Huron City Commission Summary
Week of July 14, 2026
City collects 1.6 million cubic feet of storm debris
Preliminary storm damage to city facilities tops $1 million
Storm inflicts heavy damage on solid waste facilities
Wastewater treatment plant regains power after storm outage
High winds shift police range building off foundation
Conditional use request approved for dog boarding hotel
New ordinance eliminates building permits for minor home repairs
Huron senior center aids Highmore following disasters
Event center reports strong bookings, plans roof replacement
City collects 1.6 million cubic feet of storm debris
HURON, S.D. - Huron is managing a massive cleanup effort following recent severe storms, with public works crews collecting more than 1.6 million cubic feet of tree debris across just four collection piles so far. City officials noted during a work session that state inmates, local staff and outside crews have been working in high heat to clear streets and parks. The city has secured an out-of-town tree grinding vendor to process the massive debris piles at the Third Street drop-off site and is urging residents to be patient as the cleanup progresses to alleys and residential properties.
Preliminary storm damage to city facilities tops $1 million
HURON, S.D. - City administrators have submitted preliminary storm damage estimates to Beadle County and the state, projecting over $1 million in damages to Huron's municipal facilities. The most significant structural impacts occurred at Huron Regional Airport and solid waste facilities, which combined account for approximately $750,000 of the total estimated cost. The city is currently gathering formal bids for large-scale repairs and expects to apply for state and federal emergency disaster relief funds in the coming months once formal assessments are finalized.
Storm inflicts heavy damage on solid waste facilities
HURON, S.D. - Huron's solid waste facilities sustained significant damage during the recent storms, including broken gas lines and a destroyed roof section on the older building. Department officials reported that large overhead doors at both the new and old solid waste buildings were heavily damaged, prompting the installation of interim catch screens to mitigate wind-blown trash from escaping the structures. Despite the facility damage and a surge in rubble dump traffic from storm debris, garbage collection operations have continued with only minor delays caused by debris in alleyways.
Wastewater treatment plant regains power after storm outage
HURON, S.D. - The Huron wastewater treatment plant is fully operational again after operating without commercial electricity following the recent severe storms. City officials announced during a work session that power was finally restored to the facility by noon on the day of the meeting. The restoration marks a major milestone in the city's infrastructure recovery efforts, ensuring uninterrupted sanitary services for residents as the broader citywide cleanup continues.
High winds shift police range building off foundation
HURON, S.D. - The Huron Police Department reported previously undiscovered storm damage to its firing range building, which appears to have been slightly shifted off its foundation by high winds. Police officials noted that the facility remains without power and sustained damage to a center garage door that is currently completely inoperable. Additionally, a department pickup truck requires approximately $3,000 in repairs to its electronic steering system after being driven through high storm waters.
Conditional use request approved for dog boarding hotel
HURON, S.D. - A conditional use request was approved allowing Keith Cundy to operate a dog boarding facility for up to 12 dogs at a property on Third Street Southeast. The property is located in a residential zone where kennels are not typically permitted, but the business plan was supported after the owner agreed to install extensive soundproofing and limit outdoor activities. The facility will be staffed 24 hours a day and feature hotel-style rooms with televisions rather than traditional open cages.
New ordinance eliminates building permits for minor home repairs
HURON, S.D. - Homeowners in Huron will no longer need a building permit for minor exterior home repairs following the approval of a new ordinance. The ordinance, which aligns with recent state law changes, exempts detached single-family homeowners from needing permits for substantially similar replacements of doors, downspouts, fencing, gutters, non-structural siding and windows. City officials stated the change aims to streamline the bureaucratic process and give homeowners more control over simple fixes, though projects impacting structural safety or property lines will still require city oversight.
Huron senior center aids Highmore following disasters
HURON, S.D. - The Huron Area Senior Center is preparing and freezing roughly 300 meals a week for residents of Highmore after the neighboring community's senior center was displaced by a fire and subsequent storm damage. During a semiannual update to the commission, center representatives reported serving nearly 29,000 meals across the region in the first half of the year. The center, which currently boasts 370 members, is also launching a summer membership drive with a goal of reaching 500 members by the end of August to help fund its ongoing nutrition and social programs.
Event center reports strong bookings, plans roof replacement
HURON, S.D. - The Huron Event Center reported a successful first half of the year, featuring a new food and beverage vendor, 1 Oak Events LLC, and multiple large-scale conventions and weddings. During a semiannual update, officials noted that the facility largely escaped the recent severe weather, suffering only minor water intrusion under a few exterior doors. However, the center is moving forward with a previously budgeted project to replace the aging 1987 flat roof on the original section of the building as soon as contractors are available.
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