Some residents say their Sioux City neighborhood is a lot less stinky than it used to be.

One of them, Danny Hauser, told the Sioux City Journal that he had avoided leaving his home in the Riverside neighborhood on the city's northwest side. He says the smell is "a whole lot better now."

Mayor Bob Scott is gratified that Hauser and other residents have noticed the results of the city's efforts to reduce odors. Several policy changes have been made to address longstanding problems with odors coming from Sioux City industries and city sewer facilities.

City officials are considering setting up a rigorous regulatory and fining system aimed mostly at industries. Plans include setting up a panel to investigate odor complaints.