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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)

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a busy spring season, headlined by the return of its premier leadership program and the 81st annual Watertown Winter Farm Show. In a recent local interview, Ashley Johnson, Director of Community Engagement, detailed the community’s upcoming highlights, ranging from professional development to agricultural traditions.
Cultivating Future Leaders
The Leadership Watertown 2026 program is set to kick off on March 31. Designed to provide a “behind the scenes” look at the city, the course consists of eight sessions held every other Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Participants will engage in a curriculum focused on local impact, including:
Skill Building: Lessons on character, communication, and relationship-based servant leadership based on John C. Maxwell’s The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader.
Community Immersion: Tours and interactive sessions with the Watertown Police Department, Watertown Regional Airport, and Codington County Search and Rescue.
Entrepreneurship: A panel featuring local business owners discussing their leadership journeys.
Tuition is $400 and includes all materials, food, and tours. Enrollment is open to both Chamber members and the general public.
 
A Tradition of Agriculture: The 81st Winter Farm Show
Running from February 11 to February 14, the Watertown Winter Farm Show remains a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural community.
Livestock Shows & Sales: The event kicks off on Wednesday at 9:00 AM with the Angus show, followed by the Hereford cattle. Sales will take place daily, concluding with the Supreme Row selection on Friday at 3:30 PM to honor the top bull and heifer.
Educational Classrooms: Beyond livestock, the show offers free sessions on health, finance, and safety—including a new fire extinguisher safety course inspired by recent harvest-season combine fires.
Family Fun: Saturday features a petting zoo and the popular 4-H lunch counter, while over 150 vendors will be stationed across the Codington County Extension Complex and the Park and Rec Fieldhouse.
 
“Lucky Mix ’26” St. Patrick’s Day Kickoff
The Chamber is also launching its annual St. Patrick’s Day button sale during the Farm Show. This year’s theme, “Lucky Mix ’26,” features a nostalgic mixed-CD design.
Buttons are available for $5 each (or 5 for $20) and serve as raffle entries for a variety of prizes, including:
$500 in Watertown Bucks
An Apple Watch SE
A Fifth Wheel V10 Max foldable electric scooter
Blackstone griddles and Beats headphones
The grand prize drawing will take place during the Shamrocks game on March 17.
For more information on these events or to volunteer for button sales, visit www.watertownsd.com. 
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This newscast from February 10, 2026, features local and state news from the Watertown, South Dakota, area.
Government and Education
Watertown School Board Financials: During the February 9 school board meeting, Business Manager Heidi Clausen reported a positive financial wrap-up for the 2025 fiscal year for the district’s self-funded employee benefit trust. The trust, covering health and dental insurance, ended the year with over $3.5 million, up from $3.3 million the previous year. Total income for the year exceeded $9.8 million, supported by $760,000 in pharmacy drug plan rebates.
Student Achievement: Results from the NWEA MAP assessments showed Watertown students performing well in core subjects. Students reached the 67th percentile in math achievement and science growth and achievement, while reading scores were at the 60th percentile in both categories.
Lake Area Technical College Enrollment: President Tiffany Sanderson announced a record spring enrollment of 2,758 students, an increase of 437 students from last fall. The college reported that 80% of its 2024 graduates remain in South Dakota, starting with an average annual salary of over $56,000. The application for the Build Dakota scholarship is open through March 31, 2026.
Community and Recreation
Library Resource Expansion: The South Dakota State Library has a new reciprocal lending agreement, expanding digital resources for local cardholders. This connects several regional library consortia, providing Watertown residents with access to thousands of additional e-books and audiobooks via the Libby app.
Figure Skating Success: The Watertown Figure Skate Club achieved significant success at the Magic City International Skate Competition, securing team victories in nearly 100 individual routines. The showcase production team and the theatre on ice intermediate team both took first place.
Public Safety and Local Events
Vehicle Accident: A single-vehicle accident occurred Monday morning in Southwest Watertown on US Highway 212. A 45-year-old man suffered a medical emergency, causing his vehicle to cross the median and strike a building. He was transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Block Kids Competition: The NAWIC Dakota Prairie’s Chapter #394 recently hosted its annual Block Kids Competition at Boldt Construction. Students in grades K-6 used LEGO-style bricks to build structures and learn about the construction and engineering industries.

Community Achievements & Events
Watertown Figure Skate Club: The club returned from the Magic City International Skate Competition in Minot with numerous gold medals. For the first time in club history, the Intermediate Theatre on Ice team earned a gold medal and received high praise from officials for their storytelling. Additionally, three individual skaters qualified for the 2026 National Showcase in Denver:
Savannah Sovell: Qualified with a comedic routine to “Like a Surgeon”.
Lily Musielewicz: Qualified with an “emotional performance”.
Shaylee Helle: Qualified with a character performance inspired by Matilda.
Optimist Club 50th Anniversary: The Watertown Optimist Club is celebrating 50 years of service. To expand their membership, they are hosting a “NOW” (New Optimists Wanted) meeting this Thursday, February 12, at Pizza Ranch at noon. Longtime member Randy Rakness has served for all 50 years since the club’s 1976 charter.
Watertown Town Players: The local theater group is debuting its latest production, Four Weddings and an Elvis, running from February 11–15. The play is a comedy following a wedding chapel owner through 18 months of chaotic ceremonies.
Public Safety & Legal Updates
Fatal Vehicle Crash: A 33-year-old man from Summit, SD (Eliseo Mendez Gomez), died Saturday afternoon in a single-vehicle rollover six miles southeast of Ortley. Gomez was driving a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix when he lost control, overcorrected, and was ejected from the vehicle as he was not wearing a seatbelt.
Structure Fire: Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a house fire on 19th Street Southwest last Friday evening. The fire was caused by an unattended propane grill that ignited the exterior of the residence; the sole occupant escaped without injury.
Child Pornography Arrest: Blake Stephens, 25, of Watertown, was arrested on February 6 following a South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation. He faces 20 felony counts of possessing child pornography after federal authorities traced a Google account containing illicit videos of juveniles.
Milbank School Threat: The Milbank School District returned to normal operations Friday afternoon after a direct threat prompted a “soft lockdown” and an intensive sweep by the FBI, SWAT, and DCI. No credible devices or threats were identified, and authorities are working to trace the call’s origin.
Contractor Plea Agreement: Local contractor Eric Skott, 48, pleaded guilty to a reduced class 1 misdemeanor charge of misappropriation of funds. Originally facing a felony grand theft indictment for allegedly misusing between $5,000 and $100,000, his reduced charge involved misuse of less than $1,000 during a 2023 home build.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Optimist Club is marking a monumental milestone this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary of serving the local community. To kick off the celebration and expand their impact, the club is hosting a special “NOW” (New Optimists Wanted) meeting this coming Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Pizza Ranch starting at noon.
Val Engels and Carmen Bakken, representatives of the club, visited Northeast Radio SD to discuss the organization’s rich history and its ongoing mission to support local youth.
A Legacy of “Optimism in Action”
Since its charter on April 1, 1976, the Watertown Optimist Club has been a fixture in Codington County. The club still boasts one original charter member, Randy Rakness—better known to many locals as “Santa Randy”—who has been with the organization for all 50 years.
The club’s guiding principle is simple: bringing out the best in youth, the community, and themselves.
“The feedback we get when we’re doing these things for the kids... it’s so rewarding because I know I’m giving back to the community,” said Engels, a member of over 10 years.
Impactful Community Projects
The Optimist Club is responsible for several high-profile initiatives that have shaped Watertown’s recreational landscape:
Winter Wonderland: A beloved annual holiday display at City Park.
Born Learning Trail: Developed in partnership with United Way, this interactive trail at McKinley Park was the first of its kind in South Dakota, featuring signs that encourage early literacy and physical activity.
All-Access Playground: The club was a pioneer in helping install handicap-accessible playground equipment at McKinley Park, ensuring children of all abilities can play together.
Youth Scholarships: Every year, the club awards three scholarships to graduating seniors in Codington County based on an essay competition.
How to Get Involved
The club is actively seeking new members to help carry its mission into the next half-century.
What: NOW (New Optimists Wanted) Meeting
When: Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM
Where: Pizza Ranch, Watertown
Perks: Lunch is provided for prospective members.
Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month. For those unable to attend meetings, the club remains active on its Facebook page, which posts updates on speakers, volunteer opportunities, and community events.
https://www.facebook.com/WatertownOptimistClub
wtnsdoptimistclub@gmail.com
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Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Town Players are set to bring a touch of Las Vegas to South Dakota with their upcoming production of Four Weddings and an Elvis. This comedic play, which follows the chaotic events at a wedding chapel over 18 months, promises laughter, romance, and, of course, a legendary Elvis impersonator.
Director Renee, who chose the play for its “silly and easy” nature, led a cast of talented local volunteers through an eight-week rehearsal process. The play features four distinct weddings, each with its own unique set of characters and challenges.
A Series of Unfortunate (and Hilarious) Events
The story revolves around Sandy, the owner of the wedding chapel, played by Casey. The first wedding involves Stan and Bev (played by Tom and Denine), who are getting married as an act of revenge against their exes. The second wedding features two celebrities, played by Greg, Gabe, and Christina, who attempt to revitalize their careers through a publicity stunt marriage. The third wedding portrays a more genuine couple, Fiona and Marvin, whose special day is nearly derailed by an ex-boyfriend. The final wedding brings all the characters together for Sandy’s own wedding, as she marries the same man for the fifth time.
“Rehearsals were great because we could block it out in acts and really focus and hone in on each one,” Renee explained. This approach allowed the actors to master their lines and blocking early on, leaving more time to fine-tune their comedic timing.
The “Elvis Bracket” Competition
To add an extra layer of excitement and community engagement, the Town Players launched an “Elvis Bracket” competition on social media. Cast members created their own Elvis-themed scripts and performances, with the public voting for their favorites. The competition has whittled down to the championship round, featuring Thomas and Casey. The winner will be crowned during the Saturday night performance and will receive a crown and scepter.
Community Involvement and Upcoming Auditions
The Town Players are a volunteer-driven organization, and the cast emphasized the sense of family and community they build during each production. “You get to know people that you wouldn’t normally know, you create this tribe and this group, and you have fun together,” Casey shared.
For those interested in joining the Town Players, auditions for their next production, Too Many Detectives in the Murder Mansion, will be held on February 17, 19, and 21, starting at 6:00 PM. No prior preparation is necessary, as directors will provide selections from the show.
Ticket and Show Information
Four Weddings and an Elvis runs from February 11 through February 15 at the Town Players theatre. Evening performances begin at 7:00 PM, with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 PM. For those unable to attend in person, the show will be live-streamed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased online at townplayers.net, by calling 605-882-2076, or by scanning the QR codes available on their social media pages. More information and behind-the-scenes content are available on their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube pages.
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Local Student Leadership
Student leaders from Watertown, Milbank, and Florence participated in the Capital City Experience on February 3 and 4.
Students met with lawmakers at the state capital to advocate for career and technical education (CTE) pathways.
Amy Miller, Director of CTE, emphasized that the experience provides a unique perspective on current issues affecting future careers.
Railroad Merger Opposition
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson is leading a 47-member coalition opposing a proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
The group sent a formal letter to the Surface Transportation Board demanding a rigorous review, citing concerns that further consolidation could raise prices for farmers and consumers.
The railroads have until February 17 to decide whether to refile a revised plan.
Historic Military Honor
President Donald Trump will award the Medal of Honor to retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams, a Wilmot native.
In 1952, Williams engaged seven Soviet MIGs in the only direct over-water dogfight between the U.S. and USSR during the Cold War.
His heroics were classified for over 60 years due to geopolitical sensitivities until a recent push for the upgrade led by Senator Mike Rounds.
Community and Arts
"Little Bug Earns Her Spots": A new children's book by Julianne Endres and Rebecca Hall was launched in Watertown.
The book is inspired by Emily Cold, a young girl who passed away from cancer in 2002.
100% of the book’s royalties this year will be donated to Make-A-Wish South Dakota and Montana.
A special book signing will be held at DDR Books in downtown Watertown on March 14.
Emergency Response
Watertown Fire Rescue successfully contained an SUV fire in the 1700 block of 16th Avenue Southeast early Thursday morning.
Firefighters used a rotary saw to access the engine and prevent the blaze from spreading to a nearby home.
No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Infrastructure and Policy
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has released a draft of the 2026 Section 106 Pragmatic Agreement.
The agreement aims to streamline environmental reviews for routine road projects that are unlikely to affect historic sites.
Public comments are being accepted through Wednesday, March 4.
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 - The Watertown Lakers are turning the ice pink this weekend as they host the 7th Annual “Stick It to Cancer” fundraiser. The event, which has become a staple of the local hockey season, combines high-energy competition with a mission to support families battling cancer in the community.
The fundraiser was originally launched seven years ago by Jenny Wyckoff and has since grown into a massive community effort. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Codington County Cares Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing financial relief to local patients.
A Mission of Support
Tori Simon, a two-time breast cancer survivor and a key figure in Codington County Cares, shared the deeply personal inspiration behind the foundation.
“I looked around the room when I was 25 years old, getting chemo, wondering why I had cancer,” Simon shared. “But then you see a single mom with three kids in school, and you wonder how they are worrying about their utility bills while fighting for their lives. That’s why we do this.”
For two decades, the foundation has provided everything from gas cards for treatment travel to assistance with funeral expenses, ensuring that no one in the community fights alone.
 
Weekend Highlights
The “Stick It to Cancer” event features a jam-packed schedule of games and activities for fans of all ages:
Honorary Puck Drops: Ceremonies will take place Saturday to honor those affected by cancer, with a Girls Varsity drop at 1:30 PM, and a Boys Varsity drop at 7:30 PM.
Luminaria Ceremony: In a moving tribute, the rink lights will be dimmed as players skate in honor of loved ones, accompanied by glowing luminarias on the ice.
Inflatable Costume Race: In a lighter moment of the weekend, a unicorn, dinosaur, shark, and hippo (in a tutu) will race across the ice. Fans can participate in a “50/50 prediction draw” by placing their tickets in the bucket of the character they think will win.
Silent Auction & Raffles: The lobby will be filled with raffle baskets and silent auction items, including nostalgic photos and memorabilia for former Laker championship players.
Meet the Lakers: Following the Boys Varsity game on Saturday night, fans can meet players from several divisions for autographs and photos.
 
How to Attend
Games run all weekend at the Watertown arena, starting Friday evening and continuing through Sunday.
Saturday: A full slate of games from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM across both sheets of ice.
Sunday: “Big/Little” event in the afternoon, where younger Mite and Squirt players are paired with Varsity mentors.
For a full schedule of games and a list of auction items, visit the Watertown Lakers Facebook page or their official website at www.watertownlakers.org.  
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Health and Safety Updates
Flu Season Trends: South Dakota health officials report that while the flu virus is active, severe outcomes are below historical averages for the 2025-26 season. There have been over 9,300 confirmed cases and 10 deaths, a significant decrease from the previous year's 22,000 cases and 65 deaths by this point. Officials remind citizens that early February is typically the peak of the season and encourage continued vaccination.
Measles Alert: A confirmed case of measles in an adult resident of Grant County has prompted a public alert. The individual visited high-traffic areas while infectious in late January, including the Milbank VFW, Sly’s Steakhouse, Brookings High School (during a wrestling tournament), the Larson Ice Center, and Pints and Quarts. Residents are advised to monitor for symptoms like cough, red eyes, and a blotchy rash for 21 days.
Community Organizations and Events
Codington Connects: Led by President Sarah Foust, this organization has grown into a hub for over 45 agencies to streamline social services in Watertown. They are currently conducting a child care survey to assess local needs and are hosting a Mystery Dinner Theater fundraiser at Second Street Station on February 19, 20, and 21.
Community Bingo Night: The Lions Club and the Watertown Figure Skating Club are partnering for a fundraiser on March 10 at Second Street Station. Proceeds will benefit the TOPIC Ice Production’s Theater on Ice National Teams, helping young athletes with competition costs.
Night to Shine Prom: Joy Ranch is preparing for its annual prom for individuals with special needs on February 13. An anonymous donor is currently matching every $50 sponsorship. The ranch is also seeking 50 additional volunteers and looking ahead to a new "Cowboy Prom" in May and the completion of a new indoor facility.
Local Incident Report
Fire at Casey's General Store: A fire broke out early Wednesday morning at the Casey's in Ortonville. A multi-agency response, including crews from Big Stone City and Odessa, successfully contained the flames to the kitchen area. While the facility suffered significant smoke damage, no injuries were reported. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.
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Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Local author Julianne Endres and illustrator Rebecca Hall have officially launched their new children’s book, Little Bug Earns Her Spots, a touching story about kindness, legacy, and community. The book, released today, is not only a tribute to a beloved local girl but also a mission to grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses.
The inspiration for the book traces back over two decades to the life of Emily Holtfreter, a young Watertown girl who passed away from cancer in 2002. Emily, who was an avid lover of ladybugs, left a lasting impact on those who knew her. Endres, a longtime friend of the Holtfreter family, felt compelled to honor Emily’s memory through a story that captured her spirit.
“Emily was a darling girl,” Endres shared during a recent interview on Northeast Radio SD. “To this day, people will see a ladybug and send her mother, Marty, a picture of it. It’s a connection that many who knew her still have.”
The story follows “Little Bug,” a ladybug born without spots, who must earn them through acts of kindness and good deeds. While the story is original, its roots are deeply personal. Endres began writing the book 15 years ago, originally as a story about a girl in a “Ladybug Club,” but eventually evolved it into a children’s book featuring the bug herself.
The project came to fruition after Endres connected with Becka Hall, a local illustrator and mother of three. The two are neighbors in Watertown and discovered a shared passion for the project through a serendipitous series of events. Hall, a self-described former “tomboy” who used to collect ladybugs in soda cans as a child, felt an immediate connection to the story.
“I’m a mom of three young kids, and I’ve read so many children’s books,” Hall said. “I wanted to create characters that draw kids back page after page. Kindness matters more than anything in the world we live in, and I hope this book is a good reminder of that for both kids and parents.”
Beyond the story’s message, the authors are committed to making a tangible difference. 100% of the royalties from the book’s sales this year will be donated to Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana. The choice of charity is deeply personal, as Emily herself was a wish recipient during her illness.
“That’s the reason we wrote the book,” Endres said. “Emily received a wish, and donating these royalties is our way of paying it forward and hopefully granting another child’s wish.”
The community has already shown its support, with local bookstore DDR Books in downtown Watertown scheduled to host a book signing with both Endres and Hall on March 14th.
Little Bug Earns Her Spots is currently available for purchase on Amazon and through the author’s official Facebook page. For more updates on book readings and local events, followers are encouraged to check the authors’ social media channels.
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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