Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

The City of Watertown and Codington County have officially launched CodeRED, a high-speed emergency notification system designed to keep residents informed during critical events. The transition marks a significant shift from traditional cable-based alerts to a modern, multi-platform approach that delivers time-sensitive information directly to residents’ pockets.
A Response to Modern Needs
The decision to implement CodeRED stemmed from the limitations of previous systems. In the past, emergency alerts relied heavily on local cable TV and social media. However, as more residents move toward streaming services, cable alerts have become less effective. “Social media alone is not a way to deliver timely information,” city officials noted, emphasizing the need for a direct, reliable method to reach the community during life-threatening situations like tornadoes, gas leaks, or evacuations.
Community Leaders Urge Resident Participation
During the official launch, a panel of local public safety experts gathered at the Northeast Radio SD studio to discuss the system’s vital role. The project has been in active development since January to ensure a seamless rollout for the county.
Live in the studio were:
Troy VanDusen: 911 Communications Manager
Angie Schafer: Assistant 911 Communications Manager
Kelli Fritz: City of Watertown Public Information Officer
Andrew Delgado: Codington County Emergency Management Director
“This is going to be a game-changer for us in Codington County,” noted Troy VanDusen. The team explained that the system is not just for Watertown residents; it is a critical tool for those in rural areas who may face unique hazards, such as flooding or road washouts.
How CodeRED Works
The CodeRED system allows the Watertown 911 Center to send geofenced alerts via phone calls, text messages, emails, and TTY. This capability enables dispatchers to target specific neighborhoods, a few blocks, or the entire county,y depending on the scope of the emergency.
 
Emergency Alerts: Critical notifications regarding immediate threats to life and safety, such as severe weather or public safety threats.
 
Community Notifications: Optional subscriptions for non-emergency but time-sensitive info, including snow removal, utility updates, and city service disruptions.
 
 
911 Database Integration: The system automatically includes landline numbers from the Codington County 911 database, but residents should register mobile numbers to ensure they are reached.
 
Important Contact Info: Voice calls from the system will originate from (206) 536-3695. Residents are encouraged to save this number to prevent devices from flagging official emergency alerts as spam.
 
Residents and businesses can create a free account at www.watertownalerts.com or by texting Watertown to 36475.
 

🏆 Fargo Champions & Free Hockey for Kids!
The Watertown Lakers are bringing home the hardware! 🏒 Check out our latest "A Look at the Lakers" interview where Coach Aaron Schiernbeck recaps our Squirts' big win in Fargo and looks ahead to a massive weekend of hockey!
What’s happening: ✅ Squirt International Recap: Congrats to our 10U crew for taking home the Consolation Championship in Fargo! ✅ Try Hockey For Free: Got a kiddo aged 4-9? Bring them to Prairie Lakes Ice Arena on March 7th at 9:30 AM. No gear? No problem—we provide it all! ✅ State Tournament Bound: Good luck to our Peewee A and C teams as they head to state this weekend! ✅ Home Game Alert: We’ve got a full slate of games against Rushmore all weekend long at the Premier Rink.
Theme Days: Don’t forget the rink attire! 🎬 Saturday: Happy Gilmore 🏒 Sunday: Wayne’s World
Links in Bio: 🔗 Register for "Try Hockey For Free" 🔗 Support the Watertown Laker Foundation 🔗 Full weekend schedule at WatertownLakers.org
#WatertownLakers #LakerHockey #TryHockeyForFree #SouthDakotaHockey #YouthSports #FargoSquirtInternational #PrairieLakesIceArena

📍 BIG NEWS from the heart of Watertown! 🏙️✨
We just sat down with the powerhouse team at Visit Watertown—Anjelica Uthe, Lindsay Stangl, and Emily Johnson—and the energy for 2026 is unmatched! From major moves to global marketing, here is everything you need to know about what’s happening in our community:
🏢 THE BIG MOVE: New Home at The Goss! Mark your calendars for April 1st! Visit Watertown is moving its headquarters into the historic Goss Opera House (taking over the former Maud’s Mercantile space).
Why? They want to be "front and center" in the building they promote every day!
Goss Green isn't just a brand color anymore—it’s where they live!
Look forward to a new Visitor Center & Storefront where you can grab local Watertown swag! 🛍️
🚀 TURNING CULTURE INTO GROWTH As the city’s "marketing and sales arm," this team is working 24/7 behind the scenes to fuel our local economy. Whether it’s recruiting massive youth sports tournaments or bringing conventions to town, their work keeps our restaurants, shops, and hotels thriving! 🏨🍔
🗓️ TOOLS FOR YOU: The "Yodle" Calendar Have an event coming up? Get it on the map! 🗺️ Visit Watertown has launched Yodle, a new master calendar platform.
Local Businesses: You can sync your events directly to visitwatertownsd.com for free!
Locals: It’s your one-stop shop to find out what’s happening this weekend.
🌎 WATERTOWN GOES GLOBAL They aren't just marketing to South Dakota—they’re going worldwide! ✈️
International Outreach: The team is heading to Medora, ND, to "speed date" with international travel planners from Europe and beyond.
Outdoor Recruitment: They are currently in Minneapolis at Pheasant Fest to show outdoor enthusiasts why our lakes and prairies are the best in the Midwest! 🦆🐟
🎓 ALWAYS EVOLVING Shoutout to the team for their commitment to excellence! Anjelica and Lindsay are currently completing high-level industry certifications (CDME & PDM) to ensure Watertown stays ahead of the latest tourism trends (like the new "7-day booking window"!).
📣 CALL TO ACTION: Do you have a "hidden gem" business or a cool local story that hasn't been featured yet? Reach out to Emily Johnson! The team wants to showcase EVERY corner of our community.
Save the Date: A grand opening and ribbon-cutting is coming this May during National Travel & Tourism Week! ✂️🎀
#VisitWatertown #WatertownSD #GossOperaHouse #TourismMatters #SouthDakotaTourism #LocalGrowth #CommunityFirst
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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Live from Joy Ranch! ❄️🐎
Blizzards can’t stop the joy! 🌨️ We caught up with Mallory Olsen, Event Coordinator at Joy Ranch, to recap an incredible week of celebrations and look at what’s coming next.
Highlights from the interview:
Night to Shine Recap: A look back at the "royal treatment" given to over 100 Kings and Queens during our Tim Tebow Foundation prom. 👑
Daddy/Daughter Dance: "Cuteness overload" with tiaras, tuxes, and a cotton candy "tornado!" 🍭
Chef’s Night (Feb 24): Get your tickets for a gourmet 5-course meal featuring 2nd Street Station. Ganache cake, anyone? 🍰
March Retreats: From the Women’s "Restore & Renew" retreat to Christian-based couples' weekends, there's a place for everyone at the ranch.
Support the Vision: All event proceeds go toward Joy Ranch’s mission of providing life-changing equine experiences for individuals of all abilities.
🔗 Tickets & Info: www.joyranchofsd.org 📍 Location: Florence, SD
#JoyRanch #NightToShine #SouthDakotaEvents #CommunityStrong #EquineTherapy #WatertownSD
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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🎨 Unleash Your Creativity: Northern Prairie Arts Announces 2026 "CREATE" Series!
Are you looking to pick up a new hobby or sharpen your skills? Ralph Wamsher from Northern Prairie Arts (NPA) recently sat down with Northeast Radio SD to reveal an exciting lineup of hands-on workshops coming to Watertown this spring. Whether you're tech-curious, a hands-on crafter, or just in it for the cake, there is something for everyone!
📅 Upcoming Class Lineup:
1. A.I. ~ Your Unpredictable Writing Buddy * When: Saturday, February 28 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Glass Classroom, Lake Area Technical College (LATC)
The Vibe: Forget "cheating"—this is about using AI as a "creative sidekick." Led by author KT Webb, you’ll learn how to brainstorm, draft scenes, and use AI for promotion while keeping your unique voice.
Note: Bring your laptop! 💻
2. Wood Carving 101 (3-Night Series) * When: Tuesday Nights (March 3, 10, & 17) | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Codington County Heritage Museum Classroom
The Vibe: Step away from the screens and get therapeutic with a piece of wood. Instructor Steve Hunter (Toronto, SD) teaches safety and carving fundamentals.
Bonus: Your registration includes a full personal carving kit to keep (knife, safety glove, bag, and more)! 🪵🔪
3. "A Little Basket of Spring" Cake Decorating * When: Saturday, March 28
The Vibe: Beginner-friendly and purely fun. You’ll decorate a 4-inch "Bento" vanilla cake to look like an adorable Easter basket, complete with basket-weave piping, grass, and chocolate eggs.
Note: No baking required—NPA provides the cake! 🍰🧺
💡 Why Join Northern Prairie Arts?
NPA is Watertown’s Arts Council, dedicated to making "The Arts" a regular part of our cultural scene.
Membership Perks: Members get significant discounts on all class fees! (Students: $15/yr | Individuals: $30/yr).
Support Local: As a community-funded organization, your participation helps keep the arts alive in Northeast South Dakota.
🔗 HOW TO REGISTER: Visit NorthernPrairieArts.org or find them on Facebook. Classes fill up fast—especially Wood Carving—so grab your spot today!
#WatertownSD #NorthernPrairieArts #SupportLocalArt #CreativeWriting #WoodCarving #CakeDecorating #NortheastSouthDakota
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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✨ Savannah Sovell took home a massive 2nd place in the Final Round Showcase against the top 12 skaters in the region! Coach Taylor says her spin program was the best she’s seen ALL season. 🌀👏
✨ Sarah Hahn and our other talented skaters showed incredible dedication, proving that figure skating is just as much about mental toughness as it is about athletic ability.
What’s Next? 🗓️
March 10th: Join us for BINGO NIGHT with the Lions Club! 🍀 It’s all to support our amazing Theatre on Ice national team.
May 2nd & 3rd: Mark your calendars for our Annual Ice Show! 🎭 With over 100 skaters, custom costumes, and incredible sets, this is a community event you do NOT want to miss!
Want to join the fun? The club is always looking for new members—including boys! Check out Watertown Figure Skate Club on Facebook or their website for more info. 💻
#WatertownSD #FigureSkating #RedRiverValleyClassic #SupportLocalAthletes #IceShow2026 #TheatreOnIce
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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Healthcare Innovations: "My Care Line" Virtual Initiative
The Village of Harmony Hill in Watertown has launched "My Care Line," a virtual healthcare program designed to revolutionize senior care.
Purpose: The program provides residents with bedside access to clinical experts during critical after-hours windows, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Partnerships: It is a collaborative effort between Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan Society.
Technology: Staff utilize the TytoCare device, a portable clinical tool that allows remote nurses to listen to heart sounds, examine ears, and perform high-resolution wound checks in real time.
Objective: Administrator Krista Beauchamp emphasized that the goal is "care in place," providing a safety net to keep residents safe at home and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.
Federal Sentencing: Residency and Firearm Fraud
A 39-year-old California man, Jacob Barba, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for a residency scam used to illegally purchase firearms in South Dakota.
The Scheme: Between 2023 and 2024, Barba rented a small storage closet in Rapid City and used that address to obtain a fraudulent South Dakota driver's license and concealed carry permit.
Illicit Purchases: He used these documents to buy seven firearms while actually residing in California with his family and business.
Operation Take Back America: The case was prosecuted as part of this national Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal firearm trafficking.
Election Legislation: The SAVE America Act
Native American outreach groups are expressing concern over the SAVE America Act, a federal election bill supported by Senator John Thune and other GOP leaders.
Requirements: The bill mandates in-person verification of a U.S. passport or birth certificate to register for federal elections.
Tribal Concerns: Advocates like O.J. Seamans of Four Directions Native Vote argue these requirements create massive obstacles for tribal populations, many of whom lack documents containing mandated birth details or cannot afford new documentation.
State Legislative Updates: Death Penalty Repeal Rejected
An effort to abolish the death penalty in South Dakota ended for the 2026 session.
The Vote: The House Judiciary Committee voted 10-1 to reject House Bill 1268.
Arguments: Sponsor Tim Reisch argued the penalty is not a superior deterrent. However, Attorney General Marty Jackley testified in opposition, citing the 2011 murder of a state corrections officer as a reason the penalty remains an essential option for victims' families.
Local Recognition: "Healthy Rising Star Award"
Aberdeen brain health specialist Tiffany Hoeft, owner of Minds Matter, was honored by South Dakota First Lady Sandy Rhoden with the Healthy Rising Star Award.
Specialization: Hoeft was recognized for her proactive work in cognitive rehabilitation, specifically treating concussions, brain fog, and early-stage dementia.
Impact: Her clinic aims to maintain patient independence and prevent deterioration by supporting caregivers and keeping patients engaged in daily life.
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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🏗️ Big Things are Happening for Codington County! 🏗️
The skyline in Watertown is officially changing! We recently caught up with Commissioner Lee Gabel and Sheriff Brad Howell to get the latest update on the new $37.4 million Justice Center—and the progress is incredible!
Why a new facility? It’s all about safety and efficiency:
A Clearer View: The new "podular" design allows staff to see into all housing areas from one central booth, moving away from the blind corridors of our 1970s-era jail.
Assault Prevention: Improved visibility means our team can spot potential "beefs" before they escalate, keeping both staff and inmates safer.
Smarter Court Dates: Built-in ITV (Interactive TV) rooms will allow inmates to appear in court via video, cutting down on risky and expensive transports downtown.
Future-Ready: While starting with 108 beds, we’ve "shelled-in" space to expand easily as our community grows—saving taxpayer dollars in the long run.
From the high-tech precast walls to the specialized local contractors, this project is built to serve Codington County for decades to come.
🎥 Want to see it happen in real-time? You can watch the 24/7 live construction webcam to see every new panel go up!
#WatertownSD #CodingtonCounty #PublicSafety #CommunityProgress #JusticeCenterUpdate
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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Codington County is RESTARTING the conversation on recovery!We sat down with Sara Foust and Angie Collignon to discuss how a $1M federal grant is changing lives in Watertown through the RESTART initiative. Here’s what’s happening:💉 Harm Reduction: Over 800 Naloxone units distributed through free, anonymous boxes at the Library and ER.⚖️ Justice Success: Our Adult Diversion program has a 90% success rate, helping 84 people keep their records clean!🏠 Stable Foundations: 2,100+ nights of sober housing provided to those transitioning out of the justice system.📈 Massive Reach: Our recovery stories have reached over 250k people online—breaking the stigma one story at a time.🕵️‍♂️ Support the Cause: Join us Feb 19-21 for the Murder Mystery Dinner at Second Street Station! Tickets are $40.Recovery is a community effort. Let’s keep moving forward together. 🤝 Codington Connectshttps://www.facebook.com/codcorestart LEARN more at www.codingtonconnects.com#codingtonconnects #restart #watertownsd #recoveryispossible #communityfirst
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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What happens at The Village of Harmony Hill when a medical question arises at 2:00 AM?. We now have an answer that brings "peace of mind" to the middle of the night.
In our latest interview, Administrator Krista Beauchamp and Nurse Supervisor Fancy Espland explain how we are using the My Care Line to bring expert medical triage directly to our residents' bedsides.
Why this matters for our families:
Instant Expert Access: Our staff can instantly call a dedicated nurse who has the resident’s full medical history pulled up and ready to go.
No More "Scary" 2 AM ER Trips: Fancy Espland notes that "head wounds bleed, and that can be scary," but having a virtual nurse assess a situation via video can prevent a stressful, unnecessary ambulance ride.
The "Doctor in the Room" Tech: Using the TytoCare machine, a provider can virtually listen to a resident’s lungs, check their ears, and even look at their throat with a digital tongue blade.
Always Connected: Every virtual visit is documented in the EPIC system and shared with the resident’s primary doctor by the next morning.
As Krista puts it: "It’s about convenient, compassionate care right on our campus"
Learn more at: villagewatertown.org
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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