Commission approves $1.67 million aerial fire truck purchase

Controlled burn training scheduled at state fairgrounds

Commission advances $4.4 million TIF for High Plains Premium Beef plant

New electric metal recycling facility slated for former beef plant site

Proposed ordinance would ease zoning for downtown vacation rentals

Two local landmarks added to city's historic preservation register

City inks agreement with BNSF to pave over decommissioned railroad tracks

Commission forms committee to review city's form of government

Commission approves $1.67 million aerial fire truck purchase

HURON, S.D. — The Huron City Commission unanimously approved the purchase of a new aerial ladder fire truck from Feld Fire for $1,677,380. The apparatus, which replaces a previously delayed order, is expected to arrive in Huron by early May. Funding for the truck includes $951,000 from second-penny sales tax funds, $181,000 from the 2026 budget and $537,000 from city reserves, padded by proceeds from a recent $255,000 hotel land sale. The purchase price also covers a two-day training and inspection session for local firefighters in Missouri.

Controlled burn training scheduled at state fairgrounds

HURON, S.D. — Residents should not be alarmed by smoke near the South Dakota State Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 21, as the Huron Fire Department conducts live-fire training. Officials said the department will burn several old buildings slated for removal by fairgrounds management. The training exercises are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

Commission advances $4.4 million TIF for High Plains Premium Beef plant

HURON, S.D. — A $4.4 million tax increment financing plan for the proposed High Plains Premium Beef processing plant received unanimous approval from the Huron City Commission. The $70 million facility, planned for the city's east industrial park, is expected to process 150 head of cattle per day and employ roughly 100 full-time workers once completed in 2027. Officials said the city assumes no financial risk with the TIF, which would be backed by private lenders as part of a financing package that includes new market tax credits to help offset escalating project costs.

New electric metal recycling facility slated for former beef plant site

HURON, S.D. — Huron City commissioners approved the plat for an unnamed metal recycling company to operate on a nearly 25-acre parcel at a former beef plant site. The facility is expected to feature a 100 percent electric metal shredder — described as the first of its size in the state — capable of processing vehicles, appliances and sheet metal for melting. City staff said the property's I-2 industrial zoning permits the recycling operation, but any future transition into a traditional scrap or salvage yard would require a conditional use permit.

Proposed ordinance would ease zoning for downtown vacation rentals

HURON, S.D. — Operating an Airbnb or vacation rental in Huron's commercial districts could soon require less red tape following the first reading of a new zoning ordinance. The proposed measure would make vacation rentals a permitted use in the B2 downtown core and B3 commercial districts, eliminating the need for property owners to secure a variance. Short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods would still require a conditional use permit, and operators would continue to undergo a safety inspection every three years.

Two local landmarks added to city's historic preservation register

HURON, S.D. — The Habicht's building, a former downtown commercial building now home to an ice cream shop, along with Jefferson School, a former school building, were recognized as city historic sites following passage of an updated historic preservation ordinance. Both properties have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recent years, according to officials. The unanimous approval of the ordinance's second reading ensures the structures are specifically listed within Huron's local preservation code.

City inks agreement with BNSF to pave over decommissioned railroad tracks

HURON, S.D. — Motorists could see a smoother commute after the Huron City Commission approved an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to pave over decommissioned tracks at two downtown street crossings. While the railroad will retain its right-of-way and does not plan to physically remove the rails, the city engineering department plans to mill a transition area and lay asphalt over the tracks to improve ride quality and ease snow removal.

Commission forms committee to review city's form of government

HURON, S.D. — The city of Huron is exploring potential improvements or changes to its current form of municipal government. Officials announced that a seven-member committee has been established to review local governance structures and assess performance. The group has convened once and is scheduled to meet again at the end of the month, when additional updates on the committee's assignments are expected.

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