuring Toto, announced their Sioux City concert date, Wednesday, Feb 28 at the Tyson Center. 
• Chamber dinner coming Thursday Sept. 28th - military speaker

 

9/19/2023

• Embrace Dentistry of Morningside is moving October 1st to 383 W Steamboat Drive, Dakota Dunes 
• Sioux City native, Libby Skarin, has been named deputy executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming.
• Morningside University has named its recently acquired farm, the Lags Farm, After a $1 million naming gift from the David L. Lageschulte Trust. Morningside bought the 76 acres of farmland along Old Highway 141, The farm is used to teach lessons in agribusiness management, budgeting, hybrid analysis and crop scouting. Students will begin growing cover crops at Lags Farm as early as this fall and will continue to expand facilities and work at the farm, the university said in a news release. Lageschulte was a 1973 Morningside graduate who, among other things, served on Morningside's Board of Directors.
• Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center 19th annual Nature Calls fundraiser to be held Saturday to help support the center's educational programs, taking place from 6 - 10 p.m. Saturday at the Sioux City Convention Center, 801 Fourth St.

 

9/12/2023

• The Downtown Tailgate Party will be Saturday, September 23rd from 1pm-10pm located at 4th and Jones Streets.  One 16 foot screen and multiple 10 foot screens, along with tailgate food, drinks, a cornhole tournament, kids zone tethered balloon rides and live music.
• Lance Ehmcke of Sioux City announced that he has filed to be a candidate for the Sioux City School Board.
• Gerkin Windows and Doors was formally recognized as the ‘Nebraska Business of the Year’at the Nebraska Ag and Economic Conference on Aug. 8.  This prestigious award honors the company for its contribution to the economic base and economic stability of its community and the State of Nebraska.  This award acknowledges the company’s outstanding and successful achievements towards the growth of the company.
• Siouxland has a new mental health facility designed for children now in the former Pier 1 location.  Siouxland Mental Health cut the ribbon on its new facility on Friday, Sept. 8 and has roughly 6,000 active patients, with about 180 new patients each month.
• Gov. Reynolds awarded $5M to four nonprofits, including Food Bank of Iowa, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, River Bend Food Bank, and Table to Table.  These networks will be able to update and modernize their facilities, provide more access to fresh foods, and serve Iowans for many years to come.
• Luke Schroder, the local pumpkin carving talent is going to put his skills to the test on September 17th on the Food Network’s Halloween Wars. His work is commonly featured at the Camp High Hopes Halloween Party 
• The former Casa del Ray building, which has sat vacant for over 20 years, is now owned by the Bautista Family, that same family that owns La Juanita’s - so we can only hope that means a new restaurant is coming. 
• Cone Park Bike Trail System and Pump Track development has started and a $500,000k donation from Scheels was announced, which compliments the $1M from chestermans 

 

9/5/2023

• The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce honored Jane Heider last week.  Jane has mentored the next generation of Siouxlanders for more than four decades and in her 45 years, she’s seen thousands of young Siouxlanders come through the center’s doors.
• Kum & Go was purchased by Salt Lake City-based company Maverik.  The Maverik CEO says the company plans to re-brand between 120 and 140 Kum & Go stores in Utah, Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming. For the remaining stores officials say they are not planning any major changes right now but will continue to evaluate in the future.
• Iowa’s West Coast Initiative (IWCI) is teaming up with several economic development organizations in Northwest Iowa to offer $10,000 in prize money for The BIG Challenge grant competition.  Now through Oct. 1, entrepreneurs in Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux, and Woodbury Counties can submit their business or startup ideas.
• Northeast Community College broke ground last week on their newest, $10 million project that will be used to train students to get their commercial driver’s licenses.  If all goes as planned at the construction site, classes will be in session as early as 2024.

 

8/29/2023

• Jensen Subaru awarded $5,000 to Riverside Elementary, the gift was part of Subaru’s ‘Love Learning’ program. The money will go towards classroom supplies 
• Congratulations to the newest Scooters Drive through in town on Singing Hills blvd, next to KFC. 
• The 29th annual ArtSplash is this weekend and will be held downtown, featuring vendors, Kid’s Zone and live entertainment. 

 

8/22/2023

• The 3rd Annual 712 Brew Fest, presented by Old Chicago has been announced.  This year’s event will take place at the Tyson Events Center on Saturday, October 14.
• Red’s Savoy Pizza coming soon-ish to a space in the building where Famous Dave’s is located. 
• Double Tree Construction is scheduled to start up again, changing contractors is the reason for the delay 
• Downtown Partners Restaurant Week: Lunch Edition starts today through this Saturday. There are 18 participating downtown lunch spots offering a set menu that includes lunch options for $10. A list of participating restaurants can be found online.

 

8/15/2023

• The Wood, Wind and Blue festival returns to Storm Lake this weekend and will include a wood carving competition, duathlon and silent auction.
• The Pedal Party Pub is back in business after increasing their insurance policy to be in compliance with city code. 
• SC School Board Member Bernie Scolario will not run for another term in November.
• USS Sioux City is officially decommissioned, after serving less than 5 years, citing mechanical problems among other issues. This vessel and 23 others were slated for decommissioning as part of cost-cutting measures included in the Navy’s budget for fiscal year 2023. 
• Candidates have between today and Aug. 31 to file nominating petitions to run for the mayor’s seat or the city council seat currently held by Julie Schoenherr.  As of Monday afternoon no one had filed petitions to run for either seat.
• 6th - Court Street - Battery store building torn down for parking for a multi family 
• Aug. 29th Mountain Biking park at Cone Park construction to begin this fall - natural trails and pump track
• Big Brothers/ Big Sisters struggling to find homes for the tour of homes in the Northside
• Gypsy Soul Boutique closed

 

8/8/2023

• Local Tip Top Tux and Dream Dress Express announce their sudden closure overnight
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino added around 60 new pieces of music memorabilia including a dress worn by Taylor Swift, a bass guitar used by Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, a suit worn by Elton John and more
• The Sioux City City Council approved an agreement with the consultant designing the plan to rehabilitate the city’s wastewater treatment plant.  The agreement, with Hazen and Sawyer PC, spells out the process of planning the rehab of the 60-year-old plant. The cost of the agreement will not exceed $37,822,334.
• Crumb Bakery is going into the backside of Hardline Coffee 
• Tyson Foods has announced that four chicken processing plants will be closing.  The company reports two plants in Missouri, another in Indiana, and one more in Arkansas will all be closing. It will shift production to other facilities by the middle of next year as it works to cut costs. Tyson lost more than $400 million in the recent quarter.
• The annual “Pooch Paddle” will return for small breeds on August 14, and August 15 for large breeds at the riverside family aquatic center.

 

8/1/2023

• The annual Chamber Dinner Speaker has been announced: Lt. Col. Scott Mann, a retired Army Green Beret. The dinner will be held on Sept. 28 at the Sioux City Convention Center. 
• Yesterday was the last day for Tyson employees to work in the Dakota Dunes office. 
• There are about 60 teacher vacancies in the Sioux City Metro for the upcoming school year, this does not include teacher aids, athletics or operations positions. 
• Morningside alum Joe Solincheck signs pro football deal with Raiders Tirol in Austria 
• Cee Cee’s 305 has opened in the former Red’s Steak House space in Vermillion, specializing in light bites with an asian flair and speciality cocktails 

7/25/2023

• We have heard rumors that the Sioux City Journal is getting a new office next to the Whispering Creek Golf Course, construction is finishing up. 
• Plymouth County Fair is this week 
• Sioux City School Board chose Philip Hamman to fill the vacant seat for four months until elections this November. Hamman was a teacher at East High for 37 years. 
• Iowa Tax Free Holiday is scheduled for Aug 4 & 5 
• Please join us for a day of fun and giving at the C21 Day of Giving Carnival on Friday, July 28th from 5-8 p.m. in the Heidman Parking Lot. Activities will include games, face painting, bouncy house, silent auction and dunk tank. You can purchase tickets at the event or call C21 ahead of time.  Every penny raised will go directly to SafePlace Siouxland. 

 

7/18/2023

• The city of Sioux City is working to secure thousands of dollars from the State of Iowa to help build a mountain bike trail. The council approved the grant application this week for the improvements at Cone Park & Sertoma Park, to include the construction of 10.5 miles of natural trails and a single-track trail network to have different challenging levels for bikers. 
• According to the latest date released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state of Nebraska ranked #2 in the country in both personal income growth and growth in gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2023. NE, ND & SD all had double digit growth, thanks to agriculture. 
• Please join us for a day of fun and giving at the C21 Day of Giving Carnival on Friday, July 28th from 5-8 p.m. in the Heidman Parking Lot. Activities will include games, face painting, bouncy house, silent auction and dunk tank. You can purchase tickets at the event or call C21 ahead of time.  Every penny raised will go directly to SafePlace Siouxland. 

7/11/2023

• Sioux point road has been opened and a big improvement
• H&R Construction won the bid on the locker room addition for the IBP Ice Center, this long time needed expansion will include the addition of three locker rooms, a weight room, coaches' office, restrooms and shower. 
• Countryside Health Care Center on Morningside Ave will be closing within the next 60 days citing financial pressures.  

 

6/27/2023

• The 8th annual rib fest was last weekend and an estimate 9,000 ribs were consumed by around 3,500 guests raising more than $40,000 for Camp High Hopes
• Congratulations to Melting Cow for securing first place and the winning prize of $5,000 at the 14th Annual Siouxland GO Innovation market.  GuitaRx Upcycled Instruments took 2nd place and Siouxland Floral collective secured 3rd place.
• City Council approved a new affordable housing project on the West Side.  The city and a developer agreed to spend $1.7 million to build 11 new homes where the old West Middle School once stood at West 5th and Myrtle Streets. Eight homes between 1,000 and 1,300 sf are to be built on the old school lot with three more across the street. The remaining area on the lot is to be given to the city to develop a new park. This project is all federally and state-funded, so the houses come at no expense to the taxpayers.
• Starting July 9th the warming shelter will change its format of services due to funding.  After initially deciding to be open year round, the shelter’s board has decided to change course in the mission, this will allow more funds and resources to be put forth -- in staying open during the coldest months.
• A temporary agreement with Whitewater, the management company for the Long lines climbing wall, has been made.  The company will continue to receive an $8,333 monthly management fee from the city until the end of September, plus an additional $50,000 for facility upgrades and marketing.  Mayor Bob Scott is hopeful a cost-effective agreement will be made.
• Perla Alarcon-Flory submitted her formal resignation to the Sioux City Community School Board.  To fill her seat board members voted Monday night to appoint a replacement.  Applicants have until July 20th to express interest in the temporary position.

 

6/20/2023

• Chamber Golf Monday June 26th at 3 golf courses - Dunes, Country Club & Green Valley
• Saturday in the Park, Saturday, July 1st with headliner Earth, Wind and Fire, schedule is out online 
• Cup of Joy in Dakota Dunes has changed hands - new owners Jay and Nicole Laymen, owner of Purpose, next door 
• To kick off Ragbrai, Sioux City will host July Jam, on Saturday, July 22nd on Historic 4th Street, 12 bars, 10 banks, 2 stages and 1 night 
• Lamont Peters has been appointed as the new member of the South Sioux City City Council, Peters is an independent businessman and has served on several city committees. 
• Unity Point, St. Luke’s Clinic is under construction in Dakota Dunes, Gold Circle, with plans for speciality services including foot and ankle surgery 

 

6/13/2023

• City Council has voted to approve using $50,000 of economic development funds to help fix a drainage problem at the site of the Benson Building Project. Harkay Development is investing $12 million to create 65 residential units and 20,000 square feet of commercial space in the Benson Building, but has discovered drainage problems on the slope of 7th street toward the building that will impact plans for underground tenant parking.
• City Council accepted a $3,000 grant from the Junior League of Sioux City’s William Johnson Fund for Children to buy a new accessible merry-go-round for the Chris Larsen Park Playground, replacing an outdated piece of equipment. 
• Pedal Party Pub is a bicycle party bus where patrons control the movement by pedaling. Owner Kevin Lake says the company has faced struggles with looking to comply with city rules on obtaining a special insurance policy as well the potential to allow alcohol on the bikes.
• Council approved plans for an ultraviolet disinfection system at the wastewater treatment plant and will not put the project out to bid. 
• Food Truck Fridays is up and running in Pearl Street Park! 
• Chamber Golf Monday June 26th at 3 golf courses - Dunes, Country Club & Green Valley
• Ice Cream Days in Le Mars June 14-17

 

6/6/2023

• Kwik Trip, Inc requested site plan approval for a convenience store and car wash on the corner of Glenn Avenue and S Lewis Blvd, next to Hillcrest Shopping Center 
• Dollar Tree going into Riverside to the west of Earl May 
• SIMPCO (Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council) has created the “Great Siouxland Tail Exploration” to encourage Siouxlanders to experience the growing trail system. You can download the app “Goose Chase” and track the trail sites you visit and see other’s progress to challenge yourself. 
• Sioux City Council approved plans and a contract for a locker room expansion project at the IBP Ice Center. 
• The Sioux City City Council approved the money for a pedestrian bridge, over the Big Sioux River, near Two Rivers Golf Course that will connect trails in Sioux City and Dakota Dunes and will go where the old bridge was located. 

 

5/30/2023

• Sioux City School district hiring bus drivers, two events, visit the district website for details
• JoDeans in yankton closing after 51 years
• Arnolds Park has several improvements to include attraction upgrades, performance venue and beer garden 

 

5/23/2023

• Rocklin Manufacturing Co. Was awarded the treasure of Sioux City by the Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission 
• Congratulations to all the High School Grad students!
• 11th Annual Siouxland Asian Festival Saturday May 27th at Yummi Blox at 700 W 7th Street
• Southern Hills mall boasts some beautiful new signage!
• Dominoes opening soon in Le Mars - creating 35 new jobs

 

5/16/2023

• Sioux City Council approved a resolution allowing Floyd River Flats, LLC to convert the former downtown Sioux City hotel into a multi family residential property, investing around $5m to convert the property into 47 residential units and 7,200 sf of commercial space. 
• Nebraska’s 3rd state-licensed casino will be opening in Columbus next month. Caesars Entertainment plans a 28,000 sf Harrah’s casino and sportsbook with over 500 slot machines and 14 table games along US 81 on the northwest side of the city - which will take some time. So in the meantime, a temporary casino at Columbus’ existing horse racing track until the larger facility is completed. 
• ALIVE Hydration Spa in Dakota Dunes is open, providing IV therapy and booster treatments for everything from immunity to dehydration, energy IV’s to ones that help your skin. Located at 305 Dakota Dunes Blvd. 
• 72nd Morningside Days is set to kick off this Thursday with the parade and carnival through Sunday. 
• Sioux City GO Golf Tournament to be held June 2nd at the Sioux City Country Club with a 12:15pm Shotgun Start
• Innovation Market to be held Thursday, May 18th from 4:30-6:30pm at Bluebird Flats, 520 Nebraska Street, $5000 grand prize!

 

5/9/2023

• OVG360, which provides management, food service and hospitality to the Tyson Event Center and Orpheum Theatre, named Jen Whipple as its Director of Partnership and Premium Seating. 
• Central Cafe, in Hawarden, IA, held a grand re-opening celebration on May 8th after a fire in late 2021. 
• Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri will soon be opening his first Iowa restaurant in Council Bluffs, named Bluffs Kitchen + bar, opening at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino on May 22. 
• Northwestern College in Orange City will launch a new undergraduate engineering program to launch in the Fall of 2024. 

 

5/2/2023

• KMEG is closing 
• Broadway at the Orpheum’s 2023-2024 has been announced and includes “The Book of Mormon”, you can see the entire line up online at the orpheumlive.com
• Topgolf Omaha near the Westroads Mall is up for sale for $8.73M
• Warming Shelter is celebrating their 10th anniversary, starting May 1st, the Warming Shelter will remain open 365 days a year. 
• Sewer rates are going up in Sioux City and changes start on July 1st.  Industrial users will see a 5% monthly increase starting July 1st and then a 25% monthly increase starting January 1st of next year.
• The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Wine & Chocolate Festival in Le Mars and Sioux City raised over $360,000 to help fund local Alzheimer’s and dementia care and support and worldwide research to find new treatments and a cure.

 

4/25/2023

• Farmer’s Market returns Wednesday, May 3rd for it’s 14th year
• The Sioux City City Council will start taking bids for the demolition of the old YMCA building at 722 Nebraska Street.  The council approved the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated costs for the demolition at Monday’s meeting. City staff believes the probable cost will be $750,000.
• The Sioux City City Council voted to move the second of three readings to increase sewer rates for residents and industries to supplement costs for a $465 million project to refurbish the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
• The Sioux City Council will consider funding a stadium upgrade at Lewis and Clark Field.  FEH Design has completed plans and specifications for the Lewis & Clark Park seating replacement project. The seats to be replaced are primarily at the upper level with a small section at the lower level. The consultant’s estimate of probable cost for the seating upgrade is $433,727.00.
• Sioux City Community School District approves a 4% wage increases for employees 
• Downtown Partners 3rd Restaurant Week is kicking off - More information can be found at downtownsiouxcity.com.
• Former First Federal bank drive thru facility formerly used as a covid testing facility - has been demo’d, will be part of the Siouxland Community health center
• Bed Bath & Beyond has filed bankruptcy
• David’s Bridal has filed for Bankruptcy

 

4/18/2023

• Kevin Alexander sentenced to prison for tax evasion
• Sioux City details 26 summer construction projects 
• SC Council passes 2024 fiscal budget to include a property tax levy increase 
• Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools annual auction raised over $575,000 this past Saturday 
• Sioux City Historical Preservation Week is May 15-21, to include walking tours, coloring contest, architectural hunts, trivia contents and bike rides. Siouxcityhp.org 
• Herbie Husker celebrates 50th anniversary with an updated look 
• Top Tea opens today - boba tea

 

4/11/2023

• Five Below opening in Market Place on Hamilton 
• Arch Icon Developments plans to build an $8m Apartments project on W 3rd Street, that will feature 30 affordable housing units, with 3 of them being used specifically for homeless rehabilitation
• Just today, MHRD awarded $750,000 to Iowa’s West Coast Initiative to develop 615 Douglas Street into an “Innovation Center”, consisting of a food hall, tech lab, business space and recording studios

 

4/4/2023

• Beth’s on 4th is closed at the end of March 
• The former MCI building in Sgt. Bluff will be renovated into a new arena with a 4 store hotel 
• Links Golf on Floyd is now open, former coliseum building, will have leagues and open golf simulators 
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers purchased property in the Sunnybrook area and are seat to open in late 2023 
• Siouxland Community Christian School is asking for P&Z to approve constructing a portable classroom at their Gordon Drive location. 
• Downtown Walgreens is closing their pharmacy, store to remain open, all prescription have been transferred to the Hamilton location
• Pepper Jacks going where the gas station was near IHOP

 

3/28/2023

• Siouxland Mental Health will open its 7th location in the former Pier One building in Morningside, an Adolescent Mental Health Center for children from 3-17, scheduled to open this summer . 
• Iowa DOT is asking for input regarding the proposed removal of 3 bridges on Hwy 20/75 in Sioux City. The bridges are between Morningside Ave and Gordon Drive and go over an abandoned railroad bridge where tracks are no longer in place. Call the DOT for more information. 
• Dr. Keith Vollstedt was selected as the new CMO of MercyOne Western Iowa 
• CNOS Northside Clinic will be expanding to include new exam rooms and additional providers 

 

3/21/2023

• Toronto-based Park Lawn Corporation bought Meyer Brothers Funeral Homes which has been in business for more than 60 years. The purchase includes five Meyer Brothers funeral homes in Sioux City, South Sioux City and Ponca.
• The Argonaut Apartments located at 1103 Nebraska Street have been condemned. Almost two dozen people will be displaced after a Sioux City apartment complex was condemned Wednesday, March 15, with multiple deficiencies, one of the main problems being the building had no heat.  The commercial businesses will also be displaced.
• Briar Cliff University has finalized plans for a new healthcare workforce training facility. The university will remove Toller Hall to prepare for a new building, creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly facility.
• Sioux City’s west side will soon have the additional of a $500,000 splash pad in Headington Park 
• On the north side, there will be a $5 store
• Construction going on for the new furniture store at Southern Hills Mall

 

3/14/2023

• The 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Friday at 6 pm on 4th Street.   
• The SC Council approved rezoning for the former East Junior High School, which Commonwealth Development Corporation of American plans to invest $17M into the 28 apartment unit project, these apartments will be Section 42 Housing.
•  Knife River and Jebro Incorporated donated $100,000 towards the nearly $4 million expansion of the South Sioux City YMCA. The expansion will allow for another 48 individuals to be cared for & meant to help the need for child care in Siouxland. The project is expected to begin this summer and wrap up in fall 2024.
• SD DOT is seeking public input on the I-29 corridor study, which will impact exit 1-9, from Dakota Dunes to Jefferson. The link can be found online. 
• Land purchased for a new dog grooming and boarding facility in South Le Mars

 

3/7/2023

• Stride Autism Center is opening at Mayfair Mall. They provide services to children with autism and their families through clinicians and therapists in their full day program for kids.   
• Milan Laser Hair Removal is now open at 5708 Sunnybrook Dr.
• Shamrock the House is this Friday at Country Celebrations.  You can order your table at shamrockthehouse.eventbrite.com
• 66th Annual Siouxland Home Show was a great success with Hundreds of Siouxlanders giving their support to the three day event.
• Sioux City Police Chief Rex Mueller has been named to the Governor's Drug Policy Advisory Council.  And Monique Scarlett, who's the founder of "Unity in the Community", is joining the Governor's Justice Advisory Board
• Siouxland is seeing a huge need for industrial space.  Seeing several inquiries daily, if you have industrial space we would love to talk.
• The Drive Golf and Lounge in downtown Holdrege,NE. opens. The Drive is a high-end cocktail lounge and entertainment venue with two indoor golf simulators.
• Sioux City's Southern Hills Mall, which opened on March 5, 1980, celebrated its 43rd anniversary over the weekend. 

 

2/28/2023

• Park Jefferson is opening a new campsite in late April 2023, complete with a jump pillow, playground, swimming pond, concerts and a bar area. 
• The Sioux City City Council passed a resolution allowing council members to legally raise the local property tax levy. The council voted to set the maximum tax levy at 21.46%.  That said, the city’s budget manager says city staff has recommended the tax levy for 2023-2024 remain flat, and not include any increase.
• The city council also approved plans for the construction of a new bike course at Cone Park.  Construction will start this spring for a new mountain biking experience at Cone Park. Plans include a 30-acre course, which will be built near the existing tubing hill in a wooded area.
• Council has approved opening a stretch of land along Floyd Boulevard to new development. The strip of land on the west side of Floyd Boulevard north of 28th Street was zoned as a "Business Park."  But, the council agreed to rezone it as "general commercial" at the request of developer Dolf Ivener.  This new designation will allow him to build a strip mall on the site, including a restaurant, which is not permitted in a business park.

 

2/21/2023

• Blackbird Bend Casino, near Onawa, will now have in-person sportsbook betting. This is the first time on a tribal casino property in Iowa. 
• SmithCo Unveiled innovated new side-dump trailers, saying it has created the world’s first seven-axle dump trailer that has the ability to haul up to 40 tons of material in a single trailer, a load that previously required two trailers to carry. 
• The second phase of the Boys & Girls Home & Family Services is underway to include the new residential building with the hopes of being completed by the first quarter of 2024. 

 

2/14/2023

• Bed Bath & Beyond at Lakeport Commons is closing
• Former Crescent Park Elementary school will be demolished to make way for a new apartment complex on W 27th Street. 
• Sioux City Looking for RAGBRAI committee chair volunteers, email Matt Salvatore at msalvatore@sioux-city.org.
• Midtown Furniture downtown is closing and the building is for sale 
• Sioux City Paint & Decorating has a new name, Hirshfield’s 

 

2/7/2023

• The Sioux City Council voted to award a lease agreement to the Hesse Foundation for the rental of Riverside Recreational Sports Complex 
• Justin and Lacie Robbins of SCranton, IA were named 2022 Commercial Producer of the Year by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. 
• MercyOne Siouxland to open Dakota Dunes urgent care in February. 

 

1/31/2023

• Golden Corral re-opens out at Lakeport Commons - heard from several sources that it is very good & clean
• ABC’s Good Morning America, Robin Roberts will deliver the 2023 Waitt Lecture on April 19 at Morningside University. She has ties to Sioux City as her father graduated from M’side in 1957. 
• 2023 RAGBRAI will start in Sioux City, starting on July 22. 
• Education Savings Accounts (ESA) is now law in Iowa, where the tax dollars will now follow the student to their school of choice. There is much to work out as well as application details. 

 

1/24/2023

• A Youtube video made for employees says MercyOne is losing money and most of the cuts will be focused on management throughout the system, not clinical or patient-facing jobs.
• A Sioux City native is heading to Berlin this summer to represent Iowa at the Special Olympics World Games.  Mitchell Betsworth will be powerlifting this year and has been involved with the games for over 15 years.  Betsworth competed at the Special Olympics USA Games in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
• Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center says the new jail is on schedule to open later this year.  The jail authority showed off drone footage of the construction site, along with pictures that document the project so far.
• The Boat House, a new Sioux City bar with a nautical theme, is hoping to be open March of 2023.  Entertainment like axe throwing, a golf simulator and a bar with local craft beers.  Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the new location at 413 Pierce Street. 
• The Sioux City School Board discussed the future of the former Crescent Park Elementary school board meeting after receiving several offers to include a redevelopment project, a complete demolition project and a community center for the Urban Native Center. The public hearing will be held on February 13th. 
• Lally’s Eastside in LeMars has bought Vander Meer Bakery

 

1/17/2023

• It’s time for the annual Siouxland Humane Society Caramel Apple Sale!! You can place an order on their website. 
• Mercy One Women’s Night Out returns after 3 years and all proceeds for the event will benefit the MercyOne Child Advocacy Center.
• Sioux city’s CROP walk donates to the Community Action Agency.  The walk raised more than $26k and $6,750 was donated to the CAA. The remaining $19,000 will go to the Church World Service, which helps provide food and clean water around the world. 
• Le Mars Chamber Dinner will be held on the 19th
• Siouxland Mental Health bought Pier 1

 

1/10/2023

• Woudstra Meat Market in Orange City on Central Ave expands into the neighboring storefront. The new meat locker can process about double of what they were previously able to. They specialize in meats, cheeses, sweets, wine, utensils, decor, Dutch items and hot lunches. 
• Sioux City Council approves plans to reconfigure a portion of 6th street from 4 lane to 3 lane with bike lanes and trail on each side. This portion will be from Lewis Blvd to Hoeven Drive.  
• After 2 years of operation, Sioux City’s virtual school will be reduced to high school only, starting next year, and will become part of the Career Academy. This change is a result of falling enrollment. 
• Denise Gutierrez named next NWIA CEO 
• Council approved a rezoning request so that Goodwill of the Great Plains can build a new adult day habilitation center and a maintenance building across the street from its campus, 3100 West Fourth St
• Coffee & Purrs is booming!  They celebrated their ribbon cutting yesterday.  The cat room was sold out over the weekend and three cats have already been adopted.
• The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation announced it has signed an agreement to buy the 1,776-acre property from the Mid-American Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which operated the area as a Scout camp for more than 50 years

 

1/3/2023

• New event center opened up in Kingsley - Roomers
• Chick Fil A closing in the mall
• Koi on Hamilton changed name - food and atmosphere is much better, total redesign