HURON — After multiple discussions over the last few months, the Beadle County Commission reached a decision to combine the jobs of weed supervisor and emergency management director in order to make a hire for the position. This required restructuring of the veterans services officer role as well.

Dave Jensen was then approved as the hire for the weed supervisor/emergency management director role beginning May 6. Current veterans service officer Taylor Jans will serve as deputy emergency management director.

Highway superindent Jason Fritzsche reported on the recent conference he attended in California, stating that he learned much on management of gravel roads and reclamation. He noted that the recent rain has led to multiple phone calls from county residents regarding the shoulder reclamation that the county is currently doing.

The commission then convened as the county board of adjustment to review three items. The first was a conditional use permit filed by Northern Natural Gas in Valley Township.

This was tabled to May 14 to get more information to address the smell of the project and tree removal for the project.

The second item was a variance request by Trevor Hofer to build an addition to his porch at Lake Byron. This was approved.

Finally, the board of adjustment reviewed a moving permit filed by Marcus and Megan Smith to move a manufactured home onto property at Lake Byron. This was also approved.

The commission heard from Grow SD about programs that aid county residents that funding from the county to the organization helps to support.

Discussion was held with Sheriff Doug Solem regarding multiple personnel changes. Keith Fitzgerald is transferring from the jail to a deputy sheriff position. His absence was accompanied by two resignations at the jail, leaving three open positions.

Solem also announced the hire of a part-time jailor. These were all approved.

Discussion was held regarding opioid settlement funds and how they can be utilized. Auditor Jill Hanson explained that the funds have specific uses that the county is allowed to spend the money on to be in compliance. The staff of the Beadle County drug court presented the option to help fund drug court with the money, and the commission agreed that opioid funds should be directed toward the drug court program.

Commissioners also:

The next county commission meeting is 9 a.m. May 14.