Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

This is a detailed summary of the Northeast Radio SD newscast for Friday, April 24, 2026, hosted by Steve Jurens.
Political and Election News
Ryan Cole’s Candidacy: Local farmer and military veteran Ryan Cole is running for one of two South Dakota House seats in District 4.
Background and Platform: A former teacher and intelligence officer, Cole’s platform focuses on property tax relief for both owners and renters, promoting local commodity processing to keep tax revenue in-state, and prioritizing youth retention through strong schools and diverse job opportunities.
District 4 Primary: The election is scheduled for June 2nd.
Public Safety and Crime
Estelline House Fire: A home in the 200 block of 5th Avenue North in Estelline was declared a total loss following an early Wednesday morning fire.
Incident Details: Occupants safely evacuated before firefighters arrived; crews from the Estelline Fire Department battled flames in the attic and southeast corner of the structure for over two hours.
Community Support: The station is encouraging listeners to contact them if they wish to assist the displaced family.
Federal Sentencing: Alexander Juan Cotton, a 28-year-old Sioux Falls man, was sentenced to over nine years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.
Case Details: A Homeland Security investigation found over 300 illicit images and videos, with victims as young as one year old. Cotton must also serve five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
Environment and Agriculture
Manure Digester Study: A new study published in Environmental Research Letters warns that South Dakota’s manure digesters may pose significant environmental risks.
Methane Concerns: Climate scientist Alyssa Valdez noted that while the systems capture methane for energy, leaks or ruptures can be devastating, as methane is 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide.
Pause on Loans: Due to escalating concerns, the USDA has extended a pause on loans for digester projects through the end of 2026.
Community and Economic Development
Eagle Butte Grant Setback: The Four Bands Community Fund is facing an 18-month setback after the USDA terminated 49 of 50 land access grants.
Impact: The nonprofit lost $6 million intended for loans to residents of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.
Reasoning: The USDA cited "wasteful spending" and a shift toward anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives as reasons for the termination. Executive Director Lakota Vogel stated they are seeking new investors and considering an appeal.
New Training Range: State officials, including Governor Larry Rhoden, celebrated the opening of a new motorcycle training range in Sioux Falls.
Rider Safety: The asphalt training pad is the result of a 50-year partnership between the South Dakota Safety Council and the Office of Highway Safety. Successful participants in basic training courses can earn a waiver for DMV testing.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Northeast Radio SD News – Clark, SD - With the June 2nd primary election approaching, Republican candidates for South Dakota’s District 4 House and Senate seats gathered in Clark on Thursday night for a spirited forum. Moderated by Lana Greenfield and Terry Schlagel, the event asked candidates to define their visions for rural healthcare, state spending, and the future of conservative leadership in Pierre.
Healthcare and Infrastructure: The Rural Survival Gap
The Senate portion of the evening opened with a question about the survival of struggling volunteer ambulance and EMT services in small communities.
Tim Begalka, a greenhouse owner from Clear Lake, emphasized local control and volunteerism.
“Part of that responsibility lies within the individual people within a community, because a lot of these are volunteer... I would just hope that would be a priority of their spending priority of whatever level the money is available from”.
Senator Stephanie Sauder pointed to the $400 million Rural Health Transformation Program as a critical lifeline.
“South Dakota accepted the $400 million over five years. It helps funding for our ambulances, our rural health of any sort... We’ve established new liability protections for nurses on ambulances so they can... allow more people to be able to work”.
Regarding the future of the state’s aging prison structure once a new facility is built, Sauder expressed fiscal caution.
“I don’t know if we want a museum that big. I think it would be too costly... It depends on how much it’s going to cost the state to repair it or take it down”.
Begalka countered with a proposal for rehabilitation services.
“I would like to see the state use it for some type of program, whether it be youth... maybe there is a way for us to use it for a facility for rehabilitation”.
Pipelines and Data Privacy: The Global vs. Local Tug-of-War
The debate grew heated over international business interests and new technology.
On the topic of carbon pipelines, Begalka remained a staunch opponent.
“As far as the summit pipeline and a CO2 pipeline, I would say absolutely not. That was, it’s useless, it’s meaningless, it’s actually detrimental to the environment”.
Senator Sauder focused on the inevitability of Artificial Intelligence and the need for domestic data storage.
“AI is here to stay, whether we like it or not... we need to know how to handle that and to have it in our state... by staying in the United States, we can get more of that cybersecurity... if it leaves our country, we have no idea what that cybersecurity is”.
The House Debate: Property Taxes and Budget Growth
The five House candidates faced a barrage of questions regarding the 50% increase in the state budget over the last eight years and the persistent burden of property taxes.
Ryan Kohl, the only full-time farmer in the race, called for a growth-based solution.
“Property taxes are always on people’s minds... but this [current measure] does nothing for [renters]. We really need some more growth, some more housing. We need to expand what we can tax, and that’ll bring down the property taxes for everybody”.
Dylan Jordan offered a more radical critique, questioning the constitutionality of the tax itself.
“My personal opinion is property taxes are unconstitutional, so we need to work on abolishing them... In order to address property taxes fully, we have to address the spending on all levels”.
Kent Roe pushed back on recent relief measures, calling them incomplete.
“I thought it was kind of a half-baked idea... It’s clearly a tax shift. To Ryan’s point, it ignores tenants completely. It doesn’t provide any funding for the big three... your state employees, your schools, and your special care providers”.
Fred Deutsch advocated for a return to specific agricultural protections.
“I’d like to bring back the ag circuit breaker... I’d like to also look at shifting some local efforts that we use to pay our schools... why can’t we put more of that tax burden on the state to pay for”.
Gary Hudiburgh suggested looking to innovative technology for budget efficiency.
“It’s a marketplace of ideas... find the folks that are doing government the best... and then be able to share that information... the free flow of information... is the way that I’d be looking at addressing that [spending]”.
Scorecards and Scrutiny: Pinpoint Challenges
Individual voting records and backgrounds were also placed under the microscope.
Dylan Jordan defended a controversial “nay” vote on funding for the Richmond Dam.
“I don’t see why we had to vote to give them the extra money this year when we could have followed through on the proper procedure next year... it was one of three people in both chambers... that voted no”.
Kent Roe addressed his scores from advocacy groups like South Dakota Right to Life.
“I don’t find any value in most scorecards... I’ve been pro-life my whole life. I’ve... been pretty offended by some of the pro-life people that want to create felonies for people who are in tough luck” .
Fred Deutsch explained his opposition to House Bill 1212, which sought to criminalize women for abortions.
“This bill... would put women in jail for life or expose them to the death penalty for having an abortion. I just cannot buy that... Putting women in jail, your 19-year-old girl gets raped, and you’re going to threaten her with jail. I’m sorry. This is not the kind of South Dakota I want”.
Gary Hudiburgh addressed his participation in the Billy Sutton Leadership Institute, a program founded by a former Democratic candidate.
“That’s a nonpartisan leadership institute... It’s a matter of being able to go and network across the state of South Dakota... I gained the network, the capability, and frankly, the confidence to be able to go have discussions with tribal nations”.
Closing Visions: Decorum and The Next Generation
The forum concluded with a reflection on the lack of civility in the state capitol.
Deutsch called for statesmanship.
“I look forward to a return of civility and statesmanship in the state capitol. We should be examples to our children... instead of saying, don’t trust government, we say, what an honor it is to serve in this magnificent building”.
Ryan Kohl closed by tying his candidacy to the future of his own children.
“If you elect me, my number one priority is going to be to make sure our kids have a strong future in South Dakota... I want it to be a hard decision if they choose to leave”.
Early voting for the District 4 primary is available now, leading up to the election on June 2nd.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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This is the Northeast Radio SD local and state news report for Thursday, April 23, 2026. This broadcast was hosted by Steve Jurens and sponsored by Arrow Products.
Community and Leadership News
Salvation Army Transition: Captains Dennis and Kelly Jolly will conclude their five-year ministry in Watertown on June 30, 2026. The couple, who arrived in 2021, has been reassigned to a new post in St. Louis. During their tenure, they led various social services and local outreach programs. In a farewell letter to the community, they expressed deep gratitude for their time in South Dakota and urged residents to remain supportive of the organization as new leadership arrives this summer.
Senior Services Spotlight: This week’s episode of Codington Connects highlighted volunteer efforts and essential services for seniors in Codington County. Director Sarah Faust and SHINE Administrator Krista Atteo-Gortmaker discussed the "safety net" provided for vulnerable residents. Atteo-Gortmaker, who oversees Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security guidance across 28 counties, emphasized that supporting those most in need "raises the tide for all ships". Local surveys are currently underway to better direct future volunteer efforts.
Public Safety and Accident Reports
Fatal Rollover in Douglas County: Authorities identified the victims of a fatal single-vehicle rollover that occurred Sunday evening on Highway 44, approximately six miles southwest of Corsica. The driver, Carrie J. Utterback (52) of Mitchell, and passenger Peggy Lynn Iverson (72) of Sioux Falls, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other passengers, Bethany Lynn Iverson (37) and Benjamin Lyle Iverson (36), were airlifted to Sioux Falls with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators noted that while the driver was wearing a seatbelt, the two injured passengers were not.
Tractor Fire near Brookings: On Tuesday evening, first responders were called to a tractor fire northwest of Brookings. Property owner John Vande Weerd of Bruce was planting when he received an engine failure alert and discovered flames beneath the cab. While the tractor was a total loss, the attached planter sustained only minor damage, and the fire did not spread due to the field being freshly worked. No injuries were reported.
High-Speed Motorcycle Crash: A 19-year-old Watertown resident, Carson Klatt, was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Tuesday night following an attempted traffic stop. A Brookings County Deputy attempted to stop Klatt for speeding on Highway 81, but the rider fled before losing control on a curve near 201st Street. Klatt was discovered in a ditch and airlifted to Sioux Falls; his current condition is unknown. His 2007 Yamaha motorcycle sustained disabling damage.
For full in-depth stories, listeners can visit northeastradiosd.com or subscribe to the daily 6:00 AM newsletter.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Ryan Kohl, a local farmer and military veteran, recently joined news broadcaster Steve Jurrens on Northeast Radio SD to discuss his candidacy for South Dakota’s District 4 House seat. Running on the Republican ticket, Kohl is one of five candidates vying for two available seats in the upcoming June 2nd primary.
Kohl, who currently farms and runs a ranch with his father near Revillo, emphasized his deep roots in the community and his diverse professional background. After graduating from South Dakota State University with a degree in political science, Kohl served as an intelligence officer in the Air Force and later as a teacher at Grant-Deuel School before returning to full-time farming.
Tackling Economic Challenges
A portion of the interview focused on economic issues, specifically property taxes and the development of data centers within the state. While acknowledging recent legislative efforts toward property tax relief, Kohl expressed concern that current solutions may not be broad enough.
“I think I’m a little bit concerned it’s one of the, you know, ‘stealing from Peter to pay Paul’ type solutions. Property taxes are always on people’s minds... but this [current measure] does nothing for [renters].”
Regarding the proposed data centers in Deuel County, Kohl argued that South Dakota must remain competitive with neighboring states. He highlighted the potential for positive economic impact and the importance of keeping such infrastructure within the U.S.
“We have to realize that we’re competing against other states... giving a little bit of a tax break or an incentive to bring somebody in can be very beneficial because we’re competing against other states.”
Strengthening Agriculture and Infrastructure
Kohl advocated a “value-added” approach to the state’s resources, suggesting that South Dakota should focus on processing commodities and using the electricity generated within its borders to maximize tax revenue and economic growth.
“If I grow corn and sell it out of state, we’re not taking full advantage of that resource... another advantage of bringing [data centers] in is if we use more electricity in South Dakota, that’ll also drive a little bit of tax revenue for the state.”
Investing in the Future
The candidate identified youth retention as his primary motivation for seeking public office. Kohl stated that creating job variety and maintaining strong local schools and communities are critical to ensuring the next generation chooses to stay in South Dakota.
“One of the big things is we’re losing our kids. Young people don’t feel like they have good choices... keeping our community strong, keeping our schools strong, and giving variety is so critical for the future of District 4.”
Kohl also voiced his support for increasing teacher pay and funding for institutions like Lake Area Technical College, noting his disappointment in recent funding decisions.
The District 4 primary election will take place on June 2, 2026. Kohl encouraged all residents to ensure they are registered and to participate in early voting or mail-in balloting where available.
The Republican Candidates
Dylan Jordan (Incumbent): A current Representative for District 4.
Kent Roe (Incumbent): Also a current Representative for District 4 seeking re-election.
Fred Deutsch: A former state legislator and familiar name in South Dakota politics.
Gary Hudiburgh: A local candidate with a background in agriculture and business.
The Race at a Glance
Primary Date: June 2, 2026.
The Format: Since there are two seats available for the district, voters will be able to select their top two choices from this list of five.
The Stakes: The winners of this primary will move on to the general election in November.
General Election (November 3, 2026): The two winners from the Republican primary will then face Emelia Enquist on the November ballot.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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🏆 Hall of Fame Nominations ExtendedDo you know someone who has made a significant, lasting commitment to the Watertown community? Now is the time to honor them!Deadline: Nominations have been extended through the end of April.How to Nominate: Forms and a list of past recipients are available on the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.The Event: The Hall of Fame Banquet will take place on October 9, 2026, at Second Street Station.🎸 Cookin' on Kampeska ReimaginedThis year, Cookin' on Kampeska is leaning into a music festival vibe with a packed lineup across two stages!Schedule: Music starts Friday at 1:00 PM and Saturday at 11:00 AM.Performers: Featured acts include the new young band Chester, acoustic sets by Matt Jaggers and Lizzie Hofer, and Phil Baker performing for the kids.Saturday Headliner: Phil Baker returns with the legendary band Ivory to headline Saturday night!Community Support: A group of local students raising money for a trip to Europe has stepped up to fill many volunteer spots. The Chamber is proud to support these students by compensating their organization for their time.🗳️ Mark Your Calendars: May 7th in Downtown WatertownIt’s going to be a big day for local business and civic engagement!4:00 PM: Join Visit Watertown for a ribbon cutting and grand opening at their new downtown location.5:30 PM: Head over to the Goss Opera House for a Candidate Forum. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from District 4 and District 5 candidates before the upcoming elections.📅 Stay ConnectedThursday Night Live: The full summer schedule is now out! You can find all the details on the dedicated Thursday Night Live Facebook page.#WatertownSD #ChamberOfCommerce #CookinOnKampeska #HallOfFame #CommunityGrowth #CandidateForum #PeopleOfAction
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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This radio news broadcast, hosted by Steve Jurens on April 22, 2026, was sponsored by the Watertown Development Corporation. The program covered local public safety, infrastructure projects, and city financial reports.
Public Safety and Community News
Motorcycle Crash: An 18-year-old Brookings man sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle accident Tuesday afternoon on Highway 20 in Northwest Watertown. Police reported that the rider lost control of his 2009 Yamaha YZ FR6 at approximately 12:41 p.m.; speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.
Mount Marty Commencement: Dr. Melissa Meidinger has been selected as the keynote speaker for Mount Marty University’s 2026 commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 25. Meidinger, who leads the Watertown Regional Small Business Development Center, plans to speak on the "happiness algorithm," emphasizing core values like family, faith, and meaningful work.
Local Government and Infrastructure
Conservation District Funding: The Codington County Conservation District requested that commissioners restore annual county funding to help cover rising labor costs. District officials highlighted recent achievements, including over 1,700 acres of CRP planting and 132 acres of tree planting, while requesting $25,000 in support.
Zoning and Development: The Watertown City Council held first readings for two zoning changes. One proposal involves rezoning an acre in the Prairie Hills area for multi-family residential use, while the second involves annexing 10 acres for highway commercial development along Highway 212.
Street and Airport Projects: The City Council approved two neighborhood street projects that came in under budget, including a $517,000 asphalt paving project and drainage improvements on 4th Street West. Additionally, a $3.18 million contract was awarded to J&J Earthworks for the reconstruction of a taxiway at the Watertown Regional Airport, with 95% of the costs covered by an FAA grant.
City Financial Report
Finance Officer Kristen Bobzien presented Watertown’s preliminary 2025 financials, revealing a mix of strong reserves and high debt:
Cash Reserves: The city ended the year with more than $110 million in total cash, including $13.2 million unassigned in the general fund.
Debt Levels: Total city debt reached $96.5 million, largely driven by upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant. City Manager Alan Steger warned that the city has reached its current borrowing limit, noting that future population growth will be essential to sustaining city amenities.
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Helping All Boats Float in Codington County! 🌊🤝
Did you catch today’s episode of Codington Connects? Host Steve Jurens sat down with Sara Foust and Krista Ateyo-Gortmaker to talk about the power of volunteerism and the vital resources available to our seniors!
What is SHINE? Krista explained the SHINE program, a resource that helps our community navigate the complexities of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Whether you are nearing 65 or helping a loved one, SHINE’s trained volunteers are here to ensure you have peace of mind.
Happening TODAY! 🗓️ Don’t miss the Senior Caregiver Resource Fair (hosted by WAMCAN) at the Watertown Senior Activities Center!
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Highlights: 45+ vendors, a free meal, and prize drawings—including a puzzle from SHINE and a plant from Codington Connects!
As Krista puts it: “If we help those who need the help most, we will rise the tide for all the ships”.
Join us in celebrating National Volunteer Week by getting connected! Check out the full interview on our Facebook page.
#CodingtonConnects #WatertownSD #NationalVolunteerWeek #SHINE #SeniorCare #CommunityImpact #PeopleOfAction
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Get Ready for a Magical Night on Ice! ⛸️✨We aren't just making waves with our Rotary water projects today—we're getting ready to freeze some, too! We recently caught up with the WFSC ~ Watertown Figure Skate Club ~ Watertown, SD to hear all about their upcoming annual production, and you won’t want to miss it.🌍 The Show: "Heart of Pandora"Step into the world of Avatar with this year’s spectacular theme! The club is pulling out all the stops for a show featuring everyone from adorable three-year-olds to seasoned adult skaters, showcasing high-flying jumps and spins.When: * Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1:30 PM & 6:00 PMSunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00 PMWhere: Prairie Lakes Ice ArenaTickets: Available at the door or at Hy-VeeVIP Treatment: For $60, grab a VIP box that includes two tickets, popcorn, snacks, and a swag bag!🌟 Meet the StarsThe talent in our community is truly world-class:Elin: Recently recognized as a two-time USFS Gold Medalist after passing her gold skating skills test via a virtual evaluation! She also teaches private lessons and helps lead our local "Learn to Skate" program.Kai Gossen: Look out for this 10-year-old star performing as Simba and Puss in Boots.Selena: Visiting us from Germany, Selena has been fast-tracking her USFS tests and is working toward her gold medal status before she heads home next month.Chaska Bound: Good luck to the 15 skaters traveling to Chaska, Minnesota, for a major competition this Friday!🎁 Ticket Giveaway!Want to see the show for free? The club is currently running a ticket giveaway on their Facebook page! Head over there now to enter—winners will be announced this coming Monday.Let's show our support for these incredible athletes and President Haley, who works tirelessly as a mentor and coordinator to keep our skaters on the ice. See you at the arena!#WatertownFigureSkating #HeartOfPandora #CommunitySupport #ServiceInAction #PeopleOfAction #WatertownSD

This summary covers the Northeast Radio SD news broadcast from Tuesday, April 21, 2026, hosted by Steve Jurens.
Infrastructure & Public Works
Watertown Road Budget Crisis: City Engineer Justin Peterson informed the City Council of a massive $34 million gap between the current road budget ($4 million) and actual needs ($38 million). The most significant project identified is a $31 million reconstruction of North and South Lake Drive, which would include widening the road and extending culverts. To address the shortfall, the council is considering revenue tools like special assessments and a new 1% sales tax, though the latter would require voter approval.
Flood Control Progress: The City Council accepted a $170,000 grant from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for a flood control feasibility study. This brings the state’s total contribution to $625,000, covering half of the city’s share for the study. The current plan focuses on widening the Big Sioux River channel and building a levee on the east side of town; however, actual construction is estimated to be at least two years away.
Public Safety
Fire Suppression Technology: The Watertown Masons of Concord Lodge 13 donated a new fire suppression tool to the Watertown Police Department. The device is a portable aerosol canister that can be thrown into a burning room to drop temperatures by 1,000°F within 30 seconds. This unit replaces one successfully used in 2024 to slow a structure fire before firefighters arrived.
Community Events & Education
AI Ethics Forum: The Watertown Regional Library will host the Artland AI Ethics Forum on April 28 from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Led by Zach Thompson of Liberty Forge AI, the event will focus on data privacy and AI’s impact on rural prosperity without using technical jargon.
School District Retirees: A public open house to honor 2026 retirees will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at the Watertown High School Commons from 3:45 PM to 5:00 PM.
LATC Grad Fest: Lake Area Technical College is preparing for “Grad Fest” on Thursday, May 14. The celebration includes a 4:00 PM parade from McKinley Park to the campus, followed by family activities and music by DJ Jason Nishino. Commencement is scheduled for the following day at 4:00 PM at the Watertown Arena.
Local Politics
District 4 Legislative Forum: A public forum for legislative candidates will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Goodwin Area Hall. Candidates from the Republican, Democratic, and Independent parties—including those running for Senate and House seats—have been invited to participate in the event, which Brock Greenfield will moderate.

The Northeast Radio SD newscast for Monday, April 20, 2026, hosted by Steve Jurrens, covered several local developments in Watertown and the surrounding counties.
Community & Youth Initiatives
Sixth Annual "Snack Attack": The non-profit For the Kids SD delivered over 10,300 individually wrapped snacks to approximately 4,450 students across 12 schools in the Watertown School District. Volunteers from Lake Area Tech's Business School assisted with distribution.
ncore Athletics Success: The local athletic program returned from the Deep South Beach Nationals in Orange Beach, Alabama, where the "Divas" team took first place in their division and earned the event-level Grand Champion title. The "Lux" team also delivered a strong performance in the program's fourth season.
 
County Governance & Public Safety
Infrastructure & Agriculture: Codington County Commissioners discussed the 150 miles of underground pipelines within the county and city. They also highlighted the economic impact of large-scale dairies like Manchester Dairy (20,000 cows) and Washington Dairy (12,500 cows).
Legal System Efficiency: State’s Attorney Allison Bakken reported that average case resolution times have dropped from 200 days to 90 days due to a new circuit court policy and partnership with the Community Service Office. Bakken also noted a rise in underage citations and planned a new diversion program.
 
Recovery Services: Commissioners renewed service contracts for Face It Together and Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars, providing peer support and 40 sober-living housing slots, funded via a federal COSSUP grant.
 
Trauma Education: The HEART Group (Healing, Education, Awareness, Resilience, and Trauma) recently drew 125 attendees to training on adverse childhood experiences, focusing on long-term health and resilience.
 
Regional News & Fire Reports
Lakefront Property Assessments: Codington County appraisers are revisiting lakefront neighborhoods this month for a multi-year re-evaluation effort, aiming to keep owner-occupied valuation increases under 3%.
 
Weekend Fires:
A fast-moving grass fire near Northwest Lake Drive and Highway 28 was contained Saturday after burning toward several homes; the cause was traced to a tractor baler.
 
Fire crews from Milbank, Big Stone, and Revillo responded to a shed fire at Victory Farms in Grant County caused by a tractor catching fire inside a steel shed filled with straw.
 
Economic Outlook
Sales Tax Growth: Watertown’s early-year sales tax numbers show a 4.9% increase in first-penny revenue through February compared to last year. The BBB tax (lodging, dining, and entertainment) saw 13.7% growth in January. Over the last 12 months, first-penny revenue has risen by 6.57%