Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

Community & Economic Development
Watertown Optimist Club: On February 5, the club will join the global Optimist Day celebration. Club President Val Ingles highlighted the group’s ongoing work to support local youth, including the 14-year-old Winter Wonderland project and the all-access playground at McKinley Park. A recruitment lunch, “New Optimist Wanted,” is scheduled for February 12 at Pizza Ranch.
Small Business Support: Dr. Melissa Meidinger, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), discussed “The Entrepreneur’s Edge.” The program provides free, confidential consulting for business owners. Last year, the program helped entrepreneurs secure $70 million in capital statewide, with $17 million of that going to businesses in Meidinger’s 10-county region.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce announced the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day lineup. Festivities begin next week at the Winter Farm Show (Feb 11–14), where commemorative buttons will be sold for $5. The main event, featuring a pancake breakfast and parade, will take place Saturday, March 14.
Airport Growth: The Watertown Regional Airport reported a 7% increase in passenger enrollments for January 2026 compared to the previous year, totaling 946 passengers. Travel was split between Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul hubs.
Government & Public Safety
Accountable Grant Program: Mayor Ried Holien introduced a new “Accountable Grant” model for city funding of outside organizations. This shifts traditional donations toward performance-based contracts with specific benchmarks and measurable returns on investment.
New Safety Technology: First responders have acquired a $50,000 narcotics identification device, funded by a state opioid settlement grant. The device allows personnel to identify substances like fentanyl in seconds without physical contact.
Transparency & Emergency Alerts: City Manager Alan Steger confirmed the rollout of CodeRED, an emergency notification system, which is expected to be fully operational by March. The city is also launching an ethics reporting hotline and an “Apply to Serve” portal for residents to apply to serve on municipal boards.
Traffic Safety: Preliminary data from the Department of Public Safety shows a five-year low in traffic fatalities for 2025. Fatalities decreased by 16.9% from the previous year, with 123 deaths recorded statewide. However, officials noted that 59% of those killed were not wearing seatbelts.
Civic Engagement: Local home-schooled student Elliot Moffatt became the first volunteer to lead the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance under a new youth outreach initiative aimed at engaging younger generations in civic duties.
Legal & Consumer Affairs
Drug Price Fixing Settlement: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced an $18 million settlement with Linette Company and Bausch Health over allegations of drug price manipulation. South Dakota is also part of a 42-state coalition filing a lawsuit against Novartis and Sandoz for allegedly conspiring to rig bids for 31 generic drugs.
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In a community where resources are often available but difficult to find, Codington Connects is stepping in to bridge the gap. Sara Foust, President of Codington Connects and Director of Codington County Community Services, recently shared the organization’s mission to streamline social services and foster resilience throughout the region.
A Unified Resource Hub
Codington Connects was founded to improve collaboration among service providers. Today, it boasts partnerships with over 45 agencies. “Our goal is to create partnerships throughout the community,” Foust explained. “We were created as an effort for social service providers to come together and make it easier for people to find resources.”
The organization serves as a central hub, primarily through its comprehensive website, CodingtonConnects.com. The site offers a “one-stop shop” for residents seeking help with housing, child care, and food security, and an events calendar for family-friendly, sober community activities.
Tackling the Child Care and Housing Crises
Two of the most pressing issues for Codington County are child care and housing. Following the transition of local child care facilities like Little Blessings, Codington Connects is launching a Child Care Survey to re-evaluate local needs.
“We need to find out from parents what their needs are,” said Foust. “Is it still a challenge to find access? Or is it primarily about affordability? We want to make sure all children have a quality start to life.”
On the housing front, the organization works alongside the Watertown Development Company (WDC) to focus on emergency and transitional housing. Foust emphasized that the goal isn’t just a temporary fix but a permanent change: “We want to change lives. We don’t want to be a handout... we want people to become productive members of our community.”
A Future “Central Building”
Perhaps the most ambitious goal for Codington Connects is to create a physical central location where various agencies can work under one roof. While still in the planning stages, Foust indicated that announcements about a central building may be forthcoming. “It’s one of those ‘speak it into reality’ things,” she said. “We hope very soon to be able to have some announcements and to talk more about that.”
Upcoming Event: Mystery Dinner Theater
To support these initiatives, Codington Connects is hosting a Mystery Dinner Theater fundraiser at Second Street Station on February 19, 20, and 21.
The event promises an interactive “sibling rivalry” themed show, complete with a three-course meal. Tickets are available at a discounted early-bird rate of $35 through this Sunday, after which they will increase to $40.
“It brings together theater, a lot of improv, and a fun evening,” Foust said. “All the funding goes to support the marketing efforts and promote our partners.”
How to Get Involved
Residents interested in supporting Codington Connects can visit their website to sign up for their monthly newsletter, explore volunteer opportunities, or register for the upcoming Mystery Dinner.
“If people choose to live in Watertown, we want them to be successful,” Foust concluded. “That happens by making sure people are stably housed, have employment, and can be good parents.”
 
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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Night to Shine 2026
The Event: This will be the third year Joy Ranch hosts the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” on February 13, 2026.
Fundraising Goal: The estimated cost for this year’s event is over $18,000.
Anonymous Match: An anonymous donor will match every $50 attendee sponsorship.
Volunteer Needs: The organization is still seeking approximately 40 to 50 volunteers. Roles include “paparazzi” for the red carpet, kitchen help, makeup artists, and “buddies” to accompany guests.
Experience: The night features a red carpet entrance, grand march, hair and makeup stations, and a dedicated “respite area” where caregivers can relax and enjoy a meal provided by donors.
Other Joy Ranch Programs & Developments
Cowboy Prom: A new event scheduled for May 15, 2026, which will be held outdoors on the ranch’s “Main Street,” featuring hay bales and horses.
New Construction: Joy Ranch is in the final stages of a capital campaign for a new building expected to be completed in May 2026. This facility will allow for year-round indoor activities, ensuring programs can continue regardless of South Dakota’s weather.
Diverse Camp Offerings: The ranch continues to host various specialty camps, including:
Kids and Horses Camp (and a Junior version).
Grandparents Camp and “We Get It” Family Camp.
Retreats: Men’s, women’s, and couples’ retreats.
Community Rentals: The facility is available for weddings, corporate parties, and family reunions to help fund its nonprofit mission.
Call to Action
Supporters are encouraged to visit joyranchofsd.org to donate or sign up for volunteer positions. Mallory also emphasized the importance of community engagement on their Facebook page to help boost their reach through social media algorithms.
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 Newscast for Tuesday - 2/3/26
Local Government & Development
Downtown Watertown Grant: The Watertown City Council approved a $90,000 grant for the Downtown Watertown Collective.
Funding Schedule: The funds will be disbursed in $30,000 annual installments over three years to establish a permanent downtown coordinator position.
Accountability Measures: Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the collective must host four signature events annually and make financial records available for city inspection.
Community Support: Local business owners testified that momentum in the city’s core is at an “all-time high." However, Councilmen Brent Mormon and Lynn Jurns raised concerns regarding the proposed $50,000 salary for the new coordinator.
Public Safety & Health
Opioid Detection Tech: The Watertown Police Department received a $50,000 grant from the South Dakota Opioid Settlement Program to purchase a METROHM-TACTICID device.
Capabilities: This handheld device can identify lethal substances like fentanyl and heroin in seconds without officers needing to touch the material.
Cost to Taxpayers: The technology is provided at no cost to residents, as it is a 100% reimbursement program with no local match required.
Community Events & Culture
Murder Mystery Theater: The nonprofit Codington Connects is hosting “Cafe Murder” at the Second Street Station from February 19th through the 21st.
Tickets: Early bird tickets are available for $35 until February 8th and include a three-course meal and the performance.
Figure Skating: The Watertown Figure Skating Club recently participated in the Carnival of Silver Skates in Groton.
Featured Athletes: The event featured national team trios, including Abigail Reeves, Audrey Mack, and Madison Johnson, performing under spotlights in an outdoor setting.
State Legislation
Crypto Scam Prevention: A State Senate committee is considering a bill to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks (ATMs) to prevent fraud.
New Mandates: The bill would require licensing for these machines and require them to issue receipts for all transactions.
Financial Impact: The State Attorney General reported that crypto-related losses in South Dakota reached nearly $14 million in 2024.
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 - In a recent episode of “The People’s Pulse,” Watertown Mayor Ried Holien joined Northeast Radio SD to discuss a transformative week in local government marked by significant debate over downtown revitalization and the introduction of life-saving law enforcement technology.
New Era of Accountability: The “Accountable Grant”
A central topic was the Watertown Downtown Collective, a new coalition of local business owners seeking city funding for a dedicated Downtown Coordinator. While the proposal received strong community support, it sparked a debate regarding fiscal responsibility.
Mayor Holien introduced a new standard for city funding: the Accountable Grant. Moving away from traditional “donations,” these grants will now operate as performance-based contracts. Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Downtown Collective must meet specific benchmarks to maintain funding over a three-year period, including:
Event Creation: Providing four “signature events” annually beyond existing programs.
Economic Metrics: Tracking specific sales tax revenue downtown to measure the return on investment (ROI).
“You don’t get to donate money that isn’t yours,” Holien stated, emphasizing the need for taxpayers to see a clear return on every dollar invested in outside organizations.
Strengthening Public Safety with Grant Funding
The Mayor also celebrated the acquisition of the Metrohm TacticID, a handheld narcotics identification device, funded entirely by a $50,000 grant from the state opioid settlement. This technology allows first responders to identify dangerous substances like fentanyl and synthetic opioids in seconds without physical contact, significantly enhancing officer safety and speeding up medical response times for overdose victims.
Community Spotlight: A Future Leader
The episode concluded with a shout-out to Elliot Moffatt, a young resident who recently led the City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Holien highlighted the importance of engaging the younger generation in local government to ensure the community’s long-term vibrancy and growth.
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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 - Dr. Melissa Meidinger, Regional Director of the South Dakota Small Business Development Center (SBDC), recently appeared on Northeast Radio SD’s new program, “The Entrepreneur’s Edge: Dream. Start. Grow.” to discuss the comprehensive support available to local business owners.
Comprehensive Support for New and Existing Ventures
The SBDC provides professional, confidential, and free-of-charge consulting to help entrepreneurs make informed business decisions. Dr. Meidinger emphasized that while many entrepreneurs are driven by passion for their products or services, they often lack formal business education. The SBDC fills this gap by assisting with:
Business Plan Development: Guiding owners through writing a professional plan, often required to obtain capital.
Financial Projections: Helping clients understand pricing, gross profit margins, and long-term financial health.
Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the paperwork for LLC formation, EIN applications, and industry-specific health or sales tax licenses.
Impressive Regional Impact
The South Dakota SBDC operates six regional offices across the state, hosted by universities to connect academic talent with new business owners. In the past year alone, the statewide program achieved significant metrics:
Client Reach: Served over 1,000 clients
Capital Investment: Raised over $70 million in capital for entrepreneurs across the state.
Regional Growth: Dr. Meidinger’s specific 10-county region served 151 clients, resulting in 17 new business starts and $16.9 million in raised capital.
Strategic Advice for Success
Dr. Meidinger advised business owners to “invest in their own” by developing internal talent, noting that hiring within is often more effective than recruiting externally. She also stressed the importance of building an advisory board composed of experts in areas where the owner may lack skills, such as marketing or legal services.
“Asking for help is the bravest and smartest thing you can ever do,” Meidinger stated, encouraging entrepreneurs to “fail fast and fail forward” to learn from early mistakes.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, entrepreneurs can reach Dr. Meidinger at 605-882-5115 or visit sdbusinesshelp.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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Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The luck of the Irish is returning to Watertown early this year. In a live interview with Northeast Radio SD, Ashley Johnson, Director of Community Engagement for the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, outlined a month-long celebration that promises community spirit, cash prizes, and family-friendly fun.
Kickoff at the Winter Farm Show
The festivities officially begin during the Watertown Winter Farm Show, held from February 11–14. The Chamber will be on-site selling the highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day buttons.
Cost: $5 per button (or 5 for $20).
Grand Prize: $500 in “Watertown Bucks.”
Theme: “Lucky Mix ’26,” featuring a nostalgic “mixed CD” design decorated with shamrocks.
The Big Day: Saturday, March 14
While St. Patrick’s Day always falls on March 17, Watertown will host its community-wide party on Saturday, March 14. The day is packed with traditional favorites:
Pancake Breakfast: Hosted by the Knights of Columbus at their hall, providing a hearty start for families.
Entertainment & Royalty: Live music by Tom Beadnell begins at 10:30 AM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, followed by the crowning of Little Miss Shamrock and Mr. Leprechaun at 11:00 AM.
Paddy’s Day Parade: Lineup starts at 11:30 AM outside the KC Hall near Immaculate Conception Church, with the parade officially kicking off at noon. No pre-registration is required—participants need to show up and fall in line.
Evening Fun: The Kampeska KrusHers are slated to host their popular annual pub crawl later in the afternoon.
Honoring Local Legends
Johnson also issued a call for nominations for the Watertown Community Hall of Fame. The Chamber is seeking individuals who have made significant impacts on the community from 1960 to the present. Nomination forms are available on the Chamber website, with a submission deadline of Monday, March 16. The induction ceremony is scheduled for October 9 at Second Street Station.
Get Involved
The Chamber is seeking volunteers to sell buttons at local events, including the Farm Show and the Home Show. Those interested can sign up via the link on the Chamber’s official website.
For more information on event times, parade routes, or nomination forms, visit watertownsd.com or contact the Chamber at 605-886-5814.

On February 2, 2026, Sara Foust, Director of Codington County Community Services, and Amber Bosworth, a local director and producer, appeared on Northeast Radio to announce a unique fundraising collaboration: "Cafe Murder." The event is a three-night interactive murder mystery dinner theater designed to benefit Codington Connects, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a central hub for social services in Watertown, South Dakota. Codington Connects was formed approximately three years ago to simplify the process for residents to find local resources, ranging from mental health services to disability assistance.
Key Event Details:
Dates: February 19, 20, and 21, 2026.
Location: Second Street Station (Back Room), Watertown, SD.
Format: A three-course meal (chicken, potatoes, charcuterie, and dessert) paired with an interactive mystery where the audience votes on the killer.
Tickets: $35 early bird (until Feb. 8); $40 thereafter. Available at CodingtonConnects.com.
Goal: To raise funds for website maintenance, marketing, and future community initiatives, such as improving accessibility to the local wellness center.
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Headlines
Crime & Justice
Guilty Verdict in Officer-Involved Shooting: A Yankton County jury found Andrew John Dahl, 41, of Watertown, guilty on two felony counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement and a misdemeanor firearm charge. The incident occurred last December in the Yankton High School parking lot. John Dahl, who was intoxicated and armed with shotguns, faces up to 50 years in prison.
Local Governance & Economy
Downtown Watertown Investment: The City Council is meeting to consider a $90,000 request over three years from the Downtown Watertown Collective. The goal is to transition downtown revitalisation from a volunteer-led to a professionally managed effort.
Budget Growth Trends: Nathan Sanderson, Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, reported that the state budget has more than doubled in a decade—from $3.9 billion in 2016 to a projected $8 billion in 2026.
Tax Season Updates
VITA Program Reopens: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at Lake Area Technical College begins its 38th year tomorrow, February 3.
New Tax Legislation: Residents should note new South Dakota OB3 legislation, featuring a $6,000 deduction for seniors (65+) and new deductions for tips and overtime pay.
Direct Deposit Reminder: The IRS is phasing out paper checks; taxpayers are urged to use direct deposit to avoid a potential six-week delay.
Community & Sports
Youth Basketball: Ten athletes aged 9–14 were crowned champions at the Knights of Columbus District 5 Free Throw Championship.
Lakers Hockey: Senior goalie Cole Nygaard has been nominated for Regional Athlete of the Week. The program is also hosting its 7th annual "Stick it to Cancer" fundraiser on February 7–8.
Adopt-A-Grand Fundraiser: Encore Athletics cheerleaders are raising money for travel to competitions in Alabama and Wisconsin by offering $10 sponsorships to provide handmade Valentine's cards and performances to 270 local nursing home residents.
Leadership Change: Tom Beadnell has been elected as the new board chair of the Watertown Area Community Foundation, which manages over $50 million in assets.
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The "Adopt-A-Grand" project serves a dual purpose: it acts as a community outreach initiative to combat loneliness in nursing homes and a fundraiser to help Encore Athletics athletes afford the high costs of competitive cheer travel.
Key Program Details
Target Goal: To have all 270 residents in the five partner nursing homes "adopted" by Valentine's Day.
The Athlete Experience: Beyond raising money, the girls gain "sweat equity" by hand-making cards and performing their routines live for the seniors.
Nursing Home Partners: The program currently serves Harmony Hill, StonyBrook Suites, Avantara, Edgewood, and Jenkins Living Center.
Athlete Spotlight: The Roles of Cheer
The video highlights the diverse skills and dedication required in modern competitive cheer, moving far beyond the "pom-poms and kicks" of the past:
The Flyers: Athletes like Ashton, Cammi, and Maddie who are lifted and tossed into the air. They noted that while the "pressure is on" during stunts, the adrenaline makes it their favorite part of the sport.
The Bases: The "powerhouses" like Lily and Samara who provide the foundation and safety for the flyers. They emphasized the deep trust and teamwork required to make a stunt "hit."
The Prep: The teams often spend nearly two hours on hair and makeup before a performance, with older girls acting as "cheer sisters" to mentor and help the younger athletes.
Upcoming Competitions
The funds raised will support the team's travel to prestigious events, including:
The Deep South: A high-production competition featuring "tunnels, smoke, and massive mascots" that the girls cited as a program favorite.
National Trips: Upcoming travel to Wisconsin and Alabama.
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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