Leadership in the southeastern South Dakota fire district that includes North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes is edging closer to a solution that could fill its upcoming void in paramedic care when Siouxland Paramedics' emergency response ends Dec. 31. The Dakota Valley Fire District is exploring an agreement that would allow Sioux City Fire Rescue's new EMS Division to provide paramedic service within the district's boundaries. For many years, the district -- which encompasses North Sioux City, Dakota Dunes, Big Sioux Township and Wynstone -- has had an agreement with Siouxland Paramedics to provide ambulance services. Siouxland Paramedics responded 348 times in the area during the fiscal year ending June 30.