by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman
HURON –– The Huron City Commission heard an update on the construction of a new player development center, concessions area, and press box at Memorial Ball Park on Monday during a work session after the regular business meeting. City engineer Brett Runge and Parks and Recreation Director Chad Shroder handed out a sheet with preliminary design images and discussed how the facility would impact the historic park and the parking lot around it.
Runge emphasized that images are still preliminary as the design build is on a strict $1.2 million budget, so anything found that could affect that number may change options that are currently part of the design plan. The tear-down of the current concession and press area will begin this month, with a quick turnaround to construction and an expected completion date of October 2026.
The new facility will contain a player development center, a need for the baseball program as there is no facility available in town currently. The new building will include a concession area, bathrooms that are accessible from outside the stadium, and an umpire changing room and meeting room within the structure. “Add on” items such as awnings, potential naming rights to the facility (or the entire park), and other potential considerations will require outside funding beyond the scope of the city project.
The regular meeting opened with multiple public forum items. Commissioner Shawn Harvey notified the public that the fire department is holding an open house and “push-in” ceremony for the new ladder truck that is open to the public on Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. at the north fire station, 1357 Dakota Ave. N.
Commissioner Rhonda Kludt informed the public of an upcoming event at the Huron High School auditorium to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month that will occur on Tuesday, May 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Finally, Mayor Mark Robish made an announcement of the proclamation for National Music Week, sponsored by the National Federated Music Clubs. Miss South Dakota Jamee Kattner, who is organizing Huron’s participation in National Music Week, spoke to the commission about the legacy of her grandmother Barb Valer and her leadership in celebrating the week each year, along with discussion about the final month of her year representing Huron and the state as Miss South Dakota.
Runge presented two requests to bid for the city’s asphalt emulsion and asphalt crack sealing needs for 2026. The bids will be opened on May 19 at 2 p.m. after the commission approved going to bid.
The city approved two two quit claim deeds for city-owned property to Greater Huron Development Corporation for purpose of sale. Both were approved unanimously, though Harvey abstained from the commercial property due to representing the future buyer.
The commission then entered a long discussion regarding easement between the city and the railroad near the roundhouse for future expansion by the railroad. After expressing concerns that could not be addressed with information available at the meeting, commissioners chose to table the easements until Wednesday at noon for a special meeting.
The commission approved a tentative plan for taxiway construction at the airport for a project in the amount of $1,028,527.03, once FAA grant offers are approved for the project.
Commissioners also:
Acknowledged that Ka Saw Po, Solid Waste Operator I, completed his probationary period, making him eligible for supplemental benefits.
Approved 2026 seasonal employment staff in golf maintenance, Broadland Pro Shop, t-ball and coach pitch, and Splash Central Waterpark.
Designated the Plainsman as the official newspaper for the City of Huron.
Approved a list of official depositories for the city.
Approved the renewal of 2026-2027 retail on-off sale malt beverage and South Dakota farm wine licenses for the city.
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