Good morning, Sioux City.

Western Iowa Tech Community College will host the Witstock Music Festival on April 30 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in parking lot 1, featuring country, hip hop, and rock music led by student groups; Student Activities will offer food and games while audio and video engineering students handle technical production (gaining real-world experience) for this free event.

The longtime snow cone stand in the Morningside area—nearly dormant for the past two years—will be revived and turned into a national franchise by a local native.

The new model plans to expand into several cities later this year.

The jury begins deliberations today in the trial of Yasin Abdi (22), who pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the June 26 shooting death of Marlon White Eyes (36).

Commercial beekeepers are struggling as a Project Apis M survey shows a 62% loss in bee colonies–local beekeeper Aaron Mallett reported his hives dropped from 380 to about 90 colonies after winter.

This decline could lead to tighter honey supplies and price increases in Siouxland–experts advise planting more pollinator habitats to help sustain the bees.

The Iowa State Fire Marshall declared a burn ban today at 8:00 a.m. for designated fire districts in Woodbury County following elevated fire danger conditions — the ban will remain until local fire departments notify that conditions have improved.

Sioux City asks drivers to report any potholes they see on city streets to help workers repair them this spring.

The city's street division covers 450 miles of paved roads and alleys and fixed 45,363 potholes in 2024 — using 2,021 tons of asphalt.

Woodbury County Emergency Management Director Michael Montino said his team uses radar and volunteer reports to watch over severe storms from March until October and handles about 40 to 50 storm warnings each year.

He urged residents to check forecasts and update emergency kits — like having a working weather radio — to be ready for storms.

On April 15, Sioux City marked Tax Day—federal returns were due and city leaders finalized the budget while returning funds to the human rights commission.

Recounts were set to start for two races from North Sioux City's special election.

Haymakers & Pretend Friend - Acoustic String Band and Bluegrass

8-11 p.m. — Vangarde Arts — Tickets $15 at the door — Experience a fusion of bluegrass and folk from two top heartland acts in an electrifying performance.

Women's Only Self-Defense Course

11 PM – 1 AM — RTTI at Coffee King — $50/person or included in membership — Empower yourself with practical self-defense skills in a supportive environment.

Let's Fly a Kite!

10 AM – 1 PM — Sergeant Floyd River Museum — Free entry — Bring your kites and enjoy free popcorn while exploring a nature scavenger hunt.

Midwest 8-Ball Championships

April 30 - May 4 — Siouxland Expo Center — Entry fees apply — Compete in thrilling pool matches at the regional championship event.

Opening Reception for Craig Albright: Chasing Light

5-7 p.m. — Sioux City Art Center — Free entry — Explore the poetic landscapes of Craig Albright's first solo exhibition featuring new and recent works.

Discrepancies Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Marquee — $20 cover — Experience the explosive sound of the Rap Rock band Discrepancies as they light up the night.

Church History in One Easy Lesson

2:00 p.m. — Betty Strong Encounter Center — Free entry — Explore the intriguing journey of Christianity with Dr. Bruce Forbes' engaging presentation and visual illustrations.

Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations

7:30-9 p.m. — Sioux City Orpheum — Ticket prices vary — Experience a Tony Award-winning musical that celebrates the legendary Motown group, The Temptations.

Northwest Iowa Reading Association K-6 Writing Contest Awards

7:00 p.m. — Western Iowa Tech Community College — Free entry — Celebrate the creativity of young writers at the annual award ceremony recognizing contest winners from the Northwest Iowa Reading Association.

BLINK Art Exhibition by Tracie Tuttle

7-10 p.m. — Vangarde Arts — Free entry — Experience an abstract glimpse into the human experience through Tracie Tuttle's vibrant acrylic paintings.