Several Huron residents told the City Commission on Monday that noise from a nearby shooting range has become louder and more frequent, disturbing homes, pets and veterans.

Jim Schmidt, who identified himself as a Huron resident at 455 Jersey, urged commissioners to inspect the area and said: "Honestly, it's terrible." He said many neighbors were not notified when changes were made and that the range’s recent relocation and removal of trees and berms made the sound worse.

The concern was echoed by Kerwin Hader, who said he lives about three-quarters of a block from the range. "Now it's really loud and the usage is way up ... Now it's every day, several hours a day," Hader said. He suggested adding sound-absorbing walls or high berms similar to highway noise walls to reduce the impact.

City Planner Mister Cranston, who spoke during the public forum in response to residents, said the group operating the range "went through a variance hearing" and that required notification rules were followed. Cranston said the planning bodies "recommended approval" and that joint planning discussions had contemplated berms and other noise-mitigation features.

Aaron Shively, the city attorney, told the commission that under South Dakota law the variance process includes written notification requirements and that after reviewing the materials he would need to examine the record further before giving detailed legal conclusions. He added that "most oftentimes, that's considered a civil matter between those parties," but said the city or county could review whether any municipal action was appropriate.

No formal action was taken by the commission at the meeting. Commissioners noted the matter involves joint jurisdiction with the county, and staff advised residents that the city would review the public record and consider next steps. Residents said they do not want the issue to be routed back and forth between the county and city without substantive follow-up.

The residents recommended practical mitigation measures including replanting berms and trees, constructing sound-absorbing walls on the shelters, and a review of the range’s siting and use. City staff said they would review the variance and notice record and consult with the joint planning authority before recommending any regulatory steps.

Because the public comments were part of the forum rather than a formal agenda item, no votes were recorded on the shooting range at the meeting.