The Walworth County Commission held its first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 6th.  Under Old Business before the election of officers, the commissioners approved signing the proposed contract with North Central Steel for building construction at the Landfill.  Commissioner Duane Mohr said the contract is for $99,950.00 and there is a grant of $30,000.00 from the State for the project. Election of Officers Randy Carlson was elected Commission Chair and Jim Houck was elected Vice Chair. — The commissioners then approved several items on the agenda: Publishing a complete list of salaries effective Jan. 1, 2026; Setting election officials hourly rates; Designating the Mobridge Tribune and the Selby Record as official newspapers; Designating Bankwest as the official bank; Indigent burial rate at $2500 plus outside container at cost if required, and $150 for the funeral director; Setting Landfill rates.  Commissioner Mohr listed the changes for this year. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2026/01/01-06-26-mohr-on-rates.mp3 Mohr also had the Landfill monthly report. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2026/01/01-06-26-mohr-landfill.mp3   Highway Highway Superintendent Tom Hannan read the weight limit resolution, which was then approved by the Commission.  They also approved the 2026 equipment rates, surplus options on a 2015 motor grader, and for Hannan to attend a short course conference in Deadwood in March. Sheriff Walworth County Sheriff Josh Boll read the Sheriff’s Office Resolution stating number of employees and salaries. The commissioners approved several jail contracts for adult and juvenile holding with Brule, Roberts, Edmunds, and Beadle Counties. Emergency Manager  Walworth County Emergency Manager Jeff Jensen read the 2026 Wildland Fire Designee Resolution, which the commission approved. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2026/01/01-06-26-jensen-resolution.mp3 Jensen also discussed different grants in the Emergency Management office; public safety radios and Wi-Fi in the Courthouse; and grant money he continues to work on for these items. Auditor Walworth County Auditor Kim Dills had the County’s November and December numbers. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2026/01/01-06-26-dills-balance.mp3 — Board appointments were tabled to the next meeting. Chairman Carlson made a request to have all information regarding the items on each meeting’s agenda in a more timely manner. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2026/01/01-06-26-carlson-items.mp3 — The next meeting of the Walworth County Commission will be Tuesday, February 10th, at 9am.     View the Walworth County Commission meeting here: https://www.facebook.com/100069049785564/videos/2634384733603945/   ...read more read less