Deb Nibbelink

SIOUX CITY—The Sioux City Symphony Youth Orchestras will perform a Spring Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City. Now in its fifth season with three ensembles, the Youth Orchestra Training Program includes the beginning strings Prelude, the strings-only Sinfonia, and the full symphony Philharmonic. Led by Ms. Michele Grossman, Prelude will share music by Haydn, Rogers, and Tchaikovsky. Mrs. Kristin Ortmann will direct Sinfonia in pieces by Bach, Cole, Day, Silva, and Woolstenhume. Philharmonic, conducted by Bradley Miedema, will perform works by Brahms, Holsinger, Schwartz, Stravinsky and Wagner. The concert is free and open to the public with a reception to follow in the Orpheum Lobby.

HAWARDEN—Sioux County Conservation will offer Bird Watching 7:30-10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Oak Grove Park near Hawarden. Join area birders to look and listen for migrating songbirds including warblers, vireos, grosbeaks and thrushes. Bring a bird guide or binoculars if you have them. Participants will also check out the new bird blind in the park. Meet at the entrance booth. Preregister at

ROCK VALLEY— The Sioux Prairie Pheasants Forever, Rock Valley Gun Club, Sioux County Conservation and Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be hosting Ringneck Rendezvous 4-7 p.m.

HAWARDEN—Sioux County Conservation will host a book discussion on “Crow Talk,” by author Eileen Garvin, 6-7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at the Prairie Woods Nature Center at Oak Grove Park near Hawarden. This is a novel about two women, a lonely ornithologist named Frankie and a grieving musician named Anne, who form an unlikely friendship in the Pacific Northwest while caring for a silent, five-year-old boy and an injured baby crow. The Hawarden Public Library will lead the book discussion, and a Sioux County Naturalist will make connections to our natural world. Participants don't have to read the book to participate, but it is encouraged. Preregister at

ABERDEEN, SD—Ronald “Ron” Droog, 78, Aberdeen, SD, died Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen.

HAWARDEN—Sioux County Conservation will host MK2 featuring Brian Holland 6-9 p.m., Saturday, July 11, at the Prairie Woods Nature Center Outdoor Amphitheater at Oak Grove Park near Hawarden. Rich vocals with unique blend of acoustic guitar and saxophone playing outlaw country, classic rock, R&B, Americana and more. Tommy and Brian will tickle your fancy with their renditions of classics favorites and will help you fall in love with some new ones! Bring blanket or lawn chair to sit at outdoor amphitheater.

HAWARDEN—Sioux County Conservation will host a Hunter Education Classroom Course for ages 11 and up 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Prairie Woods Nature Center at Oak Grove Park near Hawarden. Register online at

SIOUX CENTER—Sioux County Conservation will host Kassidy Van Der Brink 6-8 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Sandy Hollow open shade shelter of Sioux Center. She is an accomplished vocalist known for her powerful singing range. Blending a wide range of genres sure to please all ages. Her musical style ranges from old country/country, alternative, pop, jazz and Christian. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Rain date is July 25.

HAWARDEN—The Prairie Woods Nature Center will host Senior Environmental Learning and Fellowship (SELF) at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Oak Grove Park near Hawarden. The topic is planting a pollinator garden. Coffee and treats will be served. Call 712-552-3057 to register.

REGIONAL—State Treasurer Roby Smith is encouraging families in each county to step up to the plate and enter the ISave 529 Summer Giveaway for a chance to receive a $529 contribution toward a child's future educational savings. As part of the statewide giveaway, one winner will be selected from each of Iowa's 99 counties, with one additional statewide grand prize winner receiving a $1,000 ISave 529 contribution. Families can enter the giveaway by visiting