HURON — The Beadle County Highway Department began utilizing a new work space over the summer. Now that the busy summer road season is coming to a close, the department is preparing to host the public for a viewing of the new facility on October 17, decided in discussion during Tuesday’s Beadle County Commission meeting.

Highway superintendent Jason Fritzsche discussed having a time for townships to visit before the general public time, which would be from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The commission also approved a dust control policy. With chemical treatments for dust control more common, a policy for doing such treatments on county roads by individuals and townships was needed. Fritzsche proposed two potential policies to pick from to the commission, and the commission selected one to approve. The new policy lays out how to go about notifying the county of plans and who is at fault were anything to happen to a vehicle or person due to treatment put on county property by a non-county entity.

Fritzsche also brought forth a motor grader to surplus for sale and noted that the Nance Township bridge to be replaced will begin construction Sept. 27.

The commission also met with the Department of Health nurses and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program staff for the state and county. The 2024 WIC contract was approved, and staff had a long discussion with the commission regarding potential changes in the structure of the WIC program at the county level moving forward. No action was taken Tuesday, but commissioners met with the two county staff in executive session to hear viewpoints from the staff involved.

Commissioners approved the 2024 county budget with no changes and no public input.

A juvenile detention agreement with Edmunds County was approved.

The commission appointed Cheri Bjorke as county coroner for the remainder of the current term.

The next commission meeting is Tuesday, October 10, in the commission room on the second floor of the courthouse.