Visitors to this year’s South Dakota State Fair will notice that preliminary construction has begun for the new Dakota Expo Center or DEX Center.  Fire destroyed the open class beef and sheep barn a few years ago, and Fair Manager Peggy Besch says fair officials have been meeting on a regular basis with contractors regarding the new facility.  Besch says the fair has received support from generous individuals, private companies, and the state are excited to see the new building.  The South Dakota State Fair manager says the new facility will be completed and ready for use during the 2023 state fair.  Besch says a new exhibit this year at the state fair involves a mural painting contest and display.