Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

Johnson Discusses Affordability and Calls for Economic Growth in South Dakota
Northeast Radio SD sits down with U.S. Representative Johnson to discuss key national and state issues, focusing on economic challenges facing South Dakota families and the increasing threat of foreign influence. Johnson, who is currently campaigning for South Dakota Governor, offered his perspective on long-term fiscal strategies and the importance of responsible governance.
Affordability Through Regulation Reduction
Regarding the rising cost of goods and services, Johnson stated that sending more government money to address affordability ultimately contributes to inflation. He argued that the smart, long-term solution is to reduce government overreach and burdensome regulations.
"On average, households are paying $16,000 more a year for all of their goods," Johnson noted, linking the increase to excessive government regulations. While acknowledging that pulling back regulations is not a "magic bullet" that works quickly, he stressed it is the "smart long-term way" to move the economy in the right direction and reduce costs for American families.
Integrity of SNAP and Work Requirements
Johnson spoke about the critical nature of the SNAP program (formerly food stamps) and his commitment to strengthening its integrity. He emphasized his role as a leading advocate for work requirements in Congress, noting that he has successfully pushed for such requirements twice in recent years.
He stressed that while the program is vital for needy Americans, those who are able-bodied and capable of working should be held accountable. Furthermore, Johnson suggested that SNAP funds, much like the WIC program, should be directed toward nutritious foods to ensure the program focuses on nutritional needs rather than non-essential items like "candy and pop."
Foreign Influence in Education and Land
The conversation shifted to national security concerns, specifically the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the U.S. Johnson highlighted efforts to push back against the CCP’s soft power campaigns, particularly the operation of Confucius Institutes and Classrooms within American universities and K-12 schools.
He explained that while these were initially viewed as cultural exchange centers, they serve as a vehicle for propaganda that promotes the Chinese Communist Party's worldview. Johnson confirmed his support for legislation to fully dismantle these foreign-funded programs.
On the topic of property purchases, Johnson warned that the CCP is interested in destabilizing the country, citing cyberattacks and control over the food supply as key aims. He supported a bill that would prevent foreign adversaries from gaining control over agricultural land in the Dakotas and across the U.S., emphasizing that while foreign investment is welcome, control by adversarial governments is a risk to American security.
Property Tax Relief and Economic Vision
As a candidate for South Dakota Governor, Johnson offered his thoughts on property tax relief. He noted that while South Dakota's taxes are relatively low compared to the rest of the country, they are too high in certain areas and causing market distortions.
Johnson clarified that since 95% of property taxes fund local schools and county governments, eliminating them is not feasible. Instead, he argued that real relief must come through responsible government efficiency and, most importantly, economic growth.
He expressed a desire for a "much bolder vision" for the state's economy, criticizing the recent decrease in state revenue and the lack of a clear growth plan. Johnson believes that if the state can successfully grow its economy, property tax relief will naturally follow, leading to a stronger financial footing for South Dakota citizens.
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The latest city news includes unanimous approval of a new police contract, a detailed look at the condition of Watertown’s bridges, and the opening of nominations for the Watertown Baseball Hall of Fame.
🚨 Police Contract Approved with 3.5% Wage Increase
The Watertown City Council unanimously approved the 2026 collective bargaining agreement addendum with the Watertown Police Officers Association during its recent meeting.
City Manager Alan Steger presented the agreement, which grants police officers a 3.5% overall wage increase for 2026. This increase comprises a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment and a 2% advance on the wage grid.
Key Highlights:
No Health Insurance Rate Hike: Steger noted that the value of the raise is amplified because the city did not increase its health insurance plan for 2026, meaning employee contributions will not rise.
Retirement Match: The agreement also includes a minor increase in the city’s monthly match to the supplemental employee retirement plan.
Tentative Agreements: Steger informed the council that the city has tentatively agreed to “essentially the same terms and conditions” with its remaining two unions, with those agreements anticipated to be on the December 15th council agenda.
🌉 Annual Bridge Inspection: Structures in Generally Good Condition
The City Council received the annual 2025 bridge inspection report, highlighting the overall safety and generally good condition of the city’s 13 bridge structures. Civil Design Incorporated was inspected under an agreement with the South Dakota Department of Transportation.
City Engineer Justin Peterson and Principal Engineer Chris Brozik presented the findings, noting that a structure must be at least 20 feet long (including box culverts) to be included in the inspection.
Report Summary:
The Structure in Poor Condition: One structure, a box culvert on North Lake Drive over an unnamed creek built in 1931, was rated in poor condition. Brozik stated the structure is “nearing its end of youthful life” due to deterioration and recommended it be considered for replacement within the next 5 to 10 years.
Safety Confirmed: Despite its age, the structure remains safe and can carry regular legal loads. No load posting is required or recommended for any of the city’s bridges.
Fair Condition Structures: Three structures were rated in fair condition (rating 6), including bridges on West Camp Avenue, 4th Avenue Southwest, and the longest bridge on 20th Avenue Southeast.
New Additions: Two new box culverts in the Pelican Lake area (17th Avenue Southwest and North Pelican Lane) were added to the list and were found to be in good condition (rated 7 and 8).
Council Question: Councilman Michael Hoyer questioned why the relatively new 3rd Avenue Northwest bridge (built in 2022) only received a “good” rating of seven instead of a nine. Brozik explained that a rating of nine means “absolutely pristine, perfect,” and the structure likely started at an eight due to minor construction-related defects, confirming that seven is still considered good condition.
The detailed inspection findings will be used by city staff for planning immediate maintenance and long-range repairs.
⚾ Watertown Baseball Hall of Fame Nominations Open
The Watertown Baseball Association has officially opened the nomination period for the Class of 2026 of the Watertown Baseball Hall of Fame.
Nominations are now open until December 31st.
How to Nominate: Use the designated Google form available via the link on NortheastRadioSD.com or on the Watertown Post 17 Facebook page. Only the nominee’s name and basic information are required to begin the process.
Standing Nomination: Once nominated, an individual’s name remains on the ballot for consideration in subsequent years until they are inducted.
Induction Ceremony: The official ceremony for the 2026 class is scheduled for Friday, May 1st, at 2nd Street Station.
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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South Dakota Cowboy Mason Moody Ready to Ride at the NFR: "A Dream Come True"
The month of December brings the world's most prestigious rodeo event, the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), and Northeast Radio SD had the exclusive chance to catch up with one of South Dakota's own making his debut: Bull Rider Mason Moody. Joining hosts Steve and Dorene Foster from Treasure Island in Las Vegas, Moody shared his excitement, his journey, and his preparation for the biggest 10 days of his career.
🌟 Arriving in Vegas
Moody, currently ranked 12th in the world standings, confirmed the NFR runs from December 4th through the 13th, featuring 10 intense rounds of bull riding. He admitted the reality of being at the NFR hadn't fully "set in" yet, but acknowledged that this is what he has worked his whole life for.
"Yeah, it's a dream come true for sure... These are what we dream about. These are what we worked our whole life for."
🐂 The Draw and the Competition
Bull riders typically get their first two draws a couple of days ahead of time, with subsequent draws announced the night before the next round, giving them about 20 hours to strategize.
Moody shared that while he has a few specific bulls he'd love to draw for a rematch—including the one he won the San Angelo Extreme Bulls on and Time Traveler—he knows every animal here is top-tier. At this level, he stressed, the goal is not just to have a successful ride but to rack up significant points, as he is competing against the 15 best bull riders in the world.
📈 The Road to the NFR
Moody reflected on the season that propelled him to Vegas, crediting:
A great performance at the circuit finals at the beginning of the year.
Strong showings at the Texas swing, with good paychecks from San Antonio and Houston.
His victory at the San Angelo Extreme Bulls.
He noted that in the summer, with the grueling travel schedule, there is little time for a structured workout regimen—it's mostly "out of the wall and jump in the pickup." However, during the off-season, he focuses on gym work and practicing on his bulls at home to maintain peak physical condition.
🤝 Giving Back to the Sport
Moody touched on his family's involvement in the bull business, primarily run by his father, which focuses on providing practice bulls.
They keep a variety of stock, including good open bulls for Moody and solid, consistent bulls for kids just starting in 4-H and high school rodeos.
He enjoys helping the next generation, though his travel limits his time for it.
📝 Advice for Young Riders
When asked what advice he would give to an aspiring young bull rider, Moody's message was clear: don't look at your competition.
"You got to kind of block that out and don't let that play into your mind and let you get down in the slum. You got to use it as motivation to keep going. And at the end of the day, a lot of hard work pays off."
🥳 A Family Affair
A large, supportive group in Vegas backs Moody. His parents, girlfriend, and her parents are attending all 10 days, with the rest of his family rotating in shifts to watch him ride.
You can follow Mason Moody's journey at the National Finals Rodeo nightly on the Cowboy Channel and RFD TV, or stream it live on the Cowboy Channel app, with the rodeo airing at 7:45 PM CST.
Good luck, Mason Moody! Make South Dakota proud!
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 week's bi-weekly episode of The People's Pulse, brought to you by the locally owned and operated family business Arrow Paper Products, Mayor Ried Holien joins Steve to keep a finger on the community's pulse, offering detailed insights from the recent City Council meeting and providing an optimistic outlook on Watertown's financial health.
🌉 Bridge Maintenance Report
The Mayor reported on the recent bridge maintenance/inspection report presented to the City Council. Holien noted that most of the city's 13 bridges are in good condition, citing the historic 1931 bridge on 1st or 3rd Avenue (rated 6 on a 0-9 scale) as noteworthy. Currently, no city bridges require load limit restrictions.
The only structure flagged for future attention is a small bridge on North Lake Drive near Compesca Lodge, which may require repair or replacement in the next five to ten years.
Holien addressed a citizen concern raised by Councilman Mohrmann regarding the lack of a sidewalk on the US 212 bridge near Menards. He clarified that this is a State Department of Transportation (DOT) matter, which can often be slow-moving due to the volume of requests across the state. He gave an example of the long process required to install a turn signal at the highly trafficked intersection of 14th Avenue and Highway 81 (by the middle school).
💰 Budgeting, Overtime, and Long-Term Planning
The conversation shifted to city finances, including a final change order for the 2nd Avenue reconstruction project ($64,000 overrun on a $1.2 million project, described as "housekeeping") and a deeper dive into improving the city's operational efficiency.
Asphalt Hot Boxes: The city has approved the purchase of new asphalt hot boxes. Mayor Holien highlighted this as an example of doing business better. With more equipment, road crews can repair potholes in Watertown while others travel to Brookings for asphalt, reducing downtime and improving road conditions.
Realistic Budgeting for Staff: A significant point was the approval of an agreement with the Watertown Police Officers Association, which addressed the need to realistically factor in overtime for emergency services personnel (Police and Fire). Mayor Holien explained that under-budgeting for expected overtime—historically limiting it to 5%—leads to frequent, undesirable budget supplements. He stressed that having good, realistic budgeting helps the entire system and is crucial for large projects like the proposed east side fire station.
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Shift: Holien stated the city is changing its CIP mindset by:
Extending the plan out to 7–10 years (instead of the traditional 5).
Adopting a policy to not automatically replace good, functional equipment (like a great pickup truck) just because it has reached an arbitrary age limit (e.g., 8–10 years). This move aims to improve resource allocation.
📈 Economic Growth and Legislative Watch
Mayor Holien provided an optimistic report on Watertown's economic vibrancy:
Sales Tax Growth: While the city had two months this year that saw a dip in sales tax revenue compared to the previous year, overall growth is estimated at 8%. Holien noted that with inflation running around 4%, an 8% growth rate means the community is genuinely growing and vibrant, not just keeping pace with rising costs.
Upcoming Legislative Session: Holien is closely monitoring two main issues in the upcoming state legislative session:
Property Tax Repeal: The Mayor is concerned about the impact of a total repeal on the state's budget and its ability to provide matching funds for local projects (like airport and road construction). Watertown's budget is only marginally dependent on property taxes (less than 10% of revenue).
TIFs (Tax Increment Financing Districts): He is closely monitoring proposals to eliminate TIFs. While acknowledging that TIFs can be complicated and some may underperform, Holien favors keeping them as a necessary economic tool for community development and wants to advocate for "doing them better," not doing away with them altogether. He and City Manager Stager are considering lobbying in Pierre to advocate for Watertown's interests.
https://www.facebook.com/ArrowProductsWatertownSD  
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Heroic Rescue, Sheriff's Report, and United Way Push
WFR & Partner Agencies Execute High-Risk Bridge Rescue
Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) units, including Medic 4 and Battalion 1, were instrumental in a highly complex vehicle extrication operation supporting the Estelline Fire Department. The incident involved a half-ton pickup that had rolled onto its side and was leaning dangerously over a bridge. The rescue was complicated by a bridge support beam that had penetrated the vehicle's passenger compartment, trapping the driver.
WFR personnel provided critical coordination and patient care during the high-stress event. The operation's success hinged on Performance Towing's support, which stabilized the precarious vehicle and ensured the safety of all rescue crews. Traffic control from the Duel County Sheriff's Office, a deputy, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol ensured a secure perimeter for emergency operations.
Coddington County Sheriff's Office Financial and Activity Report
Coddington County Sheriff Brad Howell recently presented a detailed report on the department's activities and finances for October 2025 to the County Commissioners.
The department reported collecting over $47,000 in revenue for the month. This substantial income was primarily derived from correctional programs, including contracts for housing out-of-county prisoners, work release, and fees from the 24/7 sobriety program, which brought in over $31,000.
Key Statistics for October 2025:
Average Daily Inmate Population: 49
Total Bookings: 195
Calls for Service: 563
Warrants Served: 53
Civil Papers Served: 243
24/7 Sobriety Monitoring: 73 individuals are actively monitored via electronic devices like SCRAM bracelets and remote breathalyzers.
In a move toward integrating new technology, the Sheriff's Office has also signed a 60-day agreement to test Flock cameras (license plate readers) at no cost to the county. This trial will integrate the new technology with existing patrol vehicle cameras.
Lake Norton Man Sentenced in Hamlin County Circuit Court
On November 18th, Samuel B. Miller of Lake Norton was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Abigail A. Howard in the Hamlin County Circuit Court. Miller entered a plea of no contest to the charge of sexual contact with a child under 16, stemming from an investigation opened by the Hamlin County Sheriff's Office in February 2025.
Miller was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with 90 days suspended, and received 10 days' credit for time served, resulting in an immediate jail sentence of 80 days. His suspended sentence is conditioned upon meeting specific requirements for one year, including remaining a law-abiding citizen, paying all fines and court costs, reimbursing the county for his court-appointed attorney, refraining from contact with the victim, and completing a mental health evaluation.
Watertown United Way Reaches 80% of $655,000 Goal
The Watertown area United Way has announced significant progress in its annual campaign, officially reaching 80% of its $655,000 target.
The organization expressed gratitude for the community's generosity but is now initiating a final push to secure the remaining 20% of funds. This money is crucial for supporting the 31 local partner agencies—including the Beacon Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown, and the Salvation Army—which focus on key impact areas: education, health, and financial stability.
Community members can contribute to help Campaign Chairs Jason and Tia Hutt reach the 100% goal by visiting the United Way website at watertownunitedway.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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Hack or Whack: The Kitchen Pantry Secret to a Clog-Free Snowblower
Episode Summary It’s that time of year again—snow season on the prairie. On today’s episode of Hack or Whack on Northeast Radio SD, Steve and Dorene discuss the universal struggle of the clogged snowblower (and the heavy, wet snow sticking to your shovel).
While Steve shared a rather... unconventional method involving bodily fluids (allegedly from "a guy he knows"), Dorene brought a much cleaner solution to the table.
The Hack: Cooking Spray If you are tired of stopping every few feet to clear out the discharge chute or knock snow off your auger, head to your kitchen pantry.
The Method: Take a can of non-stick cooking spray and coat the inside of your snowblower's discharge chute and the auger.
Crucial Step: Make sure the machine is clean and dry before applying the spray.
Bonus Use: This also works on shovels (even the big grain scoops!) to keep wet, heavy slush from sticking to the blade.
The Verdict? IT'S A HACK! This simple trick creates a slick surface that prevents snow and ice buildup, making your cleanup faster and saving your back muscles from lifting that extra snow weight.
Have a Hack? Do you have a better method than Steve’s "friend"? Let us know!
Call: 605-878-1880
Email: Dorene at dorene@northeastradiosd.com
Catch "Is It Hack or Whack?" Monday through Friday on Northeast Radio 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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Northeast Radio SD News: Local Tragedy, Holiday Safety, and LATC Christmas Concert
Episode Date: November 28, 2025
Here is a summary of the top news stories and community announcements for today:
Local Tragedy: Driver Dies Following Submerged Vehicle Incident
Our community mourns the loss of a Watertown woman following a tragic incident earlier this week. On Monday, November 24th, emergency crews, including the Watertown Police Department, Watertown Fire Rescue, and Codington County Search and Rescue, were dispatched to the 200 block of Challenger Way Southeast after a vehicle entered a pond and became fully submerged.
The driver, identified as 41-year-old Brianna Mahavi of Watertown, was extricated and transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital with life-threatening injuries but passed away later that evening. The Watertown Police Department extended its condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy. Authorities do not anticipate any further updates at this time.
AAA Urges Caution as Holiday Shopping Traffic Peaks
With record holiday shopping traffic expected this season, AAA South Dakota Public Affairs Manager Sean Stewart is urging both drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety.
Stewart emphasized that holiday stress can contribute to road rage, advising motorists to remain patient, avoid distractions, and not engage with aggressive drivers, warning, "you never know how the other driver might react."
Key Safety Reminders for Shoppers:
Parking Lots: High-risk areas. Drivers must slow down and yield to pedestrians.
Walkers: Put down the smartphone, avoid headphones, and use designated crosswalks.
Theft Prevention: Always lock your vehicle and stow purchases completely out of sight in the trunk.
Federal Tariffs Continue to Impact South Dakota Households
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) indicates that federal tariffs imposed in 2025 have added 7/10 of a percentage point to consumer inflation by September, raising costs for families here in South Dakota.
The research found specific price increases in key sectors:
Household Furnishings: Up 6.7%
Electronics: Up 2.6%
Food: Up 2.8%
According to an analysis by the Dakota Institute, South Dakota faces estimated additional import costs of $296 million to $370 million due to the tariffs.
Community Event: LATC Chorus to Host Christmas Concert
Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is inviting the community to its first-ever LATC Chorus Christmas Concert on Friday, December 12th.
Featuring: The newly formed LATC Chorus and special guests, the Glacial Lakes Harmonizers.
Time & Location: 7:00 PM on the 4th floor of the LATC campus (1201 Arrow Avenue Northeast).
Admission: Free for all attendees.
Charity Focus: Organizers will collect optional free-will cash donations and non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.
All are encouraged to attend this festive event to welcome the holiday season and support a local cause.
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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Is It Hack or Whack? | November 28th
Featured: Foster and Jurrens
It's time for our daily "Is It Hack or Whack?" segment, and today, Foster is tackling a common household issue: towels that have lost their softness and, well, their fresh scent.
If you’ve ever grabbed a towel after a shower only to find it smells a little "funky" or feels stiff, Foster has a simple, low-cost solution that bypasses those expensive fresh beads and softeners—a trick she learned from her own mother.
The Solution: White Distilled Vinegar
The simple household hero is white distilled vinegar. While it might sound unconventional, vinegar's natural acidity is highly effective at breaking down what really makes your towels feel stiff and smell sour:
Residue Buildup: It cuts through lingering residue from traditional fabric softeners, detergents, and hard water minerals.
Odor Causing Bacteria: It tackles mildew, mold, and other bacteria that cause those lingering, damp odors.
How to Use the Hack
Foster confirmed the method with Jurrens, who advised on modern washer features, especially the high-efficiency (HE) models common today.
Load the Laundry: Place your towels into the washing machine.
Add the Vinegar: Pour $1/4$ to $1/2$ cup of white distilled vinegar into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine.
Run the Cycle: Run the washer on warm or hot water. Since you use the fabric softener compartment, the vinegar will dispense automatically during the rinse cycle, ensuring the vinegar smell rinses out completely.
Dry: Dry your towels on low or medium heat.
The result? Softer towels with a clean, fresh scent—no funk required.
Listen to the full segment to hear Foster and Jurrens debate the Hack status of this laundry trick!
Catch "Is It Hack or Whack?" heard Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM right here on Northeast Radio 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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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This broadcast update covers key developments across South Dakota, including a major legislative debate over water quality, new holiday safety initiatives, a significant step forward for a Watertown non-profit, and a new community program to assist with hearing healthcare.
🌊 South Dakota Water Quality & Ag Runoff
Signs point to more serious legislative action on water quality in South Dakota. A recent update to the legislature's executive board highlighted that nearly 80% of evaluated river and stream stretches in the state fail to support beneficial uses like swimming or fishing, largely due to agricultural runoff, including fertilizers and farm pollution.
The discussion is moving beyond just incentives, with key lawmakers suggesting stricter regulations may be necessary. This potential shift has conservationists hopeful, but it also signals a difficult political road ahead, particularly amid opposition from farming circles and criticism from the Governor, a rancher. A tight state budget forecast and a grim outlook for additional federal support may limit any new efforts.
🚨 Holiday Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
To promote safe driving during the holiday season, the South Dakota Highway Patrol has announced it will be conducting sobriety checkpoints throughout December. These monthly checkpoints are a proactive strategy to discourage impaired driving and enhance public safety. The checkpoints will be conducted across 15 counties, including Codington, Custer, Day, Hughes, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Moody, Pennington, Walworth, and Yankton.
🐾 Glacial Lakes Humane Society Secures Permit for New Shelter
The Glacial Lakes Humane Society is moving forward with plans for a new facility in Watertown. On Thursday, November 20th, the Watertown Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a conditional use permit (CUP).
The CUP allows for a commercial kennel in the I-1 Light Industrial District.
The proposed site is located just south of the Walmart property along 29th Street Southeast.
The property is approximately 2.77 acres.
The new shelter, similar to the current one, will feature indoor and outdoor kennels, office space, storage, and an outdoor animal play area.
The current shelter has operated on city-leased property since 1977.
👂 Watertown Lions Club Launches 'SD Hears' Program
The Watertown Lions Club has partnered with Professional Hearing Services to establish SD Hears, a new program dedicated to providing hearing assistance to local and area residents facing financial barriers. The initiative aims to expand access to comprehensive hearing health care, including:
Testing
Services and support
Hearing aids for those who cannot afford them.
The program will be funded by the proceeds from the Lions Club's weekly Progressive Pot Blackout Bingo Nights, held every Tuesday at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. Dr. Todd Decker, audiologist and owner of Professional Hearing Services, expressed his excitement for the collaboration, which will ensure hearing care is available regardless of financial situation.
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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Northeast Radio SD's Steve Jurrens interviews Sam Froehlke (fro-ell-kee), an Independent candidate running for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 4 for the 2026 election.
Froehlke shares his background as a conservative from the Toronto area who is running independently to ensure the voices of "normal people" are heard in Pierre. He explains his decision to avoid traditional party politics to present an honest platform that doesn't fully align with either major party.
Key Topics Covered:
Property Tax Reform: Froehlke champions clear, common-sense property tax assessments, proposing they be based on the last sale price adjusted for inflation, not speculative value. He advocates for increased local control, allowing people to vote on county and school district budgets.
Prioritizing Fire and EMS: He addresses the crisis in volunteer emergency services, suggesting that budgets for Fire and EMS may need to be prioritized ahead of school budgets to ensure these critical, life-saving services remain viable and adequately staffed.
Independent Healthcare: To combat unmanageable healthcare costs, Froehlke suggests non-traditional solutions, including encouraging independent clinics and requiring employers to offer the cash equivalent of insurance to employees who opt out.
Data Centers and Corporate Land Ownership: Froehlke aligns with local constituent sentiment against large projects like the data center near Toronto, questioning why corporations seeking public tax exemptions should not be subject to public input. He also supports limits on out-of-state and corporate land ownership, an issue highly important to residents in the area.
Clarity in Legislation: He touches upon complex issues like marijuana legislation, advocating for clear compromise, and reaffirms his pro-life stance that life begins at conception.
Listen to Sam Froehlke's call for South Dakota to focus on local solutions and policies that directly benefit its residents.
Connect with Sam Froehlke:
Website: https://www.samfroehlkeforsd.com/meet_sam 
Sam Froehlke is collecting signatures starting in January 2026 to qualify as an Independent candidate for the District 4 House of Representatives race.
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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 
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Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)
Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store
Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play