County approves new blade purchase

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HURON — Beadle County Highway Superintendent Merl Hanson presented three quotes for a new motor grader to the Beadle County Commission Tuesday, and the commission voted to approve the purchase of a John Deere blade with a snow wing from RDO Equipment for $361,438.

Hanson stated that the staff has had a chance to work with the new blade as a demonstration and like it.

The cost savings will be significant for the county, in the range of $30,000, compared to a Caterpillar model with a snow wing.

Hanson reported that the new highway building has seen progress this month with footings completed, foundation walls nearly half-done, and masonry and electrical on site over the past week.

Commissioners approved surplus of a grader blade, a snow blower, and two pickups to be sold on Big Iron.

Commissioners also approved four land plots.

The county-wide burn ban was discussed, and while conditions have improved, commissioners received input from rural fire chiefs to consider leaving the ban in place. At this time, the commission chose to leave the ban in place. Emergency Management Director Taylor Jans will be speaking with area fire chiefs regarding lifting the burn ban.

The commission ended in executive session with Beadle County State’s Attorney Michael Moore.