Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

The best of Northeast Radio SD, now on your schedule! Catch up on the must-hear local interviews, in-depth community discussions, and all the relevant news from Watertown and the wider region. Whether you missed a broadcast or just want to relive your favorite segment, we bring the pulse of South Dakota directly to you. Subscribe now for new episodes dropping throughout the week, featuring the personalities and topics that matter most to our community.

Episodes

Feb 17, 2026

19 min

Are you ready to stop managing and start leading? Dr. Melissa Meidinger (SBDC) and Heidi Schooley (Mount Marty University) sat down to discuss the launch of the Leadership Lab—an inaugural 8-week program designed to transform the way you approach your professional journey. 🔬 Why a "Lab"?This isn't your typical lecture series. Think of it as a leadership playground.Experiment & Risk: Test new leadership styles and find your core mission in a safe, "laboratory" setting.Beyond the Office: Learn how leadership impacts your family, church, and community—not just your 9-to-5.Intergenerational Magic: Connect with everyone from new managers to 20-year veterans for a diverse range of perspectives.📚 What’s in the Curriculum?The program dives deep into the psychology of success:Leadership Styles: Identify who you are and who you want to become.The Power of Listening: Master the most underrated skill in the workplace to build lasting trust.Culture & Talent: Create a workplace where people don't just work—they find their purpose.💡 Why Now?With a tight labor market and a wave of retirements on the horizon, the best investment a company can make is in its current people. The Leadership Lab prepares you to step into big roles over the next 3–4 years.🗓️ The DetailsStarts: March 2nd (Mondays, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM).Duration: 8 Weeks.Investment: $600 (Includes all materials!).Location: Mount Marty University-Watertown 🔗 Secure Your Spot!Space is limited! Head over to watertownsd.com/leadership-lab to register today.🎁 Bonus: Free Resources for Business OwnersNot ready for a full course? Check out Grow South Dakota for free training in QuickBooks, AI, and Marketing, or visit the SBDC for no-cost, 1-on-1 business counseling.
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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Feb 17, 2026

19 min

Feb 17, 2026

12 min

We were honored to host Senate Majority Leader John Thune right here at the Northeast Radio SD studio in Watertown. In this exclusive sit-down, Senator Thune discussed his local tour of small businesses like Pivotal Health Solutions and shared critical updates on the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
Key Highlights:
Small Business Support: Insights from a diverse roundtable of South Dakota business owners.
Permanent Tax Relief: Why the doubling of the Standard Deduction and expansion of the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 are here to stay.
The "Death Tax" Fight: The Senator's ongoing mission to protect multi-generational family farms from the estate tax.
Investing in the Next Gen: A deep dive into the new Newborn Trump Accounts—tax-advantaged savings that start with a $1,000 government seed.
Economic Growth: How pro-growth policies are designed to pay for themselves by expanding the tax base.
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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Feb 17, 2026

12 min

Feb 16, 2026

41 min

Watertown’s Strategic Blueprint: Housing, High-Tech, and the Battle for Affordability
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a wide-ranging interview following the recent Watertown Housing Summit, Chris Clifton, Executive Director of the Watertown Development Company (WDC), laid out a bold vision for the city’s economic future.
From leveraging federal “debt stacks” for rural housing to navigating the controversy surrounding multi-billion-dollar data centers, Clifton’s message was clear: Watertown must grow aggressively to remain sustainable, but it must do so with a surgical focus on cost and community accountability.
The discussion, held LIVE from Watertown on Northeast Radio SD, underscored a pivotal moment for the region as it faces a “grow or die” ultimatum from local leadership.
 
The Housing “Silo” Problem
The summit, which drew more than 200 registered stakeholders, including local builders, state officials, and USDA representatives, was designed to break down the “federal silos” that often stifle development.
Clifton noted that many developers are unaware of the creative ways they can populate their “debt stacks.” By “piggybacking” state programs on federal USDA resources—which have evolved over 30 years to support more than animal husbandry—developers can secure financing for essential infrastructure that would otherwise sink a project.
“Unless we are in Rapid City or Sioux Falls, we’re all rural,” Clifton said. “The USDA realizes that financing for housing is critical for families who want to stay on the farm and manage the family legacy. Their applications here are spot on.”
The goal is to encourage incremental development. While large-scale subdivisions are rare in the region, Clifton is pushing for more duplexes, triplexes, and “quads.” Each unit, he argues, represents a “bunt or a single” that eventually adds up to a winning score for the city’s housing stock.
 
The TIF Debate: Transparency as a Shield
One of the more technical—and contentious—tools discussed was Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Often criticized as a “giveaway” to developers, Clifton reframed TIF as an essential tool for public benefit, particularly in a state like South Dakota, where few other economic tools exist.
Clifton emphasized that a TIF is not a “check” written to a company. Instead, it uses future tax revenues from a new development to fund current public infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and roads.
To combat public skepticism, Clifton proposed a new standard for Watertown: Annual Performance Audits.
The “Clawback” Provision: If a developer fails to meet the investment or job creation goals outlined in their agreement, the city can “claw back” the value of the incentive.
Transparency: Every TIF project should be measured and published annually to show exactly how it is performing.
“I’m not in the ‘oops, it didn’t really work’ business,” Clifton stated bluntly. “If you don’t produce the results, we get half our money back. It’s a simple contract.”
 
Data Centers: National Defense and Utility Impacts
Addressing the recent buzz surrounding a potential data center in Toronto, SD, and its implications for the dual-county area, Clifton sought to dispel myths about energy and water usage.
Contrary to popular belief that AI is the sole driver, Clifton attributed the surge in data center demand to national defense and secure data storage. He argued that Northeast South Dakota is a “natural fit” for these facilities due to the convergence of natural gas and electricity infrastructure.
Addressing environmental concerns, Clifton noted that modern data centers use closed-loop liquid cooling systems—similar to a car radiator—which prevents the massive water waste associated with older technology. Furthermore, he argued that large industrial energy consumers, such as data centers, can lower utility rates for residential users by providing a steady, guaranteed revenue stream that funds next-generation grid upgrades.
 
The “Yoda” Doctrine: Growth at 3%
The overarching challenge for Watertown is a mandate from the Mayor to double the city’s growth rate to 3% annually.
Clifton drew a line in the sand regarding the city’s future, invoking a cinematic comparison:
“It’s kind of like Yoda: do or do not, there is no try. We either grow or we die. If we don’t have sales tax growth in this environment, you only have one other option: property tax growth. To keep taxes low, we must have growth.”
The strategy for achieving this involves a two-pronged approach:
Attracting Talent: Working with local institutions like Lake Area Technical College (LATC) to retain “the best and brightest” who might otherwise move to metros like Dallas or New York.
Density and Size: Challenging the “American Dream” of 2,500-square-foot homes. Clifton argued that “smaller is going to be what gets us to affordability,” suggesting that Watertown needs to return to more efficient, manageable housing designs to lower the $250-per-square-foot build costs.
What’s Next?
Following the success of the Housing Summit, the WDC plans to host a “Mini-Summit” this fall to dive deeper into solution strategies. Clifton encouraged all residents and business owners to fill out the housing questionnaire available on the Watertown Development Company website.
“Watertown can be whatever it wants to be when it grows up,” Clifton concluded. “But we have to have those critical conversations about density, infrastructure, and cost now.”
Primary Organizations
Watertown Development Company (WDC): com
Watertown Area United Way: org
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation: com/foundation
Key Partners and Programs
Lake Area Technical College (LATC): edu
Boys and Girls Club of Watertown: com
Salvation Army (Watertown): salvationarmy.org/watertown
Dolly Parton Imagination Library (Codington County): com
USDA Rural Development (South Dakota): usda.gov/sd
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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Feb 16, 2026

41 min

Feb 15, 2026

3 hr 35 min

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The issue of affordable workplace housing took center stage on February 12, 2026, as the Watertown Development Company (WDC), the Watertown Area Homebuilders Association, and the Mother of God Monastery convened the Grow 57201 Housing Conference.
Held in the Heritage Theatre at the Watertown Event Center, the day-long summit moved beyond discussion, concluding with a mandate for regional partners to implement specific housing strategies within 6 to 12 months.
The conference, kicked off by Mayor Ried Holien, was designed to address a critical local need: creating diverse housing solutions—from infill development to large-scale workforce projects—that can keep pace with Watertown’s economic ambitions.
The Financial Blueprint: Bridging the Construction Gap
A primary focus of the summit was the “creative financing” required to make housing projects viable in a high-cost construction environment.
A Multidisciplinary Financing Panel
The morning sessions featured state and federal experts outlining the financial scaffolding available for local projects:
Amy Eldridge (South Dakota Housing): The Director of Rental Housing Development detailed programs designed to incentivize multi-unit projects. Eldridge emphasized that housing development is about making homeownership “real for families who thought it was impossible”.
Lori Moen (GROW South Dakota): Moen shared the scale of the non-profit’s impact, noting a residential loan portfolio exceeding $18 million and a history of directing more than $34 million in down payment assistance (DPA).
Michael Matlin (USDA Rural Development): Matlin discussed federal homeownership initiatives tailored for rural landscapes, drawing on his extensive background in mortgage underwriting and military service.
Keynote: Stacking the Deck for Funding
Greg Litton, Director of Strategic Housing at the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF), presented “Stacking the Deck for Housing: Funding Strategies that Work." Litton revealed that his team doubled its affordable housing capital to $50 million, enabling the creation or retention of 645 units across its service area.
 
Impact Investing and the “Opportunity Equation”
A highlight of the conference was the lunch keynote by Watertown native Jacob Clark, now the Head of Impact for JPMorgan Chase. In his presentation, “The Opportunity Equation: Data, Decisions, and Community Impact,” Clark discussed leveraging institutional capital—such as JPMorgan’s $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment—to maximize community impact and build a “prosperous future” for rural economies.
 
Local Innovation and Implementation
The “Creative Development Panel” showcased how regional developers are adapting to workforce challenges:
Randy Hanson (Mills Construction): A developer with over 22 years of experience, Hanson shared insights on his role as a “Hobbie Developer,” creating scalable housing solutions for smaller towns like Aurora, White, and Madison.
Levi Te Slaa (Mailbox Money): Te Slaa emphasized the importance of ensuring private investors feel aligned with the mission of building scalable, “wellness-designed” communities.
The afternoon also featured rapid-fire presentations on sector-specific 2026 goals: Student Housing (Tiffany Sanderson), Single Family (Bill Rieffenberger), and Redevelopment (Brandi Hanten).
 
Technical Tools: Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
The summit concluded with an in-depth Session on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) led by attorney Todd Meierhenry. Meierhenry explained that TIF acts as a vital “revenue tool” for developers to fund the public infrastructure—like streets and utilities—necessary for project viability.
About the Organizers
The Watertown Development Company (WDC) remains committed to facilitating job creation and the development of quality housing. Led by Executive Director Chris Clifton, a Certified Economic Developer with over 35 years of experience, the WDC serves as a “public-private risk taker” to spur regional growth.
Key team members contributing to these initiatives include:
Sarah Giang (Investor Relations Manager): A Watertown native leading communications for the Grow Watertown 2.0
Melissa Backman (Executive Assistant): Brings 25 years of experience in business operations and grant writing.
Angie Yahne (Director of ED Project Management): Manages new and expanding company programs and childcare solutions.
For more information or to support these housing initiatives, contact the WDC at (605) 884-0340 or visit their office at 1 East Kemp Avenue, Watertown, SD. https://wdcsd.com/
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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Feb 15, 2026

3 hr 35 min

Feb 14, 2026

59 min

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Area legislators faced a vocal crowd on Saturday morning during the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Crackerbarrel, where the tension between state mandates and local control dominated the discussion. The event, live-streamed by Northeast Radio SD, featured a six-member panel from Districts 4 and 5 addressing topics ranging from cell phone bans to controversial curriculum requirements.
The panel included Senator Stephanie Sauder (D4), Representative Kent Roe (D4), Representative Dylan Jordan (D4), Senator Glen Vilhauer (D5), Representative Matt Roby (D5), and Representative Josephine Garcia (D5).
 
The Tug-of-War Over Local Control
The forum opened with a poignant question from a constituent regarding how lawmakers determine when the state should intervene in local affairs versus deferring to local boards. The question highlighted two contrasting education bills: a proposed statewide ban on cell phones in schools and House Bill 1313, which mandates schools show a specific video on neonatal development.
Senator Stephanie Sauder voiced strong support for local autonomy, particularly regarding cell phone policies. “Over 95% of our schools right now have something in their policy; it is working for them,” Sauder said, noting she voted against a state-level ban. “Watertown school is different than Waverly school, which is different than Hamlin.”
However, the consensus fractured over HB 1313. While Representatives Josephine Garcia and Dylan Jordan defended the neonatal video requirement as a “science-based” addition to the curriculum, others were more skeptical. Representative Kent Roe expressed concern over state overreach, saying, “There’s a real desire to overstep our bounds in Pierre... we need to respect the school boards.”
 
Education Funding: “White Knights” or Underfunders?
Steve O’Brien, a 38-year veteran teacher at Watertown High School, challenged the panel on the state’s constitutional promise to fund public education. He noted that, despite past progress, the Governor’s current budget proposes a 0% increase for schools.
Senator Glen Vilhauer, who sits on the Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the frustration but noted that state revenue projections are tight. “The Governor was a little bit premature in what he said... as appropriators, we’d like to do something,” Vilhauer stated, suggesting a 1% increase might be more realistic than the traditionally sought 3%.
Representative Matt Roby echoed this cautiously optimistic sentiment, suggesting there is a “very good chance” for at least a 1% increase for the “Big Three” (education, state employees, and community service providers).
 
Defining “Conservative” and Listening to the People
The most heated moment of the morning came when a registered Republican constituent accused the six-member GOP panel of failing to cast “conservative” votes.
Representative Dylan Jordan responded by defining his stance as a “constitutional conservative,” aimed at preserving the founding documents rather than adhering to a single party line. Representative Kent Roe added that representing 25,000 diverse constituents makes it impossible to please everyone. “I get constantly hammered because I tend to not obey the party line,” Roe said. “We have to reflect everyone across the board.”
Representative Josephine Garcia noted that, in her second year in the legislature, she has learned the necessity of compromise. “The second year, the light goes on, and you really see what is happening... it takes courage to take constructive criticism from those that really don’t like what you’re doing.”
 
Legislative Highlights
HB 1202 (Lake Area Tech Building): Lawmakers discussed an appropriation of approximately $5.2 million in one-time state funds for a new trade center at Lake Area Technical College. The facility would house H-VAC and refrigeration programs to meet workforce demands.
SB 98 (Crypto Regulation): Legislators signaled support for a bill aimed at regulating cryptocurrency kiosks to protect consumers from fraud, comparing the oversight to that of standard ATMs.
HB 1265 (Avian Salvage): A “feel-good” bill inspired by 19-year-old Madison Grimm of Wallace was discussed, which would allow Game, Fish, and Parks to issue permits for salvaging eggs (such as pheasant eggs) disturbed by farming equipment.
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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Feb 14, 2026

59 min

Feb 13, 2026

12 min

Northeast Radio SD newscast from February 13, 2026, covers significant legislative updates in South Dakota, public health reports, and local community initiatives.
Legislative Updates
Tax Relief: U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighted the "Working Families Tax Cut," which increases the child tax credit to $2,200 per child and introduces "Trump Accounts"—investment accounts for newborns with an initial $1,000 government contribution.
Tax Deductions for Workers: New deductions are available for tipped professionals (up to $25,000) and emergency workers like nurses and firefighters (up to $12,500 on overtime pay).
Firearm Regulations: Governor Larry Rhoden signed a bill removing firearm suppressors from the state's list of controlled weapons, treating them as hearing protection rather than dangerous weapons.
Education Policies: * Cell Phone Ban: Senate Bill 198 proposes a "bell-to-bell" restriction on student cell phone use to improve academic performance.
Union Support: A controversial bill advanced that would prohibit public school districts from using resources, such as automatic payroll deductions, to support teachers' unions.
Public Health & Economy
Influenza Report: The South Dakota Department of Health reported 10,795 confirmed cases and 14 deaths this season, a decrease from the previous year. Activity typically peaks in early February.
Economic Investments: The Board of Economic Development approved over $28 million in funding, including a $57 million biogas project near Toronto to convert dairy manure into renewable natural gas.
Community Events in Watertown
Childcare Initiative: Codington Connects is conducting a community survey through February 20 to address childcare capacity.
Fundraising: A Murder Mystery Dinner Theater fundraiser will be held at Second Street Station from February 19–21 (Tickets: $40).
Summer Events: The "Summer Splash" event is scheduled for downtown Watertown on May 28.
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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Feb 13, 2026

12 min

Feb 11, 2026

17 min

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a recent interview with News Broadcaster Steve Jurrens on Northeast Radio SD, Sara Foust of Codington Connects and Audrey Rider from SDSU Extension discussed the vital role of early childhood education and community support systems in Watertown. Codington Connects, now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is actively working with over 45 local partners to address critical needs in the area, ranging from child care capacity to economic development.
Focus on the “Early Learner”
Audrey Rider, who serves as the Early Childhood Field Specialist for SDSU Extension, highlighted the “Early Learner South Dakota” initiative. This program focuses on high-quality education and professional development for child care providers across the state.
“It really brings a holistic approach to what early learning really is and the need for that,” Rider stated during the interview. “It also affects a lot of the economy of our town. If we don’t have quality child care, we don’t have people going to work.”
Codington Connects is currently collecting data through a Child Care Survey to understand better the community’s needs regarding child care capacity, affordability, and quality. The survey is open to all families and child care providers through February 20, 2026, to reach at least 300 responses.
Upcoming Events and Fundraisers
To support these initiatives, Codington Connects is hosting several community events:
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: This family-friendly fundraiser will take place at Second Street Station on February 19, 20, and 21, 2026. Tickets are $40 and include a three-course meal and entertainment. Tickets for Friday night are selling quickly, and residents are encouraged to purchase them soon.
Summer Splash: Mark your calendars for May 28, 2026. This event brings families to downtown Watertown for activities focused on early learning and community engagement.
How to Get Involved
Residents, businesses, and child care providers are encouraged to stay connected and participate in the ongoing survey:
Official Website: com
Facebook: com/CodingtonConnects
SDSU Extension: sdstate.edu
For those attending the Watertown Winter Farm Show, Rider will be available at the SDSU Extension booth to answer questions and provide more information about the programs.
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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Feb 11, 2026

17 min

Feb 11, 2026

8 min

The 81st Annual Watertown Winter Farm Show officially opened Wednesday morning at the Codington County Extension Complex, blending a vision for the future of South Dakota agriculture with a deep respect for its storied past.
The opening ceremony, a cornerstone of the four-day event, was marked by two significant honors. The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee officially dedicated this year’s show to the late Steve Keppen, a man whose involvement with the show dated back to 1969.
Keppen was remembered not just for his business contributions, but for his roots in "hard work, family, and faith." His wife, Merna, and their family were present to accept the dedication plaque, receiving a standing ovation from a crowd composed of fellow producers, exhibitors, and community leaders.
The committee also recognized Mike Mack for his 42 years of continuous involvement. Mack, a lifelong dairy producer and agricultural innovator, shared his gratitude for the community, reflecting on the decades of growth the show has seen since his first year as an exhibitor.
"It is incredibly humbling to be recognized for doing something you love with people you consider family," Mack said.
The morning concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting using the show's signature oversized green scissors. The Keppen and Mack families jointly cut the ribbon, officially opening the exhibition halls to the public.
Following the ceremony, the arena was quickly transitioned for the first of the week’s highly anticipated livestock sales. The show, which runs through Saturday, February 14, is expected to draw thousands to the Watertown area. This year's event features approximately 150 commercial exhibitors, the State Crop Show, and a variety of youth competitions, including the Lego contest and 4-H Skill-A-Thon.
Organizers noted that while the tools of the trade have evolved significantly over the show's 81-year history, the mission remains the same: to promote the vital role of agriculture in the region and to provide a gathering place for the community.
The Watertown Winter Farm Show continues tomorrow with daily programs starting at 9:00 a.m.
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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Feb 11, 2026

8 min

Feb 11, 2026

22 min

Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) is entering a new era of connectivity and expansion, as highlighted by Airport Manager Ian Meriwether in a recent interview with Northeast Radio SD. From significant increases in passenger traffic to long-term infrastructure developments, the airport is reinforcing its position as a vital economic engine for the region.
Surging Passenger Growth and New Hub Connections
A major shift occurred when the airport transitioned its primary flight routes from Chicago to Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul. While Meriwether noted a slow start as travelers adjusted their habits, the numbers now tell a story of success.
Passenger traffic to Minneapolis saw a 43% increase compared to previous Chicago routes, with January numbers up 7% year-over-year.
"Minneapolis has been a huge reason for weathering the slump months of January and February," Meriwether explained. "Travelers are finding that East Coast connections flow better through Minneapolis, while West Coast trips to cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland—our number one connection—are easily managed through Denver."
The airport currently partners with SkyWest Airlines, operating under agreements with United and Delta, providing local travelers with seamless booking and baggage transfers to major global hubs.
Unlocking Land for Economic Development
Beyond the terminal, the airport is making moves to utilize its land more effectively. Meriwether discussed the recent "NEPA release" (National Environmental Policy Act), a process that cleared historically restricted land for development.
Some of these land provisions date back to the early 1900s, originally designated for national emergency use by the Department of Defense. With the new clearances, the City of Watertown now has the authority to sell or develop these parcels, opening the door for future economic projects.
Infrastructure and Amenities
The airport isn't just about commercial travel; it serves a diverse "General Aviation" (GA) community. Meriwether highlighted several key features:
New Terminal Improvements: The modernized 26,000 sq. ft. terminal offers a streamlined experience.
Local Dining: Danger von Dempsey’s Pizza, an award-winning local favorite, operates within the airport, drawing both travelers and local employees.
Hangar Expansion: Plans are underway to increase hangar space to accommodate more private and corporate aircraft.
Cost-Saving Perks: Meriwether emphasized the convenience of free parking, saving local travelers significantly compared to larger regional airports.
Safety and Operations
Operating an airport requires constant vigilance. Meriwether revealed that the airport staff—a lean team of six full-time employees—manages everything from snow removal to rigorous safety inspections. ATY complies with federal Part 139 regulations, which include:
Annual Training: Staff is trained on 22 different safety topics annually.
Emergency Drills: The airport conducts full-scale emergency exercises every three years, involving local hospitals, fire departments, and search and rescue teams.
A Message to Travelers
As Watertown Regional Airport continues to grow, Meriwether’s advice to the community is simple: Check ATY first. "There’s a common misconception that Sioux Falls is always cheaper. That’s just not the case," Meriwether said. He encourages anyone with booking issues or fare discrepancies to reach out to his office directly, noting that his team often works with airlines to troubleshoot software or routing issues that might affect local prices.
With daily flights to major hubs and a commitment to community-focused service, Watertown Regional Airport is proving that "flying local" is not just a convenience, but a smart travel choice.
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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Feb 11, 2026

22 min

Feb 10, 2026

10 min

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Northern Prairie Arts (NPA) is preparing for its annual theme show, titled “Taking Flight,” which will be the center of this month’s Arts Night at the Pub. The event is scheduled for this Thursday, February 12, at Dempsey’s at the Airport.
Ralph Wamsher, representing the Northern Prairie Arts Council, shared details about the upcoming showcase in a recent interview. “Every year we have a theme show, and the theme this year is ‘Taking Flight,’” Wamsher explained. He noted that the exhibit will feature a diverse range of interpretations from local artists and community members.
“We’re not expecting to have 47 photos of birds,” Wamsher joked. “It can be a song, a video, a poem, or a short story. There’s a variety of things that we will show.”
The evening will kick off with a “meet and greet” at 5:30 PM, followed by an artist talk at 6:30 PM, where attendees can hear directly from the creators about their work. For those unable to attend in person, the NPA hopes to livestream the artist talk on their Facebook page.
A Busy Month for Northern Prairie Arts
In addition to the theme show, Wamsher highlighted several upcoming educational opportunities hosted by the NPA:
Photography Club: Meeting Wednesday, February 11, at 7:00 PM in the LATC Photo Studio. The Session will include a live demonstration on portrait lighting led by Patrick Anderson and Jenn Davis.
AI Writing Class: Scheduled for February 28. Taught by local author KT Webb, the class focuses on using AI as a creative tool rather than a replacement for work. “It is just fancier than spell check,” Wamsher noted.
Wood Carving Class: A three-night series starting the first Tuesday of March, taught by Steve Hunter.
Wamsher also noted the “resurgence” of film photography in the local community, noting that modern techniques now allow enthusiasts to develop film at home without a traditional darkroom.
The Northern Prairie Arts Council continues to seek volunteers to help facilitate these community events. Those interested in attending classes or volunteering can find more information and register at NorthernPrairieArts.org or via the organization’s Facebook page.
 
Event Details:
What: Arts Night at the Pub: “Taking Flight.”
When: Thursday, Feb 12 | 5:30 PM (Meet & Greet), 6:30 PM (Art Talk)
Where: Dempsey’s at the Airport (ATY)

Feb 10, 2026

10 min

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