Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

Changing the Face of Crisis Response in Watertown!
🚓💚 Mental health crises require a specialized touch. Recently, Watertown PD’s Mental Health Officer Alexis Buysse and Public Safety Social Worker Ellie Anderson sat down with Northeast Radio SD to discuss how their unique Co-Response Team is making a real difference in our community.
Since joining forces, Alexis and Ellie have been responding to crisis calls together—blending traditional law enforcement safety with clinical mental health counseling.
🧠 Key Takeaways from their interview: • Serenity Cove: A safe environment utilized by the team to provide food, rest, and professional counseling to individuals in crisis, keeping them out of the jail system.
• The Reality of Triggers: A crisis can happen to anyone when life stressors accumulate. You don’t have to struggle alone.
• Breaking “Self-Stigma”: It’s easy to advocate for others, but harder to admit when we need help ourselves. Let’s normalize saying, “I’m not okay today.”
🔄 Continuous Care: Through their partnership with the Human Service Agency (HSA), this team doesn’t just walk away when the emergency ends. They provide critical follow-up care and warm hand-offs to long-term resources. 🆘 Need Support? Help is Always Available:
📞 988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Free, confidential, 24/7)
🏢 Human Service Agency (HSA) – Local counseling and psychiatric services.
🚑 Local dispatch and 988 work hand-in-hand to get you the exact right help when you call.
Thank you, Officer Buysse and Ellie, for your award-winning, compassionate dedication to keeping Watertown safe and supported! 👏
#WatertownSD #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityPolicing #CoResponse #988Lifeline #InThisTogether #ReduceTheStigma

🎙️ Newscast Overview
Host: The broadcast is anchored by Steve Jurrens.
Station: Northeast Radio SD Studios based in Watertown, South Dakota.
Sponsor: This hour of the news is sponsored by Arrow Products, a locally owned provider of point-of-sale credit card processing and small business services.
🏙️ Watertown City Council Updates
Retirement of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director
Retirement Announcement: City Manager Alan Steger announced during the city council meeting that Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Dusty Rodiek will retire at the end of June 2026.
Project Legacy: Rodiek's impact was highlighted by the approval of several projects under budget, including a new $199,000 playground system at River Ridge Park and a $135,000 playground system at Mallard Cove.
Shared Facilities: He also finalized a renewed tennis court usage agreement with the Watertown School District, securing shared community access through the year 2039.
Successor Search: The city intends to launch a formal search for his replacement in the near future.
New Administrative Governance Policy Passed
Policy Adoption: The city council unanimously approved a new administrative framework designated as Policy GP-01.
Streamlined Authority: This policy empowers city staff, under the City Manager’s direct supervision, to approve routine advertising and sponsorship agreements valued up to $10,000 and lasting up to 5 years.
Efficiency Gains: Finance Officer Kristen Bobzien noted that the shift removes redundant paperwork and unnecessary operational delays. Councilman Michael Hoyer praised the resolution for eliminating civic inefficiencies, while City Manager Alan Steger characterized it as a measured, step-by-step optimization of city governance.
Zoning Ordinance 26-12 Approved for Decks and Garages
Zoning Changes: The council passed the second reading of Ordinance 26-12 to resolve ambiguities introduced by prior zoning updates.
Grandfather Clause: Presented by Community Development Manager Brandy Hanten, the ordinance introduces a grandfather clause allowing residential decks constructed before 2005 to be replaced within their identical or reduced footprints, bypassing current setback requirements.
Garage Capacity Extensions: The update increases maximum garage allowances from 3 to 4 stalls and permits up to 2,352 square feet of structure. Additionally, if a property's lot constraints prevent an attached garage layout, that identical square footage allocation can be cleanly shifted to a detached structure without requiring a formal variance process.
Relocation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Equipment
Airport Upgrades: The council authorized a major agreement with the FAA to relocate critical navigation, weather tracking, and instrument landing hardware.
Project Logistics: Airport Manager Ian Merryweather clarified that this relocation is the final remaining component of the broader Airport Terminal Relocation Project.
Funding Breakdown: The overall relocation cost stands at $2.2 million. The city is distributing a $1.3 million prepayment to the FAA to kickstart materials procurement, offset by a $700,000 state grant.
Future Expansion: Once the FAA completely vacates the old terminal building, Lake Area Technical College plans to demolish the structure to expand its aviation programs.
🏛️ Codington County Government Updates
Auditor's Report & Primaries Setup
Absentee Ballots: County Auditor Brenda Hanten reported that 210 absentee ballots have been cast for the upcoming 2026 primaries as of Monday, falling just 11 votes short of the total recorded at the same juncture two years ago. The local courthouse remains the sole operating site for absentee voting.
Budget Planning: The office has officially begun structuring the 2027 county fiscal budget by gathering departmental requests.
Opioid Settlement: Codington County received a $1,360 opioid settlement distribution, expanding its restricted remediation fund to a total of $89,446 earmarked explicitly for substance abuse recovery and prevention programs.
Relocation of the Veteran Service Office
New Downtown Office: County Commissioners approved a new lease agreement to relocate the Veteran Service Office downtown to 10 North Broadway, Suite 104, scheduled for August 22, 2026.
Accessibility Reasons: Veteran Service Officer Jay Robert explained that the current 19th Street location presents significant accessibility challenges for disabled and elderly veterans due to surrounding heavy traffic congestion.
Cost Efficiency: While the base rent is slightly higher, the utility-inclusive and high-speed internet package lowers overall monthly operational expenses from $1,648 to $1,594. The landlord will absorb exterior property maintenance and snow removal burdens.
Pre-Trial Case Manager Position Created
Rising Legal Costs: To mitigate escalating court-appointed public defense fees, the commission greenlit the addition of a Pre-Trial Case Manager.
Deficit Projections: The county originally budgeted $890,000 for public defense this year, but it has already spent $358,179, leaving a remainder of roughly $531,000 heading into the high-demand summer season.
Administrative relief: Community Service Director Sarah Foust argued that defense attorneys currently exhaust paid billable hours on non-legal logistics like tracking evaluations and bond check-ins, which a dedicated case manager can handle affordably.
Financial Return: The position carries a $90,000 annual salary with benefits but is projected to pay for itself by reducing attorney billings by 25% to 30%. States Attorney Alison Bakken strongly endorsed the move, citing its successful implementation in Minnehaha County.
County Highway Shop Modernization
Facility Overhaul: Commissioners signed a $633,000 modernization contract with Basin Construction and Tile to renovate the County Highway Shop. The scope includes crucial concrete floor replacement, structural upgrades, drainage works, ventilation improvements, and brand-new insulation.
Alternative Bid Control: The board additionally reviewed Alternate 1 (replacing bay doors for $19,000) and Alternate 2 (upgrading master electrical panels for $165,000). Because the overarching Facility Upgrade Fund is strictly capped at $750,000, integrating all elements would violate the limit. A generator installation will be delayed and re-bid down the line as future financing permits.
🚗 Public Safety Incident
Vehicle Accident: Watertown Fire Rescue and the Watertown Police Department responded to a single-vehicle injury crash in the 300 block of 4th Avenue SW.
Crash Details: A 2013 Honda CR-V traveling westbound veered across the eastbound lanes and collided with a tree along the south boulevard.
Injuries & Safety: The driver, a 23-year-old local male, was transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. A 17-month-old passenger was also hospitalized as a precautionary measure, escaping injury due to being properly fastened in a child safety seat. The driver's seatbelt status is under ongoing investigation.

🏛️ Public Safety & Community Highlights
Mental Health Officer Segment: The broadcast opened with a feature on Alexis Baicy, the Mental Health Officer with the Watertown Police Department.
Watertown Fire Rescue Accident Report: A single-vehicle injury crash occurred at approximately 7:11 AM on May 18, 2026, in the 300 block of 4th Avenue SW.
A 2013 Honda CR-V traveling westbound crossed over the eastbound lanes and struck a tree on the south boulevard.
The driver, a 23-year-old male from Watertown, was transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. His seatbelt use is currently under investigation.
A 17-month-old passenger was also taken to the hospital as a precaution. Fortunately, the toddler was properly secured in a child safety seat and sustained no injuries.
🗓️ Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce: Upcoming Events
The host shared an extensive lineup of upcoming community events, grand openings, and business celebrations throughout May and into July:
May 2026 Events
Monday, May 18 (Today) | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Ribbon cutting and Chamber After 4 celebrating the new service club signage. Held at the Lifesong Event Space (405 18th Ave NE).
Tuesday, May 19 | Afternoon: The Beacon Center hosts the Little Caesars Love Kitchen mobile pizza restaurant at 801 Jensen Ave.
Tuesday, May 19 | 6:00 PM: Chef Night featuring Joel Willette and Rick Holinka, showcasing brisket from 1889 Meats.
Wednesday, May 20 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: South Dakota Department of Labor’s 2nd Annual Level Up Your Career statewide virtual hiring event.
Wednesday, May 20 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Joint Open House celebration for Care Small Animal Hospital and Apex Veterinary Center. The event honors Dr. Mark Reeb and welcomes Dr. Olivia Malgren.
Thursday, May 21: Love Takes Flight butterfly release memorial event in the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System courtyard.
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day ceremonies (Northeast Radio SD plans to livestream local events).
Thursday, May 28 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Splash into Summer kickoff event at the Watertown Area Community Foundation Plaza.
Friday, May 29 | 10:30 AM: Grand opening ribbon cutting for Core Cares In-Home Services at Lake Area Technical College.
Sunday, May 31 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: A one-night-only chance to try Sean Dempsey's World Pizza Championship 1st-place pie, "Carrots and Cream."
Summer Sneak Peeks (June & July)
June 4 – June 6: Watertown Weekend Wanderer city-wide rummage sale weekend. Residents can register sales or plan routes via watertownsd.com.
Thursday, July 11 | 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM: Fraud Prevention Strategies for Success seminar, hosted in partnership with Midwest Bank. (Networking at 9:45 AM, program begins at 10:00 AM).
July 16 – July 18: Cookout on Kampeska at Lake Kampeska, including a Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, July 18 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Additional Notes: The Chamber is actively seeking sponsorships for upcoming programs, including Business at the Tee, Cooking on Kampeska, Thursday Night Live, and Limitless. Representatives from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) will also be featured on a future show to discuss workplace management.

🎙️ Catching Up with District 5 Senator Glen Vilhauer 🎙️
Senator Glen Vilhauer recently sat down with Northeast Radio SD to reflect on his lifetime of service, his track record in the legislature, and his ongoing commitment to Watertown and the state of South Dakota.
As a Tripp native, retired CPA, and 10-year veteran of the South Dakota Army National Guard, Glen brings decades of real-world leadership—including 8 years on the Watertown City Council and 9 years on the hospital board—to his role in the State Senate.
Here are the key takeaways from his interview on what he’s prioritizing for District 5:
🔹 Fiscal Responsibility: As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Glen is proud to have helped deliver a balanced budget to the full legislature for the last two years. 🔹 Tackling Affordability: Glen hears your concerns loud and clear. He’s focused on addressing the rising cost of living across the board—including property taxes, insurance, gas, and groceries—by expanding South Dakota’s economic base and supporting local business growth. 🔹 Investing in Our Future: A strong advocate for public education and workforce development, Glen continues to champion funding and support for local schools and pride-and-joy institutions like Lake Area Tech. 🔹 Restoring Legislative Civility: Glen is pushing for a return to decorum, collaborative debate, and teamwork in Pierre, putting community results above personal or petty political agendas.
🗓️ Come out and meet Senator Vilhauer at these upcoming community events:
Meet & Greet: Tomorrow (Wednesday) from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM at The Goss Opera House. Stop by for light hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and conversation!
Memorial Day Service: Monday at 10:30 AM at Mount Hope Cemetery (weather permitting) to honor our nation's heroes.
Coffee, Caramel Rolls & Conversation: Next Thursday from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM at The Wheel Inn. Rolls and coffee are on Glen!
🗳️ Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 2nd! Your voice matters. Be sure to look into early voting options or make your plan to head to the ballot box on June 2nd.
🔗 For more information on his campaign, visit www.glenforsdsenate.com or visit his Facebook page at Vilhauer for Senate.
Paid for by Glen Vilhauer for SD Senate

## Infrastructure & Public Transit
SDDOT 2026 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Program Scope: The South Dakota Department of Transportation is officially accepting letters of intent for its 2026 TAP cycle. The initiative funds localized, smaller-scale projects that safely expand non-motorized public transit infrastructure across the state.
Eligible Projects: Funding applies to pedestrian and bike paths, community recreational trails, safe-routes-to-school setups, historic preservation sites, public vegetation management, and environmental storm-water/habitat connectivity mitigation.
Funding Parameters: Approximately $8 million in total capital is available for this cycle. Individual infrastructure projects are capped at a maximum of $600,000 with a mandatory $50,000 minimum. Non-infrastructure projects carry no minimum funding cap, but all applicants must provide an 18.05% local financial match.
Deadlines: Letters of intent must be submitted by July 15th. Mandatory on-site programmatic review meetings will be coordinated before April 15th, and full programmatic applications are officially due on October 1st.
## Community Events & Outreach
Codington Connects "Splash into Summer" Kickoff
Event Details: Codington Connects is inviting regional families to downtown Watertown for its second annual "Splash into Summer" seasonal kickoff. The event will take place on Thursday, May 28th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Foundation Plaza.
Activities: The free public gathering features children's coloring projects, a bean bag toss, yard games, flower planting, public chalk art, and a community dunk tank.
Food & Entertainment: A complimentary public supper will be served at 5:30 PM following a financial donation from Reliabank, with additional refreshments supplied by Visit Watertown. Live music will be provided by Velocity Entertainment.
Nonprofit Presence: More than 55 local nonprofit organizations will host interactive booths where families can play games, win prizes, and learn about available summer civic resources. Organizers are currently seeking local door prize donations; interested parties can contact Shannon Markel at 605-882-7908.
## Business & Economic Development
South Dakota Board of Economic Development Loans
The state board has formally approved two new SD Works commercial loans intended to support local workforce expansion and small-business ownership transitions.
Desco Architectural (De Smet): Awarded a $400,000 expansion loan to establish an entirely new manufacturing product line, cut baseline factory production costs, and boost market competitiveness. The expansion expects to add 6 new full-time jobs.
Lemmon IGA (Lemmon): Approved a $550,000 transition loan allowing long-time general manager Stephanie Darwin to formally purchase the local grocery store, securing a vital food supply resource for the community. The transition is projected to create 10 new full-time positions.
Executive Response: GOED Commissioner Bill Even publicly noted that these strategic loans directly fortify rural workforces and preserve baseline consumer services across the state.
## Regional Traffic & Closures
County Road 75 / 460th Avenue Bridge Repairs
Traffic Advisory: The Codington County Highway Department will implement a temporary closure on a section of County Road 75 (460th Avenue) beginning Monday, May 18th, to clear the way for major bridge repairs. The closure is expected to last roughly one month.
Scope of Work: Structural crews will rebuild the eastern boundary of the bridge, which sustained heavy structural damage during a previous spring freeze-and-thaw cycle.
Impacted Routes: The active work zone spans between 169th Street and 170th Street. According to Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey, the construction will directly restrict transit access to several regional gravel pits. The roadway will remain open exclusively to local resident traffic; through-traffic is strictly prohibited.
## Education & Civics
"250+ Years of American Civics and News" Series
Seminar Launch: A free, non-partisan media literacy and civics workshop is arriving in Watertown next month. The hour-long interactive session will be held on Monday, June 8th, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Watertown Regional Library.
Curriculum Focus: The course explores the historical timeline of how citizens have received public journalism and conceptualized civic duties from the Revolutionary War to the present era. Topics include defining checks and balances, the importance of voting, and identifying trustworthy online reporting.
## Sports Management
Watertown Shamrocks Front-Office Promotions
The Watertown Shamrocks franchise has officially locked in two high-level executive leadership changes:
Ann Hansen (Team President): Hansen, a Watertown native who has served the sports organization since its inaugural season, has been named Team President. She officially takes over for outgoing president Ryan Bisgard. Franchise Chairman Vince Foley called Hansen the "natural choice" to lead the front office.
Blake Theisen (Vice President): Theisen, who originally joined the management group in 2024, has been promoted to Vice President. He will absorb expanded corporate administrative duties while continuing his active roles as the on-air "Voice of the Shamrocks."
Effective Date: Both front-office management transitions will take effect on June 1st.
## Radio & Media Mergers
Connoisseur Media Sells Watertown Radio Cluster
Market Buyout: Another major corporate shift is hitting local airwaves as Connoisseur Media has formally agreed to sell its six-station Watertown broadcast cluster to Yankton-based Riverfront Broadcasting.
Frequencies Transferred: The asset sale covers FM legacy signals 92.9 KSDR, 96.1 KIXX, 96.9 KDLO, and 104.3 KKSD, along with AM mainstays KWAT and KSDR.
Corporate Justification: Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw stated that the corporation simply did not feel it could continue to make a "material difference" in the local Watertown market. He emphasized that the stations would be better positioned under a closer, regional operator.
Purchasing Entity: Riverfront Broadcasting is a family-owned media group helmed by Carolyn and Doyle Becker that operates 21 radio signals across Minnesota and South Dakota. The deal was brokered by Kalil and Company and is scheduled to close in late summer pending standard FCC approval.
## Legal & Criminal Justice
High School Shooting Sentencing
Prison Term Issued: A Watertown man wounded during an officer-involved shooting outside a Yankton High School athletic event in December 2024 has been sentenced to active prison time.
Court Ruling: 41-year-old Andrew John Dall received a four-and-a-half-year active prison sentence on Wednesday. The judge handed down a total 30-year term but suspended more than 26 years of the sentence.
Case History: Dall was traveling in Yankton for a wrestling meet when police responded to a disturbance in the high school parking lot. Dall exited his truck carrying two shotguns, prompting two responding officers to fire their weapons, striking him multiple times. A Yankton County jury convicted Dall in January on two counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement and possession of a firearm on school grounds. Post-incident toxicology reports showed Dall had a blood alcohol content of .152. He will remain held at the Yankton County Jail.

🏗️ Infrastructure & Public Transit
SDDOT 2026 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Program Focus: The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is officially welcoming letters of intent for its 2026 TAP cycle. The program funds smaller-scale projects dedicated to improving safe, non-motorized transit options across the state. Eligible projects include pedestrian and bike paths, recreational trails, safe-routes-to-school initiatives, historic preservation, vegetation management, and environmental/stormwater mitigation.
Funding & Match Parameters: Approximately $8 million is available for this current funding cycle. Individual infrastructure proposals are capped at $600,000 with a set minimum of $50,000. While non-infrastructure projects carry no minimum funding threshold, all accepted applicants must fulfill an 18.05% local matching fund requirement.
Deadlines: Letters of intent are strictly due by July 15th. On-site project evaluations are to be mapped out before April 15th, and full applications must be submitted by October 1st.
🎈 Community Events & Outreach
Codington Connects "Splash into Summer" Kickoff
Event Logistics: Codington Connects is hosting its second annual "Splash into Summer" community celebration on Thursday, May 28th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Foundation Plaza in downtown Watertown.
Activities & Entertainment: This free public event features family-friendly programming including coloring projects, a bean bag toss, yard games, flower planting, chalk art, and a local dunk tank. Music is provided by Velocity Entertainment.
Food & Resources: A complimentary community supper will be served at 5:30 PM, made possible by a corporate donation from Reliabank, alongside refreshments provided by Visit Watertown. Over 55 local nonprofit organizations will host resource booths detailing summer programs and community aid.
Contact Information: Event organizers are currently requesting local prize donations. Interested parties can contact Shannon Markel at 605-882-7908.
💼 Business & Economic Development
South Dakota Board of Economic Development Loans
Governor Larry Rhoden and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced the authorization of two new SD Works loans designed to anchor local business retention and physical expansion.
Desco Architectural (De Smet): Awarded a $400,000 loan to introduce a brand-new commercial product line, driving down localized production costs and improving market competitiveness. The factory expansion is expected to generate 6 new full-time positions.
Lemmon IGA (Lemmon): Awarded a $550,000 loan to assist long-time General Manager Stephanie Darwin in executing an ownership transition. The acquisition secures the long-term future of a vital community grocery store and is projected to create 10 new full-time jobs.
Executive Commentary: GOED Commissioner Bill Even noted that these investments are intentionally targeted to fortify the local rural workforce and retain foundational community services.
🚧 Regional Traffic & Closures
County Road 75 / 460th Avenue Bridge Repairs
Closure Window: According to Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey, the Codington County Highway Department will temporarily close a high-traffic portion of County Road 75 (460th Avenue) starting Monday, May 18th. The closure is expected to last for approximately one month.
Scope of Work: Repair crews will reconstruct the eastern structural boundary of the bridge, which sustained significant environmental damage during a previous spring thaw.
Impact Advisory: The targeted construction zone spans from 169th Street to 170th Street. The closure directly limits thoroughfare access to several active gravel pits; however, the route will remain open to local residential traffic. Motorists are urged to utilize extra caution in the area.
📚 Education & Civics
"250+ Years of American Civics and News"
Seminar Details: A free, statewide non-partisan media literacy workshop is coming to the area next month. The presentation will be held on Monday, June 8th, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Watertown Regional Library.
Curriculum Focus: The interactive, hour-long lesson explores the evolution of public journalism and democratic accountability from the Revolutionary War to the modern day. Key topics include defining structural checks and balances, the importance of voting, and practical methods for identifying trustworthy, factual online data.
🏒 Sports Management
Watertown Shamrocks Front-Office Promotions
The Watertown Shamrocks organization announced two major executive promotions ahead of their upcoming seasonal transition:
Ann Hansen (Team President): Hansen, a native of Watertown who has been with the franchise since its inaugural year, has been elevated to Team President. She officially succeeds outgoing president Ryan Bisgard. Team Chairman Vince Foley called Hansen the "natural choice" to guide the franchise forward.
Blaise Theisen (Vice President): Theisen, who originally joined the front office in 2024, has been promoted to Vice President. Known popularistically as the on-air "Voice of the Shamrocks," Theisen will maintain his active game-day broadcasting assignments while absorbing his new, expanded administrative duties.
Effective Date: Both front-office management transitions will officially take effect on June 1st.

What does it truly take to turn a life around after addiction or incarceration? According to the team at Codington Connects, the answer is connection, structure, and most importantly, someone who has walked the path before you.
In our latest interview, Angie Collignon sat down with Jessica Cooper and Cali Ortley to discuss the life-changing impact of Peer Support in our community.
Highlights from the conversation:
What is Peer Support? It’s support from someone with "lived experience" who can offer a perspective that textbooks can’t.
The BSBB & Face It Together Partnership: Discover how organizations like Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars (BSBB) and Face It Together are providing safe spaces and coaching for those in recovery.
Real Stories of Hope: Hear from Cali Ortley on her journey from homelessness and drug court to becoming a Community Health Worker, and Jessica Cooper on reaching 10 years of sobriety!
More Than Just Sobriety: Learn about the "Recovery Capital Index" and how improving every area of life—from finances to housing—makes long-term success possible.
Need Support? Whether you are struggling or you are a loved one looking for a way to help, Watertown has resources ready for you.
📍 Visit BSBB: 9 West Kemp (Stop in for coffee or a smoothie!) 🌐 Resources: CodingtonConnects.com or WeFaceItTogether.org
#CodingtonConnects #PeerSupport #RecoveryJourney #WatertownSD #LivedExperience #CommunitySupport #BSBB #FaceItTogether

🌟 Community, Connection, and Cowboy Fun: An Update from Joy Ranch 🐴
Joy Ranch Event Coordinator Mallory Olsen recently sat down with Northeast Radio SD to share some exciting updates, upcoming events, and the heartwarming growth happening at the ranch! From new facilities to adorable new arrivals, there is so much to look forward to this season.
🏗️ The "Hitching Post" is Almost Ready!
The ranch’s newest facility, The Hitching Post, is nearing completion.
Progress: The ceiling and walls are finished, and cement is currently being poured.
Booking Now: Joy Ranch is already taking bookings for this space! It’s designed to be the perfect venue for weddings, family reunions, and celebrations of life, ensuring events can happen rain or shine.
📅 Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Events
Runnings Roundup (This Weekend!): * Join the team at Runnings on Saturday & Sunday (10 AM - 3 PM) for a fundraiser.
Meet Reba (the mini horse) and Eeyore (the mini donkey)!
Enjoy outdoor games, popcorn, and all-beef hot dogs.
Prizes: For every $50 gift certificate purchased to Joy Ranch, you’ll be entered to win baskets filled with local goodies, including gas cards and spa items.
Chef’s Night (Next Week):
An evening of fine dining featuring chefs Joel Walette and Rick Hulinka.
The Menu: A massive charcuterie table, brisket and pork from 1889 Meat Company, and SDSU ice cream root beer floats.
Entertainment: Acoustic music by Cory Gray. Tickets are available online!
Kids & Horse Camp (Starts June 1st):
A 3-day, 2-night immersive experience for ages 11-14.
Kids will stay in the bunkhouse, learn to care for horses, and experience ranch life firsthand.
Scholarships: Joy Ranch believes every child should have the chance to attend. Camperships/Scholarships are available—apply via the Google Doc on their website!
Cowboy Prom (New Date!): * The prom has been moved to September 18th to ensure it can be hosted in the brand-new Hitching Post building. Expect a steak dinner, a grand march, and music by Dreem Foster.
🐐 Meet the Newest Members!
Joy Ranch has two new baby goats! They are currently looking for the perfect names, and you can help.
Vote: Check the Joy Ranch of South Dakota Facebook page today to vote in the naming poll.
Visit: You can visit the babies in the small barn, but please ensure a staff member is with you as they are still very young!
🌲 Summer Activities & Volunteering
Trail Rides: Available all summer for $60/hour. This is a hands-on experience where you help brush and saddle your horse before heading out. Call ahead to schedule!
Get Involved: Joy Ranch runs on a small, dedicated staff and a "village" of volunteers. Whether you want to mow the lawn or brush horses, you can sign up via the "Volunteer" button on their website.
📍 Connect with Joy Ranch
🌐 Website: joyranchofsd.org
📞 Phone: 605-886-4622
📱 Facebook: Joy Ranch of South Dakota
Joy Ranch remains committed to inclusion, hospitality, and faith-based programming for all ages. Come out and see the magic for yourself!
#JoyRanch #SouthDakota #Community #HorseCamp #TheHitchingPost #SummerEvents #VolunteerSD

Key Events & Dates
Watertown Weekend Wander (City-wide Rummage Sale): June 4–6, 2026.
Fraud Prevention Seminar: June 11, 2026, 10:00 AM @ Watertown Regional Library.
Cooking on Kampeska: July 16–18, 2026 @ Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park.
Cooking on Kampeska Highlights
Registration: Now open at com.
Competitions: Little Miss/Mr. Kampeska, Bean Bag Tournament, and Pedal Tractor Pull (qualifier for state).
New Features: Outdoor Bingo with "dabbers," and a redesigned, user-friendly website.
Music Lineup: * Thursday: Fourplay (Free admission).
Friday: 3 Hour Download.
Saturday: Phil Baker (Kids) / Ivory (Evening headliner).
Fraud Seminar Details
Speakers: Andrea Spilde (Midwest Bank) and WPD Detectives Seivertson & Birky.
Topics: Check fraud, spoofing, and the specific liabilities businesses face vs. consumers.
RSVP: Required for catering (Downtown Donuts) via the link in the Chamber’s social comments or email.
Community Logistics
Touch a Truck: Currently seeking volunteers with unique vehicles (excavators, "jacked-up" trucks, etc.) for Saturday, July 18.
Volleyball/Pickleball: Organizers addressed the lack of these sports this year, citing staffing transitions and wind concerns at the lake, though they remain open to future sponsorships.

This is a detailed summary of the Northeast Radio SD newscast for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, anchored by Steve Jurens and sponsored by Hahler Automotive.
Graduation News
Watertown is preparing for a record-breaking graduation weekend with 1,150 students eligible for diplomas from Lake Area Tech (LATC) and Watertown High School (WHS).
Lake Area Technical College: 883 students are on track to complete their programs, with 610 expected to walk at the commencement on Friday, May 15, at 4:00 PM in the Civic Arena. This year features the first graduates from the Uncrewed Aerial Systems program and the debut of the LATC Choir.
Watertown High School: 267 seniors will graduate on Sunday, May 24, at 2:00 PM. Senior activities include the "elementary walk" on May 18, where grads visit their former schools to give high-fives.
Joint Events: A Native American honoring ceremony for 32 students from both schools will take place Thursday at 6:00 PM.
Education Policy & Budget
Curriculum Policy: The school board approved a revised policy (IGF) to clarify its authority over classroom materials. While teachers and committees still design the curriculum, the board must now formally vote on any "extensive alterations" to content or instruction to ensure materials reflect community values.
2026-2027 Preliminary Budget: The board reviewed a $116.6 million budget, representing a 3.66% decrease from last year. The reduction is largely due to the completion of major construction projects.
Budget Highlights: Funding is split 55% for K-12 and 45% for LATC. Key investments include a 5.88% increase for special education staffing and $10.1 million for capital outlays like air conditioning upgrades and new buses. A public hearing is set for July 13.
Sports & Management
Ryan Bisgard, the President of the Watertown Shamrocks, is leaving the organization for a position with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Bisgard, who joined the Shamrocks in 2024, will manage corporate partnerships and game-day activations at PPG Paints Arena. The Shamrocks have not yet opened applications for her replacement.
Public Safety & Community
National Police Week: The Watertown Police Department held a memorial ceremony to honor law enforcement. Officials noted that 151 officers were lost in the line of duty nationwide last year, with 36 deaths already recorded in 2026.
Love Kitchen: The Little Caesars Love Kitchen will visit the Beacon Center on Tuesday, May 19, serving free pizza to the public from 11:00 AM to noon.
Traffic Alert: Maintenance on signal light loops will cause delays on 14th Avenue North this Tuesday. Work begins after the morning rush at approximately 8:30 AM.