Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

The annual Watertown Polar Plunge is set to return on February 7, 2026, bringing the community together at Lake Kampeska to support Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD). Led by longtime advocate Captain Steve Rehorst—a 21-year veteran of the Law Enforcement Torch Run—the event raises vital funds for year-round sports, health screenings, and inclusive programming for approximately 3,000 athletes across the state.
Event Logistics
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Registration: 11:30 a.m. at Willy's Sports Bar (The Sandbar)
Plunge Time: 2:00 p.m. at Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park
Theme: "Superheroes and Villains" (Costumes encouraged!)
Registration Site: sosd.org
Participation & Incentives
The registration fee is $100 for adults and $50 for students, both of which include an official plunge t-shirt. To boost youth engagement, every 25 local students who participate are entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship.
Community Safety & Support
The plunge is a heavily coordinated effort involving:
Watertown Fire Rescue: Providing on-site paramedics and ambulance services for safety.
National Guard: Setting up warming and changing tents for participants.
Home Oasis: Supplying hot tubs for immediate post-plunge recovery.
Local Businesses: Companies like Performance Towing assist with technical setup, such as clearing the ice.
Despite frigid expected temperatures, organizers remain optimistic about reaching their goal of roughly 150 plungers and raising between $30,000 and $50,000 for local and state Special Olympics 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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Key Stories
 
Codington County Treatment Court Celebrates Graduates: The program honored its 65th through 68th graduates: Ashley Fentiman, Aaron Orris, Chantel Hart, and Harmony Likens. Ashley Fentiman achieved a rare distinction, earning both gold and purple cords for completing the program with zero sanctions and a perfect record of negative drug tests over 966 days of sobriety.
 
NextGen Business Leadership: Lisa Converse of Watertown's Element has been selected for the South Dakota Retailers Association’s inaugural "NextGen Business Builders" cohort. This 13-month program supports 18 entrepreneurs statewide, focusing on specialized training in areas like artificial intelligence and customer service.
 
USD Launches Digital Accessibility Hub: The University of South Dakota has introduced the Center for Digital Accessibility (CDA) to help state agencies meet new federal standards taking effect this April. Led by Dr. Angela Jackson, the center aims to remove online barriers for individuals with disabilities, positioning South Dakota as a national leader in digital inclusion.
 
Civic Engagement for South Dakota Youth: Students in the Jobs for America’s Graduates South Dakota (JAG-SD) program will head to the State Capitol on January 29th for "Capitol Conversations." This immersive experience allows students to engage directly with legislators and observe the lawmaking process firsthand.
 
Watertown Traffic Accident: An 88-year-old woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries following a two-vehicle collision at 5th Avenue NE and 4th Street NE. The crash resulted in a total loss for a silver Volkswagen, and the investigation remains ongoing with charges pending.
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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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Watertown is officially on the move this January. From unanimous City Council votes to national-level athletic qualifiers, this hour focuses on local growth and the people making it happen.
Segment 1: Building Watertown The City Council is tackling the housing crisis head-on with a new 40-lot project near Harmony Hill. SCI Development is leading the 10-acre charge to bring more single-family homes to the southern part of town. Meanwhile, Cattail Crossing is getting a facelift—at least in the maintenance shed—with a $710,000 upgrade to 2026 John Deere equipment.
Segment 2: Tensions and Territories It wasn't all unanimous ease at City Hall. Dave Eide of Codington-Clark Electric raised serious questions about "government takings" following city annexations, sparking a conversation about utility rights and elected boards that the city has promised to follow up on.
Segment 3: Local Legends We wrap up with some well-deserved celebrations. Retired teacher Lois Hyde is being honored with a 2026 Legacy Award for her years of innovation at Castlewood. And keep an eye on the ice—eight members of the Watertown Figure Skate Club are headed to Denver this August for the National Showcase after a dominant showing in Mitchell.

In this episode, Mallory Olsen takes us behind the scenes of one of South Dakota's most unique nonprofits. Joy Ranch isn't just a picturesque 1880s western town; it's a place where children from burn victim and spina bifida camps find independence on horseback.
Key Discussion Points:
The Watertown Shamrocks Connection: How local hockey players are trading the ice for the "Thirsty Boot Saloon" to help serve at the upcoming Chef Night.
Night to Shine: The emotional impact of the Tim Tebow Foundation’s prom night and how the Watertown community provides the "paparazzi" and red-carpet treatment.
A "Cowboy Prom": A sneak peek into a new event in development that promises hay bales, wranglers, and a Main Street dance-off.
Expanding the Arch: Details on the $900,000 capital campaign and the new building that will ensure no camper has to play in the rain again.
Call to Action: Visit the Joy Ranch Facebook page to volunteer for Night to Shine or purchase tickets for the upcoming Tour of Italy Chef Night.
 www.joyranchofsd.org
 
Chef Night: https://www.joyranchofsd.org/events-1/chefs-night-featuring-joy-ranch-staff-watertown-shamrocks
 
Night to Shine Volunteer Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9uUQmcMjOGCJNBHDsYWNg6MqPcLbk3wkModxIOR--05t_CA/viewform
Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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This episode covers the January 21, 2026, commencement ceremony of the Codington County Drug Court in Watertown. We explore the personal journeys of four graduates—Fentiman, Orris, Hart, and Likens—who have successfully navigated the rigors of the treatment program to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Key Themes:
Accountability: How the program uses a multidisciplinary team to guide participants toward sobriety.
The Power of Family: Featuring insights from Nathan Howard and Alex Remily on how parenthood serves as a primary motivator for long-term change.
Community Success: A look at how the graduates are contributing back to the Watertown and Clark areas through employment and service.
Featured Voices:
Honorable Carmen Means, Circuit Court Judge
Paula Grupe, Court Services Officer
Nathan Howard, Partner to Ashley Fentiman
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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Dennis Gall, a representative of the Watertown Curling Club, recently sat down with Northeast Radio SD to discuss the rapid growth of the city’s newest winter sports league. Now in its second year, the club is bringing a unique blend of strategy, physical activity, and social camaraderie to the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena.
The club was revitalized through the efforts of local residents, including Hoyer and his wife Carla, Justin Peterson, and Brandon and Lindsay Stangle. After a hiatus of nearly a decade, the new league has quickly found its footing, doubling its size from four teams to eight in just one year.
A "Social Event" on the Ice
Gall emphasizes that while the sport requires skill, the primary focus is on sportsmanship and community. "It is a huge social event," Gall noted, comparing the etiquette to golf. "You start the game shaking everybody’s hand... and after the game, you do the same thing. The camaraderie and the competitiveness make it unique."
Commonly referred to as "chess on ice," curling involves significant strategy. Players must decide whether to place "guards" to hide their rocks or attempt "takeouts" to remove an opponent's stone from the house—the bullseye target at the end of the 150-foot sheet of ice.
How it Works: The Basics
For those unfamiliar with the sport, Gall provided a breakdown of a standard game:
Team Structure: Each team consists of four players (men, women, or mixed).
The Play: Every member throws two rocks per "end" (similar to an inning), totaling eight rocks per team.
Scoring: Only one team scores per end—the one with the stone closest to the "button" (the center of the house).
Roles: All players take turns shooting and sweeping. Sweeping is critical, as it heats the ice to help the rock glide further and influences how much the stone "curls" or turns.
Upcoming "Learn to Curl" Event
With the Winter Olympics on the horizon, interest in the sport is expected to spike. To welcome newcomers, the club is hosting a free "Learn to Curl" event:
When: Sunday, February 1st, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Prairie Lakes Ice Arena.
What to Bring: Attendees only need a pair of clean athletic shoes and light layers (the arena is approximately 40°F). All specialized equipment is provided.
"You don't have to be a professional," Gall assured. "We’re all still pretty raw at the game. You'd fit in perfectly."
Join the League
The upcoming league season runs from February 15th through March 22nd. Individuals are encouraged to sign up even if they don't have a full four-person team, as the club works to pair solo players or find subbing opportunities.
For more information or to register for the free event, visit watertowncurlingclub.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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The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce recently shared an inside look at the upcoming 81st Annual Watertown Winter Farm Show, scheduled for February 11–14 at the Coddington County Extension Complex. This long-standing tradition continues to serve as a cornerstone for the regional agricultural community, blending livestock excellence with family-friendly programming.
Honoring Community Pillars
The show officially kicks off on Wednesday, February 11, at noon in the livestock show ring with a special dedication ceremony. This year, the Agriculture Committee is honoring the family of the late Steve Keppen and longtime exhibitor Mike Mack. Both families have been instrumental in the show’s enduring success. Following the vocal dedications, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will formally open the week’s events.
Livestock and the “Supreme Row”
Livestock remains the heart of the show, with 177 head of cattle expected in the barn this year. Featured breeds include:
Simmental: 50 head
Angus: 36 head
Shorthorn: 33 head
Hereford: 30 head
Charolais: 20 head
Maine Anjou: 8 head
A major highlight is the Supreme Row, scheduled for Friday at 3:30 p.m. Supported by numerous local sponsors, including American Bank and Trust and Reliabank, the event awards $9,000 in prize money, split between the consignors and the purchasers of the champions.
Beyond the Barn: Home, Family, and Safety
The Farm Show offers more than just machinery and livestock. Karen Aiken, Director of Member Engagement, highlighted several community contests:
Home and Family: Photography and quilting entries (adult and junior) are due at the extension office by February 6.
Lego Contest: Entries for ages 3–12 are due to the Chamber by January 28.
Farm Safety: Winning posters from the recent contest will be on display throughout the week.
New to the schedule this year is a focus on fire prevention. CNR Fire Suppression will host sessions on Thursday and Friday (1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.) covering fire extinguisher maintenance for both farm equipment and residential homes.
Plan Your Visit
For many, the Farm Show is a full-day experience. The 4-H lunch counter will be open daily, offering its famous peanut bars and rotating specials of beef, pork, and lamb. On Saturday, February 14, families can enjoy the Flamingo Farms Petting Zoo from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while others may attend the Legislative Cracker Barrel at 8:00 a.m.
Exhibitor booths will be spread across the main building and the Field House, featuring everything from heavy machinery to baked goods and home décor.
For those unable to attend in person, live auctions will be streamed via LiveAuctions.tv. A full schedule of events and the official digital catalog are available at watertownwinterfarmshow.com. 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087172086086&__tn__=-UC*F 
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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In the conclusion of our interview, Nick Phillips of Applied Digital discusses the broader implications of AI technology for the United States, particularly for South Dakota. Phillips argues that building these “AI Factories” domestically is a matter of national security and economic dominance, ensuring the U.S. remains ahead of global competitors like China and Russia.
Key takeaways from the final part of the conversation:
A National Priority: Phillips frames the expansion of AI infrastructure as essential for maintaining the U.S. lead in technology, advocating for South Dakota as an ideal host due to its status as an energy exporter and its cold climate.
The “Tool” of AI: Moving past the “scary” headlines, Phillips explains that AI is already improving outcomes in South Dakota’s core industries, such as optimizing crop yields in farming and assisting with medical diagnoses.
Legislative Hurdles: A significant focus is House Bill 1001 (sponsored by Representative Kent Rowe), which aims to level the playing field by exempting data center equipment from sales tax—bringing South Dakota in line with 42 other states and its Midwestern neighbors.
Community Engagement: Applied Digital maintains an open-door policy, with Phillips inviting the public to attend upcoming town halls in February to ask questions directly and ensure their concerns are addressed with facts rather than rumors.
https://www.applieddigital.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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Imagine graduating from college with zero debt and a high-paying job already waiting for you. That’s the reality for hundreds of students at Lake Area Technical College. Today, we’re joined by Tracy Buisker and Melissa Waldner to break down the Build Dakota Scholarship. We discuss the “Stretch the Million” partnership, how small businesses can “upskill” their current employees, and why technical education is the fastest path to a $50,000+ starting salary.
Key Takeaways:
What’s Covered: Tuition, fees, books, tools, and laptops.
The Commitment: Graduate and work in a high-need field in South Dakota for three years.
Business Benefits: How local employers are securing their future workforce today.
Pro-Tip: Tracy and Melissa explain why your scholarship essay is essentially your first job application.
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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Hockey is more than just a game in Watertown—it’s a growing community. Today, we sit down with Aaron Schiernbeck, a multi-generational Laker who wears many hats: dad, coach, and Bantam announcer. Aaron shares his journey from winning a state championship in 2004 to helping lead the next generation of skaters in Watertown’s "Mecca of ice arenas."
Highlights:
The "Mecca" of Ice: Why the new Prairie Lakes Ice Arena is drawing envy from across the region and how it’s fueling a 50+ player growth spurt this season.
National Recognition: How Watertown became one of only six cities selected for the NHL’s "Learn to Play" program.
Hockey for Good: A preview of the Chris Rieb Memorial Tournament and the 7th Annual "Stick It to Cancer" event on February 7th.
Advice for Newbies: Why you don’t need to know a thing about skating to join the Laker family (and a hilarious reminder to always remove your skate guards!).
https://www.facebook.com/watertownlakershockey
https://www.watertownlakers.org/