Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

In this episode, we break down a massive night for the Watertown City Council. From a favorite local eatery snagging a prime new location downtown to a major win for city employees with a 3.5% raise, there is a lot to cover. We also dive into the "credit card fee" controversy that had council members demanding new standard operating procedures after costs skyrocketed by over a quarter-million dollars.
Key Topics & Timestamps
[00:00] – Downtown Sushi’s Big Move: Downtown Sushi is moving! We discuss Jack and Jojo Lin’s plan to move from North Broadway into the 3,500-square-foot former Maxwell Food Equipment building on East Kemp.
[04:15] – The 2026 Labor Win: While many in the state are seeing 0% raises, Watertown is bucking the trend. We look at the unanimous approval of a 3.5% raise for AFSCME and IAFF members and the new "emergency closure" pay rules.
[08:30] – Infrastructure & Excavation: A breakdown of the 10th Avenue NW Water Main Project. Why this $86,600 bid awarded to Austreim Excavating is the "key" to unlocking new business near Highway 20.
[12:45] – The $269,000 "Glitch": The 2025 budget supplement debate. We look at why banking and credit card fees have doubled since 2023 and what the city is doing to stop the bleeding.
[17:10] – Video Lottery Loopholes: How 4 Amigos LLC is using "adjacent addresses" to legally double their machine count at 5th Street SE.
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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Credit Card Fees, Budget Supplements, and Holiday Cheer with Mayor Ried Holien Release Date: December 16, 2025
In this week’s episode, Mayor Ried Holien joins us to break down the latest City Council meeting. We dive into the surprising $250,000 budget shortfall caused by rising credit card processing fees and what the city is doing to protect the bottom line. We also discuss the “continuing education” of operating the new Ice Arena, successful union negotiations for city employees, and the ongoing challenge of enforcing smoking bans in video lottery establishments. Finally, the Mayor shares some holiday favorites you won’t want to miss before the season ends.
Key Takeaways
The Hidden Cost of Plastic: How a 3% fee turned into a $250,000 headache for the city.
Ice Arena Success: Why being “too busy” is a good problem to have for Watertown’s newest facility.
Valuing Employees: A look at the 3.5% wage increase for city firefighters and staff without rising insurance premiums.
Shop Local: The Mayor’s personal 6-hour shopping marathon and why your holiday spending matters for Watertown’s future.
Notable Quote
"If you charge companies a tax, they just charge it back to the consumer. And that is exactly what's happening with credit card companies now. It really is going to take a federal solution." — Mayor Ried Holien
 *Brought to you in partnership with Arrow Paper Products, locally owned and operated in Watertown, 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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Maas Arena Renovation Funds Earmarked; Operation Prairie Thunder Results
Local Turf Project Moves Forward; Federal Sentencing and Yankton Rape Conviction
Monday’s broadcast covers key developments in Watertown’s infrastructure planning and the latest law enforcement statistics from across South Dakota.
In this episode:
Watertown City Council’s Maas Arena Initiative: Hear about the measure being considered tonight to officially restrict $30,000 generated from the sale of the former Maas Ice Arena’s bleachers. These funds are specifically dedicated to the proposed project of developing the facility into a large, multi-use indoor turf area.
Operation Prairie Thunder Phase 7 & 8 Totals: We review the latest numbers from the focused saturation patrols in Belle Fourche, Huron, and Yankton. The latest phases resulted in 75 individuals taken into custody, with 42 arrests involving drug charges.
Federal Sentencing: A McLaughlin man, Brady James Claymore, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, stemming from an incident on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.
Yankton County Conviction: We cover the conviction of Quinn Scott Borman in Yankton County on charges of third-degree rape and taking pictures without consent. Sentencing is scheduled for March 2026.
Stay informed on the issues shaping Northeast South Dakota.
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 preparing for its next wave of growth! We welcome City Manager Alan Stager and City Engineer Justin Petersen to the studio to discuss the latest advancements in local economic development. The big news is the recent approval of a $500,000 local infrastructure grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, significantly reducing the local share of the Calvin Trade area sewer project.
This $3.7 million infrastructure investment is critical to supporting the Watertown Development Company’s efforts, as it will service over 300 acres ready for new business development.
Stager shares how this project represents a successful, unified approach involving the City, Municipal Utilities, the WDC, and Codington County. Petersen provides the construction timeline, noting that leveling bid prices are a positive sign for the project slated to begin next summer. Stager also shares his philosophy of embracing “next-generation” ideas to ensure Watertown’s continued expansion.
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 week on Northeast Radio SD, we sit down with Malia Kranz, a senior whose achievements span academics, athletics, and military service aspirations. Kranz recently received a highly competitive nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs from U.S. Senator Mike Rounds.
 
Key discussion points:
The intense nomination process, including the application and board interview.
Kranz's incredible athletic career, including her two state championships in discus and breaking the school record in shot put.
The unique opportunity of the Air Force Academy, which offers a full scholarship in exchange for a five-year service commitment post-graduation.
Malia Kranz's excitement to report for Basic Training in June 2026 and her goal of pursuing a degree in a challenging field like medicine or aviation.
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 local fundraising success, a significant personnel change in Grant County, and a push from U.S. Senator Rounds for a federal investigation into persistent mail delivery issues across South Dakota. We also look at holiday travel forecasts, crucial federal sentences handed down for drug trafficking, and the latest flu report from the Department of Health.
Watertown Community Foundation’s Christmas Tree Fundraiser Gains Momentum
The annual Christmas tree fundraiser hosted by the Watertown Area Community Foundation at the Watertown Regional Library is off to a strong start, raising $1,678 in community donations by December 9th.
Fifteen local nonprofit organizations decorated trees, and every dollar donated serves as a vote that goes directly to the chosen nonprofit. The foundation is boosting the effort with a matching donation of up to $300 for each participating nonprofit, plus an additional $500 grant for the organization that secures the most votes by the fundraiser’s close on December 31st. Current top vote-getters include Rachel’s Hope, Watertown Cares, and the Watertown Regional Library. Residents are encouraged to visit the library before the end of the month to cast their vote and support local causes.
Grant County Sheriff Kevin Owen Transitions to County Administrator Role
Grant County Sheriff Kevin Owen is concluding his 15-year career in law enforcement at the end of December. The Grant County Commissioners have selected Owen to immediately transition into the role of County Administrator and Commissioner Assistant, effective January 1st, 2026.
Owen was chosen from a pool of nine applicants and will replace the retiring Karen Layer. Owen first took office as sheriff in January 2011, following prior service with the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. He stated that he has “appreciated the opportunity to serve Grant County and its citizens as their sheriff for the last 15 years.”
Senator Rounds Demands Federal Investigation into South Dakota Mail Delays
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds has formally requested that the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) launch a full investigation into “persistent issues” with mail delivery across South Dakota.
In a letter sent to OIG Tammy Hull on December 9th, Rounds cited complaints from hundreds of constituents regarding substantial delays affecting intrastate mail, packages, and periodicals. He stressed that these delays impact the health and well-being of South Dakotans, giving examples of missed medical appointments and delayed medications for veterans. Rounds attributes the problem to a “flawed design of the USPS network” that routes South Dakota mail outside the state. The Senator is pushing the OIG to determine the root causes of the delays, assess the current network design, and evaluate the need for a dedicated regional processing facility within South Dakota.
AAA Holiday Travel Forecasts Record Highs
AAA South Dakota forecasts a record-breaking holiday travel season, projecting 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between December 20th and January 1st.
South Dakota Travel: Locally, approximately 388,000 residents are projected to travel, a 1% increase.
Driving Dominates: Driving remains the most popular option nationally and locally, with nearly 92% of South Dakota travelers (356,000 people) planning to drive. This trend is motivated in part by lower fuel costs, with the South Dakota average at $2.70 per gallon.
Air and Other Travel: Air travel is also expected to set a new national record, and South Dakota air travel is projected to increase by 4%. Travel by bus, train, and cruise is forecast to see the most significant growth nationally, driven primarily by record cruise demand.
AAA reminds all travelers that December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and urges everyone to plan a safe ride home.
Federal Sentences Handed Down in Fentanyl Trafficking Case
Two men have been handed lengthy federal prison sentences after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and commit money laundering.
Fame Cobbs, 40, of Sioux Falls, was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison, along with a concurrent 18-month sentence for assaulting a federal officer.
Mario Taylor, 34, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
Taylor was identified as the Arizona source of supply, mailing thousands of fentanyl pills to Cobbs and co-conspirators in the Sioux Falls area. Investigators estimate that approximately 35,000 fentanyl pills were trafficked during the operation. The money laundering involved Cobbs using the electronic payment system, Cash App, to send drug proceeds back to Taylor in Arizona.
Influenza Activity Remains Minimal in South Dakota
According to the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), influenza activity in the state remains classified as minimal for the current 2025-26 season, with the geographic spread rated as sporadic.
Despite the low overall rating, the state saw a notable increase in confirmed cases for the week ending December 6th, with 99 new cases and two new hospitalizations. The season's cumulative totals are 188 confirmed cases and 12 hospitalizations. The DOH notes that current activity is significantly lower than the average season, which typically sees over 12,500 confirmed cases. The state’s flu activity usually peaks around the first week of February.
That’s it for this news update. Thank you for tuning into the Northeast Radio news podcast.
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 spotlight the incredible journey of the Lake Area Technical College (LATC) Esports team, the Navigator, as they prepare for the national championship. We hear from players Jose Del Angel and Garrison Steele, and detail how this program has grown from a small student club into a nationally competitive force, all while supporting a diverse group of students.
The Road to the National Finals
LATC’s Warzone roster, which includes Jose Del Angel of Milbank, S.D., Garrison Steele of Alden, Minn., and Mason Anthony of Nicollet, Minn., has had its strongest season to date. After a regular season that featured only one loss, the team secured the Region 13 Championship.
Their ticket to the final came after a grueling national semifinal against Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. After splitting the first two matches of the series, Coach Bryce LeBlanc rallied the remaining duo of Jose Del Angel and Garrison Steele with a clear message: “Win and move on or lose and go home.” The players responded decisively, securing a 2-1 series victory and their spot in the national championship.
The Duo: Due to technical issues, Mason Anthony stepped back during the regional rounds, and Garrison Steele stepped in alongside Jose Del Angel. The two have since formed a strong competitive duo and remain the starters for the final.
Player Perspective: Jose Del Angel said competing in the national finals is the highlight of his season, emphasizing the need to “stay focused, communicate well, and play aggressively.” Garrison Steele, in his final year at LATC, added that earning a national title “would mean a lot” to him.
LATC Esports: A Program on the Rise
What began as a small student club has rapidly transformed into a program boasting more than 30 students competing in nine game titles across two collegiate leagues.
Coached by former collegiate players Bryce LeBlanc and Levi Olson, the program has logged impressive stats this fall: four regional qualifiers, one regional champion, three national qualifiers, and now, a national championship appearance.
Coach LeBlanc’s Take: LeBlanc credits their success to consistent practice, teamwork, and composure. “Our message stays the same,” he says. “Play with confidence, trust the plan, and compete.”
Coach Olson’s Invitation: Olson emphasizes that the program welcomes students of all skill levels, assuring that Esports “is a diverse and welcoming community here, and there is a place for anyone who loves games.”
Diversity in the Classroom and the Arena
The students on the team represent a wide range of academic fields, demonstrating that gaming strategy and quick thinking translate across various disciplines:
Garrison Steele is pursuing Precision Agriculture, a field that uses drones and advanced technology, echoing the strategic use of technology in gaming.
Jose Del Angel is a Computer Information Systems (CIS) student focused on software development.
Kayan Enixon, also in CIS, specializes in Software Development and Database Administration, building desktop applications and working with programming languages.
As Mason Anthony noted, competing at the college level has been a significant experience, as“"Gaming was one of the few avenues I had to compete growing up.”
How to Watch the National Championship
The LATC Navigator team will be competing live in the Call of Duty: Warzone 2v2 National Final tonight!
Streaming Time: The match will be streamed live beginning at 4:30 p.m. Central.
Where to Watch: Tune in at www.twitch.tv/latcesports.
In-Person Viewing: Supporters are invited to cheer on the team in person! The Esports Lab will open at 3:30 p.m. for community viewing in the dedicated theater area near the library.
Join us in wishing Jose Del Angel and Garrison Steele the best of luck as they compete for the national title!
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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Federal Housing Grants Secured, New Jail Payment Approved, and a State-Level Tussle Over Telemedicine
Welcome to the Northeast Radio news podcast. In this episode, we dive into the latest from Codington County, where commissioners made urgent moves to secure federal housing grants, authorized a significant payment for the new jail facility, and addressed critical infrastructure. Plus, we look at action taken by the South Dakota Attorney General regarding telemedicine and abortion pills.
Codington County Secures Critical Transitional Housing Grant
Codington County has taken urgent steps to secure vital federal homeless funds. Following a report from Community Service Director Sarah Faust, the commissioners approved an emergency application for a federal transitional housing grant. The county stepped in as the applicant after the intended partner, Watertown Cares, was unable to take on the project.
Director Faust underscored the time-sensitive nature of the funds, stressing that if the state doesn’t secure them, they will be “lost forever.” The program offers long-term support for individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on rehabilitation and community contribution. Faust clarified that the two-year support program is “not a free ride by any means,” and is designed for people “working to really get their lives together.” The primary goal remains getting people to “become productive members of our community.”
In related efforts, the Community Service office also applied for two opioid grants: a $40,000 community health worker grant and a $50,000 community awareness campaign grant. They are also collaborating with the State’s Attorney and local judges to launch a pre-trial case management program in January, intended to prevent long-term court involvement. This builds on successful financial performance, as the office reported over $1,800 in Medicaid reimbursement for community health worker services in November, serving 40 unique individuals and managing 81 total client contacts.
Major County Projects: Jail Payment and Office Renovations
The commissioners also advanced key county construction and renovation projects:
New Jail Facility Payment: The commission approved an estimated $1,037,120 payment for recent work completed on the new jail facility by several contractors, including Beckenhauer and Tegra. This payment aligns with the county’s policy of paying contractors as work is completed, and the county’s jail building fund currently holds over $3.7 million in available funds.
Treasurer’s Office Closure: Treasurer Carol Maloney received approval to temporarily close the Treasurer’s office on Wednesday, December 10th, and Thursday, December 11th, to allow for the installation of new carpet. Maloney assured the public that December is typically a quiet month and that services such as vehicle renewals would remain accessible via the 605 drive system and self-service terminals.
Infrastructure Stability: East River Electric Franchise Renewed
In a move to secure the county’s wholesale power delivery, the Codington County Commissioners approved the renewal of a long-standing franchise agreement with East River Electric Cooperative. The renewal secures the continued operation of vital high-voltage transmission lines and five substations across Codington County.
The agreement, first established in 2006, is crucial for the county’s power infrastructure. Dave Heide, manager of Codington Clark Electric (one of East River’s 24 member cooperatives), expressed strong support for the renewal, stating, “We rely on these servers day in and day out, every day to keep the lights on. So we’re all in with East River, and we really appreciate the renewal of the franchise.” The commission’s approval ensures stability for the county’s power system for the foreseeable future.
State News: Attorney General Issues Cease to Mayday Medicines
Moving to the state level, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has issued a cease-and-desist order, ordering Mayday Medicines Incorporated to immediately stop advertising the sale of abortion-inducing pills in the state.
The action follows an investigation alleging the advertisements constitute a deceptive practice under state consumer protection laws and failed to disclose South Dakota’s strict legal prohibitions against abortion. While state law does not punish women who undergo an abortion, it criminalizes the act of prescribing, procuring, or administering abortion-inducing substances.
Attorney General Jackley’s letter stated that Mayday’s advertisement directs South Dakota consumers to resources that “institute abortion inducing pills are legal in South Dakota, while also urging women not to seek medical care after taking abortion pills and to keep their abortion a secret”” Jackley warned that failure to comply by December 19th, 2025, could result in legal action under the South Dakota Deceptive Trade Practices and Consumers Protection Act, which carries civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation and potential felony criminal consequences.
That’s it for this episode’s Codington County update. Thank you for tuning into the Northeast Radio news podcast.
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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Wednesday’s Top Headlines: Prairie Lakes Earns National Honors, ATM Fraud Arrest, and School Board Updates
In today’s broadcast, we lead with significant recognition for a local healthcare system and an essential update on a cross-county law enforcement investigation. We also hear from the Watertown School Board on legislative concerns, a new cell phone policy, and an enthusiastic report on the progress of the McKinley Early Childhood Center.
Segment 1: Healthcare & Law Enforcement News
National Recognition: Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS), a division of Sanford Health, has been named to the prestigious inaugural Forbes’ Top Hospitals 2026 list. PLHS was one of only 253 hospitals nationwide to earn an overall five-star rating based on publicly reported quality measures that focus heavily on patient outcomes, safety, and the value of care.
ATM Fraud Arrest: A joint investigation by the Clark and Watertown Police Departments led to the arrest of 33-year-old Jose Burgos Paqui on December 8th, in connection with a series of ATM fraud incidents. Paqui has been charged with grand theft, a Class 5 felony in Clark County, with further charges anticipated in Codington County as the investigation continues.
SDGFP Seeks Help: Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP) is seeking the public's assistance regarding an incident of wanton waste and improper disposal of approximately 20 uncleaned pheasant carcasses discovered in a roadside ditch near Clara. The act violates state hunting regulations, and anyone with information leading to a resolution may be eligible for a reward. Authorities believe the incident occurred between December 1st and December 4th. Call 888-OVERBAG or contact Officer Zach Thompson directly at 605-881-2260.
Segment 2: Watertown School Board Update
McKinley Early Childhood Center: Principal Emily Hanton provided an enthusiastic update on the center, which houses the district’s birth-to-three services, special education preschool, regular preschool, junior kindergarten, and kindergarten.
Program Focus: Learning relies heavily on purposeful play and hands-on activities, and the junior kindergarten program serves as a valuable resource for students who need an extra year for social-emotional development.
Community Engagement: McKinley is working to build collective school-wide experiences by inviting community members, such as the Watertown Police and Fire Departments, to help students become comfortable with safety officials.
Screening Dates: The final developmental screening is scheduled for the end of January, with the primary kindergarten and preschool screenings set for March 16th.
Legislative Concerns: Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielson reported on the Governor’s budget address, which recommended a 0% increase in state funding for K-12 education. Dr. Danielson expressed concern about the lack of state support for essential costs, such as staff salaries and benefits. He also noted anticipation of property tax relief bills that public schools will likely oppose.
Cell Phone Policy: Dr. Danielson noted the district’s current cell phone policy—phones stored away in K-8 and placed in caddies in high school classrooms—is effective at maintaining classroom focus.
Christmas Break: A reminder that students will be dismissed for Christmas break on December 23rd and return on January 6th.
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Tuesday’s Top Headlines: Major Expansion Plans, Campus Future, and Scholarship Alerts
In today’s broadcast, we cover significant investments in community infrastructure and education. Joy Ranch of South Dakota unveiled plans for a year-round, accessible recreational center. At the same time, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) pushed forward with the initial design phase for its proposed new Trade Center. Plus, we honor a Watertown School District employee’s long service and share critical details on dual credit and Build Dakota scholarship opportunities.
Segment 1: Joy Ranch Unveils Year-Round Event Center
Major Expansion: Joy Ranch has announced the construction of a new, fully accessible multi-purpose recreational event center, scheduled for completion by Summer 2026.
Meeting Demand: The expansion is driven by sustained growth, with Joy Ranch welcoming over 11,000 people in 2024 for camps and retreats, requiring a year-round, weatherproof space.
Features: The center will include two indoor pickleball courts, along with basketball and volleyball capabilities, all designed to be fully accessible for all ages and mobility levels.
Capital Campaign Kicks Off: Joy Ranch recognized Valley Queen Cheese and its foundation for a P30,000 pledge toward the project’s capital campaign.
Segment 2: Lake Area Tech Secures Design for Proposed Trade Center
Design Phase Approved: The LATC board approved an architectural services agreement with Co-op Architecture to begin the design phase for a new Trade Center and associated campus site improvements.
Goal: The Trade Center is intended to consolidate various trades and academic programs, aligning with the college’s long-term master campus plan.
“Shovel Ready” Focus: Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielson emphasized that securing the design services is a crucial step to making the project “shovel ready” if funding or major donor opportunities become available.
Agreement Details: The approved agreement covers complete architectural and engineering services for both the Trade Center ($61,250) and site improvements ($23,500).
Segment 3: Education Updates and Key Deadlines
Retirement Honored: The Watertown School District formally approved the retirement of longtime Lincoln Elementary employee Jolene Sutton after 25 years of service, praising her as “the backbone of Lincoln.
Dual Credit Affordability: LATC’s foundation is offering new scholarships to eligible dual-credit students (specifically those receiving free or reduced-price school lunches) to ensure the courses remain affordable following changes to legislative funding.
Build Dakota Alert: The application window for the Build Dakota Scholarship opens January 31st and closes March 31st.
Matchmaking Event: To help students find the required industry sponsor, LATC will host the “Ready, Set, Go, Build Dakota” event on January 15th. This event is required for all high school juniors, seniors, and non-traditional students interested in applying.
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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