Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

This is a detailed summary of the Northeast Radio SD newscast for Monday, May 11, 2026, anchored by Steve Jurens and sponsored by Hahler Automotive.
Utility & Energy News
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a 9.5% rate increase for Xcel Energy, totaling $25.6 million. This is significantly lower than the 16% increase originally requested by the company.
Customer Refunds: Approximately 107,000 customers will receive refunds on their August and September bills (averaging $43) because Xcel has been charging higher interim rates since January.
Future Outlook: The settlement includes a rate moratorium, preventing any further base rate hikes until 2029. Xcel cited infrastructure upgrades and inflation as the primary drivers for the increase.
Sports: Watertown Arrows Baseball
The Watertown Arrows concluded their regular season with a double-header sweep against Sioux Falls Washington.
Game 1: A dominant 15-0 victory in four innings, highlighted by a one-hit shutout from Ashton Raybine.
Game 2: A close 9-8 win secured by Cooper Heiser’s walk-off sacrifice fly.
Next Steps: The team is now preparing for the high school super-regionals scheduled for May 15th and 16th.
Wildlife & Conservation
2026 Deer Season Changes: The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission approved major adjustments to the upcoming deer season. To reduce pressure on antlerless deer, all archery and muzzleloader "any deer" tags will be converted to "any buck" licenses. Additionally, 1,400 firearm tags were cut across various units showing population stress.
Youth Conservationist Award: 19-year-old Madison Grimm was named the South Dakota Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year. Through her nonprofit, "Second Chance Flight," she has rescued and raised over 200 waterfowl and pheasant eggs from damaged nests.
Public Safety Reports
T-Bone Collision: On Saturday morning, two pickup trucks collided at 176th Street and 458th Avenue. Two occupants were temporarily trapped before being rescued and transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital.
School Threat Investigation: The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a vague, threatening email sent to a Sioux Valley School staff member. While the source was traced to a Google account in Nashville and deemed not a credible danger, law enforcement increased its presence at the school as a precaution.
Vehicle Fire: A juvenile driver escaped injury near Hamlin School after their vehicle ignited from the bottom and spread to nearby grass. County Road 446 was briefly closed during the incident.
Political Developments
GOP Primary Forum: Candidates for Districts 4 and 5 debated at the Goss Opera House. Key points of contention included teacher pay, property tax reform, and the controversial House Bill 1212 regarding abortion.
Gubernatorial Race: * The Rhoden for Governor campaign is demanding that broadcasters pull an ad by the Rushmore Principles PAC, calling it "false and misleading" regarding the candidate's record on gas taxes and concealed carry fees.
Congressman Dusty Johnson received an endorsement from the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), which cited his commitment to reforming the state's "broken" parole system.
House of Representatives: Former State Senator Neil Tapio announced his run for a Watertown-area seat in the South Dakota House, focusing on housing affordability and healthcare costs.
Community & Tourism
Visit Watertown celebrated the opening of its new headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event coincided with the 2026 Tourism Awards, which honored local businesses including House of Dreams Antiques & Decorating, O Baby O’s, and Winter Wonderland.

District 4 & 5 GOP Forum: Major Takeaways
Republican candidates for Districts 4 and 5 packed the Goss Opera House for a detailed primary forum moderated by Mark Roby.
 
Highlights:
• Sauder & Begalka draw sharp contrasts on experience and conservative leadership
• Vilhauer & Garcia clash on accountability, visibility, and the future of District 5
• House candidates split on property‑tax relief and state mandates
• All candidates oppose criminalizing women for abortion
• Strong debate on local control vs. state authority
 
Full long‑form article now available at Northeast Radio SD News.

This Northeast Radio SD newscast, aired on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, covers several local developments in Watertown, South Dakota, as well as a legislative visit.
Local Fire Incident
Watertown Fire Rescue responded to and quickly extinguished a garage fire on 6th Ave SE.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Legislative Visit
Congressman Dusty Johnson visited Watertown to discuss the Farm Bill, highlighting recent legislative "wins."
During his visit, the Congressman criticized state-level "fumbles" regarding taxes, rural health, and economic development.
City Council Decisions
The Watertown City Council approved a new infill housing incentive program.
The Council also approved the replat of East Point Addition, which will utilize holding tanks until a sewer system becomes available.
Berven’s Addition has been annexed and zoned as C-3 to facilitate future commercial growth.
Regulatory Updates
A proposed zoning amendment is under consideration to simplify rules for accessory structures and deck replacements.

This Northeast Radio SD newscast, aired on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, covers several local developments in Watertown, South Dakota, as well as a legislative visit.
Local Fire Incident
Watertown Fire Rescue responded to and quickly extinguished a garage fire on 6th Ave SE.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Legislative Visit
Congressman Dusty Johnson visited Watertown to discuss the Farm Bill, highlighting recent legislative "wins."
During his visit, the Congressman criticized state-level "fumbles" regarding taxes, rural health, and economic development.
City Council Decisions
The Watertown City Council approved a new infill housing incentive program.
The Council also approved the replat of East Point Addition, which will utilize holding tanks until a sewer system becomes available.
Berven’s Addition has been annexed and zoned as C-3 to facilitate future commercial growth.
Regulatory Updates
A proposed zoning amendment is under consideration to simplify rules for accessory structures and deck replacements.

Celebrating the 24th Annual Governor’s Luncheon at Lake Area Technical College! 🎓✨
It was an incredible day in Watertown as state leaders, industry partners, and the Lake Area Tech family gathered to celebrate the "Economic Engine" of South Dakota. This year’s event highlighted the college’s massive growth—from just 415 students at its start to nearly 2,800 today—and its unwavering commitment to keeping talent right here in our state.
The Voices of the Day:
🎙️ U.S. Senator Mike Rounds: "The biggest challenge we have in South Dakota today... is keeping our young people within our state. They're like gold. Once they leave, other employers recognize how valuable they are."
🎙️ Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden: "In South Dakota, we don’t measure success by how many programs we create... We measure success by what actually works—by whether students get good jobs or not."
🎙️ Nick Mathenbyer (Alumnus & VP at Reliabank): "At Lake Area Tech, I wasn’t one of hundreds of students sitting in a lecture hall. My instructors knew me... They were invested in helping me succeed."
Key Highlights:
Massive Retention: An impressive 81% of LATC graduates stay and work in South Dakota, fueling our local economy.
Industry Innovation: Celebration of the new Ag Commodities Trading Center (partnered with CHS) and a major planned Trade Center for wastewater, refrigeration, and HVAC training.
Build Dakota Impact: Discussions on the Build Dakota Scholarship, which provides full-ride education for high-demand fields, ensuring students graduate debt-free and job-ready.
A Special Gift: To top it off, the LATC Welding Department presented Lt. Governor Rhoden with a custom-fabricated fire table featuring the Roden Ranch brand—a true testament to the skill of our students!.
Thank you to everyone who supports our mission of changing lives for the better. Together, we are building a stronger South Dakota! 🛠️🌾
#LakeAreaTech #SouthDakotaProud #WorkforceDevelopment #BuildDakota #TechnicalEducation #GovernorsLuncheon #LATCAlumni

🚨 “We can’t keep fumbling the ball.” 🚨
Congressman Dusty Johnson was in Watertown today at Northeast Radio SD, and he didn’t hold back. From the House-passed Farm Bill to the “disastrous” loss of a massive data center project in Deuel County, the message was clear: South Dakota needs a plan that works for everyone—not just the few.
Key Takeaways:
🌾 Farm Bill Victory: Raising reference prices and securing rural broadband.
📉 Tax Truth: Calling out the massive sales tax hikes that hit renters and modest homeowners the hardest.
🏥 Healthcare Fumble: Why a $15M “administrative error” by Pierre is hurting our rural hospitals.
🛡️ Safer SD: Tackling the recidivism crisis with a better parole system.
“The next 20 years can be the very best years in South Dakota’s future... we just need some energy and some vision to put them all together.” — Dusty Johnson
#SouthDakota #WatertownSD #DustyJohnson #FarmBill #SaferSD #SDPol #RHTF #B21Raider

The following is a detailed summary of the Northeast Radio SD newscast for Monday, May 4, 2026.  
Watertown’s "Demo-to-Build" Incentive ProgramThe Watertown City Council is set to review Resolution 24-17, a proposed "Demo-to-Build" incentive program.  
Purpose: The initiative aims to encourage redevelopment by making it more affordable to demolish blighted homes.  
Incentive Details: Property owners who demolish a blighted structure and build a new home on the same parcel within 18 months would receive a credit for 50% of the verified landfill disposal costs.  
Limitations: The credit is capped at $5,000 and cannot exceed the total cost of the building permit. It stays with the specific parcel of land and has no cash value.  
Timeline: If approved, this pilot program will remain in effect through the end of 2026.  
Regional News and Safety Reports
False Report Arrest: A 26-year-old man from White, SD, was arrested after fabricating a report of being shot at while driving. Investigators determined he had accidentally fired a handgun himself and panicked, making up the story to explain the damage to his vehicle.  
Highway 28 Crash: One person was hospitalized following a two-vehicle collision near Bryant, SD. A juvenile driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, causing their Dodge RAM to cross the center line and strike a Nissan Kicks.  
Surplus Property: The City Council is considering declaring the inactive Lake Kampeska phosphorus filtration plant as surplus property, which would allow the city to prepare the site for a future public sale.  
Fire Department Grants: Glacial Lakes Energy awarded over $371,000 in grants to 34 regional fire departments. The funding is designated for essential life-saving equipment, including rescue tools, water tanks, and personal protective equipment. The Hayti Fire Department received the largest individual grant of more than $57,000.  
Sports: Watertown Arrows BaseballThe Yankton Bucks swept the Watertown Arrows in a Sunday doubleheader with scores of 2-0 and 4-1.  
Game One: Yankton's Beck Ryking pitched a complete-game shutout, striking out five batters.  
Arrows Highlights: Watertown's only run of the day occurred when Marcus Bitkin tripled and was subsequently driven in by a Jonathan Lake single.  
Current Standings: Watertown currently holds a 7-7 record and is scheduled to close the regular season at home this weekend against O’Gorman and Sioux Falls Washington.

From Soviet Officer to Frontline Chaplain: The Unshakable Faith of Vasyl Khimich
“Exhaustion, but not defeat.”
In a moving interview, Lee Gabel sits down with Vasyl Khimich, a retired Lt. Colonel who spent 23 years in the Soviet and Ukrainian militaries before finding a higher calling. Today, Vasyl and his wife Valentina lead the Organization of Military Christians of Ukraine (OMCU), providing a lifeline of spiritual support to those bearing the heaviest burdens of war.
Key Takeaways from the Interview:
A Life Transformed: Once a member of a “big atheistic country,” Vasyl became a Christian in 1991 and has since dedicated his life to bringing “Bible values” to the military community.
The Widow’s Candle: Even during the brutal blackouts in Kyiv, military widows traverse dark streets and climb ten flights of stairs just to gather for prayer and “craft therapy” by candlelight.
Frontline Grace: Vasyl serves as a volunteer chaplain, rotating into combat zones to provide “The Lord’s Supper,” perform funerals for fallen heroes, and bring coffee and hope to wounded soldiers in field hospitals.
How You Can Help: The OMCU relies on the support of those who understand the weight of military service. Donations can be made through Military Vision in Watertown, SD, to help continue this critical mission of spiritual reconstruction.
#UkraineStrong #MilitaryChaplaincy #FaithOnTheFrontline #SpiritualReadiness #OrganizationOfMilitaryChristians

🌭 Making the Sausage: The Future of Watertown Development
Ever wonder how Watertown transforms from a “bean field” into a bustling industrial center? Chris Clifton, Executive Director of the Watertown Development Corporation, joined Northeast Radio SD to pull back the curtain on the WDC’s “sausage-making” process.
Key Highlights from the Interview:
🚜 53-Acre Expansion: WDC has approved the development of the Kingsland property south of Calvin Trade Center—a $4M+ investment!
⏱️ Speed to Market: Learn how WDC helped a company go from “non-existent” to “under construction” in just 63 days.
🏠 The Housing Pivot: WDC is tackling the “Missing Middle” housing market to bring more homes to Watertown under the $275k price point.
👶 Daycare Solutions: Addressing the 400-500 slot shortage to help get more parents back into the workforce.
“We’re not a for-profit company; we’re a community investment.”
📺 WATCH the full deep-dive interview below to see what’s coming next!
#WatertownSD #EconomicDevelopment #WDC #ShovelReady #HubCity #WatertownProud #WorkforceHousing

Local Emergency: Oven Fire in Watertown
Watertown Fire Rescue responded to an oven fire on the 3400 block of 16th Avenue Southwest on Wednesday evening.
Response: Crews arrived at 7:45 PM to find the home filling with smoke and an active fire inside the oven.
Action: The fire was quickly extinguished using a portable fire extinguisher, and a ventilation fan was used to clear the smoke.
Safety Discovery: During a routine check, responders found the home had no functioning smoke detectors. Before leaving, the crew installed two new detectors for the family.
Outcome: No injuries were reported.
Economy & Migration: The South Dakota Tax Paradox
A new report from Creighton University analyzed the relationship between state taxation and population migration.
The Trend: While Americans historically move to lower-tax states, data from 2023–2024 shows South Dakota lost residents despite its low-tax reputation.
The Analysis: The study found that "net attractor" states often have lower income and property taxes but higher sales taxes.
Recommendation: Analysts suggest states could improve resident retention and GDP growth by shifting the tax burden away from individual and corporate income toward sales tax.
Sports: Watertown Arrows Baseball
The Watertown Arrows baseball team earned a road split in a doubleheader against Aberdeen at Fossum Field.
Game 1: The Arrows won 7–5. Pitcher Bastian Raybine struck out eight batters, and Marcus Pitkin led the offense with three runs.
Game 2: Aberdeen surged with a six-run third inning, leading to an 8–5 loss for the Arrows.
Season Standing: The Arrows are now 6–4 and return home this Saturday for Hall of Fame weekend against Brandon Valley.
National Legal News
DOJ Settlement with Kroger
The U.S. Department of Justice announced a massive $100 million settlement with The Kroger Company over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.
The Issue: Kroger allegedly failed to manage and repair leaks of ozone-depleting refrigerants between 2014 and 2023.
The Penalty: Kroger will pay a $2.5 million civil penalty and spend an estimated $100 million over the next three years to repair, retrofit, or replace 600 large commercial refrigeration systems.
Assault on Journalist Indictment
Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against three individuals—Christopher Dayana and Paige Astroyushko—for the assault of journalist Savanna Hernandez.
The Incident: The assault occurred during an anti-ICE protest at a federal building in St. Paul on April 11.
Charges: The defendants are accused of willfully injuring and intimidating Hernandez, a contributor for Turning Point USA.
Investigation: The case involved the FBI, DHS, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.