Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

The 2025 travel year at Watertown Regional Airport concluded on a high note, with December recording 1,405 passenger boardings. These figures were split nearly evenly between the airport’s two hubs, with 757 passengers flying to Denver and 648 to Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Total enplanements for the year reached 14,028, reflecting a steady performance compared to 2024. This stability comes as the airport navigated a mid-year transition in commercial carriers. Manager Ian Merriweather expressed optimism regarding the community’s engagement, noting that the support demonstrates residents are increasingly choosing local air service. While the airport continues to fine-tune its routes, Merriweather remains committed to providing the best travel options for Watertown.
Legislative Priorities for the 101st Session
Area legislators held a virtual Cracker Barrel this week to outline priorities for the upcoming 101st legislative Session in Pierre. Key discussions focused on balancing industrial growth with the state’s need for property tax relief and emergency service funding.
Data Center Incentives: Representative Kent Roe introduced House Bill 1005, which proposes tax incentives to attract large-scale data centers. Roe highlighted a potential $430 million project in Deuel County that could create 200 high-paying jobs and significantly expand the local tax base.
Property Tax Reform: The delegation remains divided on the best path forward. While Senators Sauder and Vilhauer see industrial development as vital to long-term relief, others cautioned that eliminating property taxes would weaken local control over schools and municipalities.
Emergency Services: With South Dakota set to receive $500 million for rural healthcare over the next five years, lawmakers are prioritizing emergency medical services. Hoyer warned that rural 911 services are at a critical point due to severe staffing and funding shortages.
Community Events and Sentencings
The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for a busy start to the year. The 4th annual Burger Battle begins on January 15, featuring 14 local restaurants. Additionally, the Watertown Winter Farm Show will return from February 11 to 14 at the Codington County Extension Complex.
In legal news, a 44-year-old Mitchell man, Mark Stephen Gullings, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for the production of child pornography. The conviction followed a 2022 investigation into the surreptitious filming of a minor.
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 this episode, we cover significant infrastructure developments affecting the Watertown community. From a major move to save the camping season at Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park to a regional 765-kilovolt transmission project that could reshape the Upper Midwest’s energy grid, we break down the latest decisions from City Hall and beyond.
In This Episode:
Saving the Season at Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park: The Watertown City Council has greenlit a $79,367 drainage project to address persistent flooding at local campgrounds. Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Dusty Rodiek and City Engineer Justin Petersen explain how a new drain tile system will prevent "nuisance ponding" and recover lost revenue from closed campsites.
The Road to Lake Kampeska: Council members, including Hoyer and Peters, discuss the deteriorating state of the roads surrounding Lake Kampeska. We look at the push for a comprehensive public report to prioritize repairs on South and North Lake Drives.
Power On Midwest: Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy are seeking public input on a massive 765-kilovolt transmission line. Learn about the upcoming open houses in Big Stone City, Milbank, Clear Lake, and Brookings, and how this "grid of the future" aims to support regional manufacturing and technology growth.
City Manager’s 2026 Roadmap: Alan Steger details new initiatives for the year, including a long-term road construction plan, a new campus zoning district for high-density student housing, and the city’s first TIF application in years.
Key Takeaways:
$79,367: The winning bid from Level Contracting, LLC for the park drainage project—19% lower than the next competitor.
90 Days: The amount of time 22 campsites were closed in 2025 due to flooding, costing the city nearly $59,000.
2034: The projected in-service date for the Power On Midwest transmission line.
Public Feedback: The city will soon release a prioritized list of road projects and is seeking resident input to help shape the future of Watertown’s streets.
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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Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.live365.northeastradio
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We dive deep into a difficult but necessary conversation about pornography and sexual brokenness in Northeast South Dakota. Guests Jo Vitek, Luke Smith, and Nate Blaylock explain why this isn't just a "moral" issue, but a neurological and societal one that requires a community-wide response.
Highlights:
Nate Blaylock on the "neurological flatline" caused by process addictions. https://www.knowncoaching.com/meetnate 
Luke Smith discusses why traditional church settings often miss the mark on addressing sexuality and how Cornerstone is stepping up.
Jo Vitek on his law enforcement background and the need for tangible resources for survivors and those in recovery.
The Events: A breakdown of the upcoming seminars for youth, men, and women.
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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Apple link: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/northeast-radio-sd-llc/id1850742508
Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.live365.northeastradio
Support Northeast Radio SD: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/LWPNHN6RW76HA

In today’s episode, the Chamber team drops the “hot off the press” schedule for the 81st Annual Watertown Winter Farm Show and previews the 4th Annual Burger Battle. We learn about the philanthropic side of the burger competition, what to expect at the petting zoo on Valentine’s Day (Saturday of Farm Show), and how shopping local during “Hometown Holidays” has filled up the Chamber’s prize tumbler.
Key Takeaways:
The Burger Battle: Runs January 15 – February 28. Features 14-18 local restaurants. Vote on WTNburgerbattle.com.
Winter Farm Show (Feb 11–14): Free entry! Highlights include the livestock sales, the “Dedication to the Farm Show” on Wednesday, and the Lego contest for kids.
Valentine’s Day at the Farm: Mackenzie shares the story of the “ultimate gift”—buying three heifers on Valentine’s Day.
St. Patty’s Day (March 14): Button raffles are back. The top prize is “Watertown Bucks,” which keep currency circulating within the local community.
Hometown Holidays: Deadline for cards is January 7 at 4:00 PM. Each card represents $250 spent at local businesses.
Quote of the Episode: “We’ve done it in slush and dirt... the paint sticks. We’ll paint that shamrock right in the middle of town.” — Ashley Johnson on the St. Patrick’s Day tradition.
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! 
Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!
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Apple link: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/northeast-radio-sd-llc/id1850742508
Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.live365.northeastradio
Support Northeast Radio SD: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/LWPNHN6RW76HA

In this special online radio and live-streamed session, we host a virtual Cracker Barrel with the men and women representing Northeast South Dakota. We dive into the “austere” budget proposed by the Governor and explore why local legislators are fighting to keep the “Big Three” (Education, Healthcare, and State Employees) funded despite stagnant sales tax revenue.
Deep Dive Topics:
The “But-For” Test: Roby and Vilhauer explain the math behind Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) and why Watertown’s industrial successes rely on these tools.
The Data Center Island: Roe explains HB 1005 and the 38 drafts it took to get South Dakota ready for the hyperscale digital economy.
Grandma’s Ham and Property Tax: Jordan uses a classic story to challenge the status quo on tax policy, while Sauder emphasizes the need for informed, adventurous voting.
The Rural Safety Net: A sobering look at the EMS crisis and the federal funds coming to South Dakota’s rural hospitals.
Contact Your Legislators: Find your representative’s contact info at the South Dakota Legislature website. Remember: personal, unique messages are the most effective way to make your voice heard!
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! 
Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!
Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)
Apple link: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/northeast-radio-sd-llc/id1850742508
Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.live365.northeastradio
Support Northeast Radio SD: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/LWPNHN6RW76HA

This episode covers a busy start to 2026 for Watertown. From the Municipal Utilities Board meeting to significant legislative moves in Pierre, we look at how the city is positioning itself as a regional hub for industry, technology, and community support.
Key Segments
1. Watertown Development Company: A Vision for Expansion
Chris Clifton, director of the Watertown Development Company (WDC), shared an optimistic annual report focusing on the Calvin Industrial Park.
Infrastructure Milestone: A $4.5 million lift station project is underway, potentially expanding utility capacity from 100 to 400 acres.
State Support: Governor Larry Rodin recently visited to announce an additional $500,000 grant, bringing the project’s total state funding to $1 million.
Retention & Growth: While recruiting new industry is key, the WDC is heavily focused on local businesses such as Max Steel and Sentry On-Site Development to help “landlocked” companies grow within the city limits.
Quality of Life: The WDC is investing in the “whole worker” by supporting Lake Area Tech scholarships, affordable housing initiatives, and increased daycare capacity.
2. Municipal Utilities: New Tech & Community Heart
The Watertown Municipal Utilities Board is preparing for a significant “Go-LivFebruary 1ebruary 1st.
Software Transition: A new system will modernize billing. Important: Every customer will receive a new account number.
Automatic Payments: If you are on a pre-authorized payment plan, you don’t need to do a thing. The system will migrate your links automatically.
Friendly Competition: The department wrapped up 2025 by donating 3,000 items to the Salvation Army. The Electric Department took the “top spot” in their internal challenge, averaging 101 items per employee.
3. Building the Future: “Block Kids” Competition
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is bringing the Block Kids event to Watertown onFebruary 7ebruary 7th.
The Challenge: Students in grades K-6 are invited to build original projects to discover STEM and construction career paths.
Details: Starts at 10 a.m. (Registration at 9 a.m.) at 2813 Piper Avenue. Cash prizes for top finishers!
Sponsorship: Local businesses can sign up as “Superstructure Supporters” via the NAWIC Dakota Prairies Facebook page.
4. Legislative Outlook: Data Centers and AI
State Representative Kent Roe (District 4) is heading to Pierre with two significant pieces of legislatioJanuary 13anuary 13th:
House Bill 10-5: A tax incentive bill to attract the data center industry. With global AI expansion, Roe wants South Dakota to compete with the 35 other states already offering these incentives.
House Bill 1026: A consumer protection bill requiring licensing and oversight for property data collectors.
Local Impact: The Applied Digital Project in Deuel County (near Astoria/Toronto) is projected to add $400 million in assessed value and 200 permanent jobs, with an average salary of $65,000.
ImporJanuary 13
January 13: South Dakota Legislative Session begins / Governor’s State of the State Address, February 1
February 1: Watertown Municipal Utilities’ new billing system,m February 7
February 7: NAWIC Block Kids Competition at 2813 Piper Avenue.
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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Shona Marshall - Outreach Coordinator of the Beacon Center reviews a turbulent 2025—federal funding cuts, rebuilding services, the relaunch of the Sexual Assault Response Team, and the staff who keep the shelter and outreach running. She describes the Center’s courtroom advocacy, awareness of vicarious trauma, and on-site shelter and support programs.
Looking ahead to 2026, Shona outlines needs and ways to help: donations of cleaning and personal-care supplies, financial gifts via www.BeaconCenterSD.com, and volunteer support. For immediate help, the Center has a 24/7 phone line, with Facebook and email as additional contact options for non-emergency outreach.
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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Apple link: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/northeast-radio-sd-llc/id1850742508
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Support Northeast Radio SD: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/LWPNHN6RW76HA
 

The episode covers several community stories across South Dakota: the South Dakota State Historical Society announced Fall 2025 Deadwood Fund Grant recipients to preserve five historic properties; Watertown donors paid over $20,500 to clear student lunch debt; Watertown Shamrocks have a full January schedule with special promotions for first responders; Governor Larry Rhoden set a per-capita fundraising record in Union Center; and Prairie Lakes Health Care System celebrated the region's first baby of 2026, Ariya Russman.
Details include grant amounts and project focuses, donation sources for lunch debt relief, Shamrocks ticket promotions and merchandise updates, the historic fundraiser's impact, and the newborn’s birth statistics and community support 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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We kick off 2026 with a special guest: Lake Area Tech President Tiffany Sanderson. We dive into the massive success of their 60th-anniversary year, the opening of the Build Dakota Scholarship window, and how LATC is changing the "college-to-career" pipeline. Plus, Tiffany shares her "secret" past life in radio!
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
[02:15] Celebrating 60 years of LATC and hitting record enrollment.
[05:40] The Build Dakota Scholarship: How to get a full ride to college starting right now.
[10:15] The "Ready, Set, Go" event on Jan 15th—connecting students to employers.
[14:30] Nursing in Pierre: The new simulation center partnership with Avera.
[20:00] Vision 2030: A $100 million plan to grow the campus by another 1,000 students.
[25:30] Fun Fact: President Sanderson's first job at a farm radio station at age 14.
Links Mentioned:
Apply for scholarships: lakeareatech.edu
Register for "Ready, Set, Go" (Jan 15th)
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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Governor Rhoden announced a $500,000 Future Fund grant for the Calvin Industrial Park at the Century Facility in Watertown, bringing state investment in the park to $1 million to support regional industrial growth. Local leaders highlighted a five-part partnership among the city, a development company, utilities, the county, and the state to build infrastructure and attract businesses.
Rhoden and GOED Commissioner Bill Even praised Watertown's pro-business culture, noting South Dakota's low regulation and taxes as drivers of opportunity, and encouraged entrepreneurs to use GOED resources. Century Operations Manager Nick Hendrickson showcased the company’s rapid expansion as an example of the park’s potential.
The episode also covers Attorney General Marty Jackley’s early priorities for the 2026 legislative session on public safety and tech-related crimes, a $10 million DOJ settlement with Disney over children’s data, and a $189 million federal investment to modernize rural health care in South Dakota ahead of the State of the State address.