Huron City Commission Summary
Week of July 7, 2026
City bids farewell to longtime commissioner Bryan Smith
Drew Weinreis sworn in as new city commissioner
Storm causes substantial damage to parks, airport facilities
State inmates assist city crews with massive debris removal
Wastewater plant operating on generators amid extended power outage
Fire department handled 113 storm calls despite complete radio failure
Police department seeks $750,000 grant for radios and cameras
City tracking storm expenses for potential state disaster declaration
Reminder issued on child labor laws for volunteer cleanup
City bids farewell to longtime commissioner Bryan Smith
HURON, S.D. — The Huron City Commission recognized outgoing commissioner Bryan Smith on Monday for 12 years of service to the city. Smith, who chose not to seek reelection to spend more time with his family, concluded his three terms in office. Gratitude was expressed during the meeting to city staff, colleagues, and the residents of Huron, and the unique challenges the city faced during the COVID-19 pandemic were noted.
Drew Weinreis sworn in as new city commissioner
HURON, S.D. — Drew Weinreis officially took the oath of office at Monday's meeting, filling the seat vacated by Bryan Smith. Weinreis, who previously served on the commission and ran for mayor in 2024, assumes his duties immediately as the city continues its recovery from recent severe weather.
Storm causes substantial damage to parks, airport facilities
HURON, S.D. — City parks and the Huron Regional Airport suffered significant infrastructure damage during last week's severe storm. At the Kunhart Field Softball Complex and the Mountain Dew Softball Complex, scoreboards were completely tipped over, light poles snapped and shade shelters were damaged. At the airport, officials reported that a large leased hangar suffered a partial roof collapse and buckled walls directly resulting from the extreme storm winds, causing damage to several aircraft inside, though the historic stone hangar survived with minimal damage.
State inmates assist city crews with massive debris removal
HURON, S.D. — Street department crews are hauling up to 65 semi-truck loads of storm debris a day to the Third Street drop-off site, assisted by state inmates deployed by Gov. Kristi Noem. City officials said the Huron Arena drop-off site has been closed and asked residents to place only tree debris on their boulevards, estimating it will take at least two weeks to clear the city streets completely.
Wastewater plant operating on generators amid extended power outage
HURON, S.D. — The Huron wastewater treatment plant is running entirely on diesel backup generators and could remain without commercial power for up to a week, officials reported Monday. With NorthWestern Energy actively working to repair downed power lines in the area and rain in the forecast, Water and Sewer Superintendent Rob Rieger asked residents to clear debris from neighborhood catch basins to prevent localized street flooding while city sweepers remain out of commission.
Fire department handled 113 storm calls despite complete radio failure
HURON, S.D. — The Huron Fire Department responded to 113 calls over the weekend following the storm, all while dealing with a complete failure of its radio system. Fire Chief John Miller reported that firefighters had to rely on borrowed radios from the police department and the state to maintain communications. Police Chief Derek Layher also noted the department used significant overtime to enforce a Thursday night curfew and secure dark, open buildings across the city, while issuing a general warning for residents to carefully verify credentials and be cautious of potential post-storm contractor scams.
Police department seeks $750,000 grant for radios and cameras
HURON, S.D. — The city commission unanimously approved a request from the Huron Police Department to apply for a zero-match Byrne discretionary community project grant totaling approximately $750,000. If awarded, the funds would replace the department's aging portable and mobile radios and cover body-worn and mobile car cameras for a 10-year period. Police Chief Derek Layher said the grant is a necessary pursuit after a previous Homeland Security grant stalled.
City tracking storm expenses for potential state disaster declaration
HURON, S.D. — Huron officials are meticulously tracking employee overtime, equipment use and repair costs in hopes of meeting the $1.93 million threshold required for a state disaster declaration. State insurance adjusters are scheduled to arrive this week to assess damage to city-owned buildings.
Reminder issued on child labor laws for volunteer cleanup
HURON, S.D. — As volunteer cleanup efforts continue following the recent severe storm, Human Resource Manager Shanna Sterrett reminded city departments to strictly adhere to child labor laws. Sterrett warned that teenagers under 18 face strict legal limits on clearing debris and operating power tools, a necessary precaution given the scope of the recovery work.
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