‘Get dirty or get out’: North Sioux City residents express frustrations with flood recovery

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. ( KCAU ) — After a week’s worth of flood cleanup, patience is running thin in some local neighborhoods.

People living in both Sioux City’s Riverside area as well as North Sioux City expressed dismay and distrust while meeting with their respective city leaders.

Not unexpectedly, the flooding aftermath dominated the North Sioux City Council meeting. Around 75 home owners and community members took their turns questioning council members about what has and has not taken place in and around McCook Lake over the last 9 days.

Residents stated that they feel let down by city leaders, who they say have not been present other than for photo opportunities.

Council members say they’ve faced a long list of complaints.

“The Union County Emergency Manager is flat-out lying. I have residents here from North Shore; no one was contacted, no doors were knocked on, no emails were sent. The whistle wasn’t blown. None of you chose to tell your friends and neighbors that a flood was coming.” A resident said.

“What I’m disgusted with more than anything is the lack of response after it happened. Literally, after it happened. I mean, by God, we didn’t get bottled water until Wednesday noon. A Hy-Vee semi delivered it. I mean, we didn’t get porta-potties. I mean, we didn’t get anything.” One resident added.

“As the mayor, you should have been the first one. Somewhere helping somebody. I talked to John and he says she’s been working hard. You’re not getting dirty. You need to get dirty or get out.” Another resident said.

There will be a press conference on Tuesday for an update on the flooding efforts in North Sioux City.

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