Commission advances historic preservation ordinance

City debuts automated solid waste drop-off kiosk

Officials highlight landfill savings through recycling

Solid waste baling facility marks one-year anniversary

Community campus to offer free AI course

City employees complete new leadership training program

Citywide burger promotion posts strong sales

Commission approves special alcohol permit for networking event

Local shooting sports complex announces major upgrades

Commission advances historic preservation ordinance

HURON, S.D. — The city commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance adding two local properties to the city's historic preservation list. The ordinance recognizes a local school building and a downtown commercial building — currently housing Pop Ice Cream on Dakota Avenue South — as individually listed historic properties. Planning Director Barry Cranston noted that national-level designation can help preserve historic architecture and may help make properties eligible for state historic-preservation grant programs. A second reading is scheduled for March 16.

City debuts automated solid waste drop-off kiosk

HURON, S.D. — A new automated self-kiosk system is now fully operational at the city's solid waste drop-off site, streamlining the disposal of yard waste and recycling. Solid Waste Superintendent Dale Fortin presented a video demonstration of the system, which requires residents to scan their driver's licenses for entry. Huron residents are eligible for four free drop-offs per month for both yard waste and recycling. For non-residents or those exceeding the limit, the system automatically prompts for a credit or debit card payment before the gate arm lifts.

Officials highlight landfill savings through recycling

HURON, S.D. — City officials are urging residents to increase recycling efforts, citing cost savings for taxpayers. According to the solid waste department, diverting recyclable materials to an out-of-town recycling market saves the city approximately $22 per ton compared to the cost of transporting garbage to a regional landfill. Solid Waste Superintendent Dale Fortin noted the city is currently recycling at a 10 percent rate, with a long-term goal of reaching 25 percent. The newly upgraded drop-off site features clearly labeled bins for cardboard, plastics, tin and aluminum to encourage greater public participation.

Solid waste baling facility marks one-year anniversary

HURON, S.D. — The city's solid waste baling facility celebrated its first full year of operation this month, successfully bouncing back from the destruction of its previous building. Solid Waste Superintendent Dale Fortin reported that the baler has run for 346 hours over the past year, processing 7,178 bags of garbage. To maintain smooth operations, the city recently received a bulk shipment of 7,200 new baling bags. Fortin said the shipment will provide a 20- to 24-month supply, protecting the city from ongoing nationwide supply chain shortages.

Community campus to offer free AI course

HURON, S.D. — Huron Community Campus is partnering with Northern State University to offer a free workshop on artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. Community Campus Executive Director Doug Pietz said the two-part class, scheduled for April 8 and 15, marks the university's first time offering such a program off-campus. The workshop requires no prior technology experience and aims to teach city employees, college students and local business leaders how to utilize AI tools to solve problems and improve operational efficiency.

City employees complete new leadership training program

HURON, S.D. — A dozen city department heads and staff members have successfully completed the city's newly established leadership-training program. Community Campus Executive Director Doug Pietz praised the city commission for its continued investment in higher education and staff development. The program is designed to build essential leadership skills, keep staff updated on new technology and increase municipal efficiency, which Pietz said is a critical step for retaining local talent within the community's workforce.

Citywide burger promotion posts strong sales

HURON, S.D. — The city's annual Huron Burger Battle was described as an economic success, with organizers reporting 8,572 specialty burgers sold across 13 participating local restaurants. The city commission thanked the community for its support, noting the final tally does not include additional revenue generated from side items and beverages. Officials highlighted the promotion as an economic driver for local businesses and a community-building event.

Commission approves special alcohol permit for networking event

HURON, S.D. — The city commission unanimously approved a special alcohol permit for an upcoming local networking event. The permit, submitted by an events business and the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau, will allow alcohol service during a mixer scheduled for mid-April at a local pet supply store. The approval was passed without debate as part of the commission's routine consent agenda, which also included the approval of municipal fuel quotes and the payment of city bills.

Local shooting sports complex announces major upgrades

HURON, S.D. — Representatives from the Beadle County Izaak Walton League of America shooting complex provided the city commission with an update on a major facility renovation, announcing the near-completion of its rifle range and the launch of a new youth trap shooting league. Organizers said the complex has implemented an electronic access-card system to monitor entry, manage operating hours and help prevent vandalism. They also announced an eight-week open trap shooting program this summer for middle and high school students to gauge interest in a permanent youth club affiliation, such as through 4-H or a school-sponsored program.

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