Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

Key Regional News Stories Covered
1. Watertown "Rally Rush" Kickoff
Watertown is preparing to welcome an influx of motorcycle riders traveling through eastern South Dakota along US Highway 212 and Interstate 29 heading toward the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The city is kicking off its seasonal "Rally Rush" hospitality initiatives to accommodate and welcome visiting bikers.
2. Hamlin County DUI Crash & Deputy Assault
Law enforcement responded to a weekend incident near Lake Poinsett that resulted in the arrest of a woman from Hazel, SD. Following a vehicle crash involving driving under the influence, an altercation occurred where a Hamlin County Sheriff's deputy was injured while taking the suspect into custody.
3. Bluepeak Fiber Network Upgrades
Telecommunications provider Bluepeak is beginning a major infrastructure upgrade across Watertown. The project involves expanding high-speed fiber internet access to additional residential and commercial neighborhoods, which may cause minor, localized utility work and traffic disruptions.
4. Downtown Road Closure for Hotel Construction
City officials announced a temporary road closure along 2nd Street NE in Watertown. The closure is required to facilitate ongoing construction and essential utility tie-ins for the new downtown Airstay hotel project.
5. Super 8 Expansion Approved
A local zoning and planning board officially approved conditional use permits for the Super 8 motel property in Watertown, clearing the way for planned building renovations and property expansion.
6. Brookings Hit-and-Run Investigation
Police in Brookings are seeking information regarding a weekend hit-and-run property damage accident. A vehicle left the roadway and struck a neighborhood electrical utility box—causing localized damage and brief power interruptions—before fleeing the scene.
7. Major Hamlin County Poaching Case Concludes
Five individuals have formally pleaded guilty in court regarding a major wildlife poaching investigation in Hamlin County. The case involved the illegal harvesting of game wildlife, with the defendants facing substantial court fines, civil restitution, and the revocation of their hunting privileges.

🏆 THEY DID IT! 🏆
South Dakota United Spirit U16 just locked down the Regional Championship in Chicago and punched their ticket to NATIONALS! ⚽✈️
Join us in the studio as we chat with head coach Chris Polorais, Brooklyn, Sophia, Ariana, and Elizabeth about what it takes to dominate on the field. From non-stop conditioning to custom "formations" (and maybe a little bit of the water cycle song 🌧️😂), these girls are the real deal.
Drop a comment below to show your support for the team as they head to Denver to bring that national trophy home to South Dakota! 👇🎉
#SDUSpirit #RegionalChampions #RoadToNationals #SouthDakotaSoccer #ProudCoach #GirlPower #LiveRadio #WatertownSD

Codington County Personnel & Operations Updates
Role Revision: The Codington County Commissioners approved a revised job description for the "Defense Support Coordinator" position (formerly known as the "Pre-Trial Case Manager"). The revision clarifies the position's duties in supporting court-appointed attorneys and corrects its status to non-exempt hourly.
Wage Scale Amendment: A new "Appraiser Assistant" position was officially added to the county wage scale.
HR Contract Renewal: The county renewed its Human Resources services contract for July 2026 through July 2027 at a flat monthly fee of $5,665, reflecting minor wording changes and a 3% rate increase. All related motions passed unanimously.
Lake Kampeska Appraisal Support
Temporary Staffing: The county commission approved the temporary, part-time hiring of an appraiser assistant to ensure the Lake Kampeska appraisal stays on schedule.
Justification: Director of Equalization Shawna Constant noted that a recent resignation and an upcoming medical leave made it impractical to wait for a full-time replacement until after the state training school in September. The assistant will measure properties and assist with summer fieldwork at a rate of $18.68 per hour with no benefits.
Grant Applications & Funding
Flood Mitigation Assistance: Codington County plans to apply for a Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant to update its pre-disaster mitigation plan. Emergency Management Director Andrew Delgado noted that last year's attempt fell short due to tight deadlines and missing partner letters. The FMA program offers dedicated funding for planning, allowing the county to pursue the project with a local match of up to $5,000.
Veteran Services Financial Success
Rising Claims: Veteran Service Officer Jay Roberts reported rising claims and significant financial gains for local veterans. The office currently manages 126 open claims, 49 pending VA actions, and has completed 155 this year. Retroactive payments increased by $82,674 in June, pushing the year-to-date total to $547,673.
Budget Decrease: Roberts presented a 2027 budget showing an 8.26% decrease, achieved by hiring a retiree with Tricare coverage and relocating the office to a smaller space. Projected revenue from Hamlin County and state reimbursement totals $17,813.
County Gross Receipts Tax Proposal
Ordinance 83: The commission held its first reading of Ordinance 83, which proposes a 0.5% county gross receipts tax and a 0.5% use tax starting January 1, 2027. Commissioner Lee Gable read the ordinance in full, noting its purpose is to generate revenue while reducing county property taxes. The reading also covered collection procedures, penalties, and contract termination, with a second reading and possible adoption scheduled for a future meeting.
Community Notices & Events
Office Closures: Several Codington County offices will close on Friday, July 10, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM so employees can attend the funeral services of former deputy and long-time courthouse security officer Dave Curtis. Affected locations include the Sheriff's Office, Community Services, Clerk of Courts, Emergency Management, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and Veteran Services.
Memorial Golf Tournament: Lake Area Technical College will host the Boulder Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, July 13, at Prairie Winds Golf Club. The two-person "tin whistle" format fundraiser supports Boulder Memorial scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year. Check-in begins at 10:30 AM, followed by an 11:30 AM Calcutta and a noon shotgun start. Pro shop gift certificates will be awarded in net and gross divisions.

📚 WATERTOWN COFFEE LOVERS & BOOKWORMS! ☕If you caught our chat with Ally Helle this morning, (7/9/26) you know she’s hosting a massive Used Book Sale tomorrow to benefit the Systems of Care Program!Here are the details you need to know to support a great cause:⏰ When: Tomorrow, 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM (or until sold out!) 7/10/26📍 Where: The Human Service Agency Courtyard (right between Serenity Hills and the main agency building)🌟 The Good Stuff: Thousands of thriller, mystery, romance, and kids' books—plus Ally’s custom "blind date with a book" bundles, treats, and refreshments!Stop by, grab a book, and say hi to Ally! What genre are you hunting for tomorrow? 🕵️‍♂️📖#SupportLocal #CodingtonCounty #BookSale #HSA #WatertownSD

LIVE w/ Carley Stewart & Camille Crismon Talking Watertown, SD Documentary - 7/8/26Celebrating Watertown Through the Lens of a Local Filmmaker!We had an absolutely amazing time chatting with Carly and talented local filmmaker Camille Christman on our latest stream!Camille is an 18-year-old director who has spent the last couple of months working on a massive project: a six-part documentary series showcasing the heart of Watertown! Here is everything you need to know about this exciting upcoming release:The Project: Camille interviewed 19 different people and businesses to highlight our local businesses and the incredible sense of community right here in Watertown.Featured Local Spots: The series will feature beloved local favorites like Living Arts Dance, RSA Cheer, Prairie Winds Golf, the Wellness Center, Cloud 9, Dakota Butcher, Dempsey's Brewery, Lone Pine, DDR Books, Watertown Flowers, The Peddler's Market, and the Groove Record Store!Release Schedule: The very first episode drops in mid-July! The rest of the series will continue releasing through the end of August.Where to Watch: You will be able to catch all of the episodes on Camille's YouTube channel, "Camille C Films".Camille's talent doesn't stop there! She is heading to the University of Texas at Austin this fall to major in Radio-Television-Film at the nation's top-ranked public film school. She even recently won an American Visions award at Carnegie Hall for her abstract short film, "Exodus," which focuses on domestic abuse.We are so incredibly proud of her hard work and cannot wait to see her Watertown documentary series! Make sure to subscribe to her channel so you don't miss a single episode!

Exciting Updates for Codington County's Justice System!Good morning, Codington County! Today, we are thrilled to share some fantastic updates from our recent stream featuring Angie Collignon and Tiffany Barthel.Angie, the Substance Usage Justice Programs Coordinator, introduced Tiffany as the first person to take on the county's brand-new Defense Support position! Tiffany is transitioning from her well-known role as the Treatment Court Coordinator to take on this innovative new challenge.What does this new role mean for our community?A Crucial Bridge: Tiffany will act as the bridge between clients, defendants, and their defense counsel.Focusing on Basic Needs: She will assist individuals navigating the legal system by helping them secure essential needs like housing, food, and clothing.Empowering Attorneys: By handling these basic needs, defense attorneys can focus purely on the legal aspects of each case.Improving Efficiency: A major goal of this position is to ensure clients stay in contact with their attorneys and make their required court appearances.Saving Taxpayer Dollars: This program is specifically designed to reduce the court-appointed attorney budget and save the county money by preventing unnecessary jail time.This program aims to provide earlier, more proactive intervention for those who might be scared or unsure of what to do after an arrest. If you or someone you know needs guidance, or if you want to stay updated on these amazing community resources, be sure to follow Codington Connects online and on Facebook! www.codingtonconnects.com

Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Tuesday, July 7, 2026
🎆 Watertown Celebrates its Largest 4th of July Crowd Ever! The Watertown Fourth of July celebration completely shattered records this year, drawing an unprecedented estimated crowd of 10,000 to 11,000 people! Fireworks coordinator Randy Tupper attributed the massive turnout to flawless weather conditions and the heightened patriotic spirit of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tupper successfully raised $32,000 in local donations toward the overall $40,000 show budget, emphasizing that every single sponsor was a homegrown, local business. Following the report, Mayor Ried Holien surprised Tupper with a formal proclamation and awarded him the Key to the City, recognizing his decades of dedicated public service to Watertown.
🦟 Tuesday Evening Mosquito Spraying Operations: The City of Watertown will conduct mosquito spraying tonight, weather permitting, beginning after 9:00 PM. Adult mosquito counts have reached the threshold requiring immediate treatment. Spraying will take place on both the east and west sides of Lake Kampeska, spanning from Kampeska Lodge to Prairie Winds Golf Club, and will include Derby Downs and Prairie Haven. Residents are asked to stay indoors during the active spraying window, keep children and pets inside for at least one hour after vector teams have treated your area, and thoroughly rinse any homegrown garden produce before eating.
⚾ Hunter Halajian Commits to NICC: A massive congratulations to Watertown Post 17 pitcher Hunter  Halajian on officially committing to Northeast Iowa Community College! The talented left-handed pitcher is putting together an absolute breakout season on the mound, currently boasting a dominant 6-2 record, racking up 66 strikeouts with a stifling 3.02 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP over 58 innings pitched. Head Coach Ryan Neale highly praised  Halajian  years of deliberate player development, relentless work ethic, and steady improvement, stating that NIACC is gaining a high-caliber pitcher with "major upside."

⛽ Feds Urge Action on High Gas Prices: The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are jointly urging State Attorneys General to intensify investigations into potential antitrust violations contributing to sustained high gas prices. In a formal letter, federal officials pointed out a frustrating market trend—while crude oil prices have consistently dropped, many petroleum companies have failed to lower their retail pump prices accordingly. Federal agencies are actively monitoring petroleum markets for price fixing, corporate collusion, and deceptive practices, highlighting recent enforcement actions such as blocking a major corporate merger that required the divestiture of 35 fuel stations. The DOJ reminds the public of its active whistleblower rewards program, which pays up to 30% of recovered criminal fines to individuals who report verified antitrust violations.
🚒 Brookings County Deputies Respond to Weekend Incidents: The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office kept busy over the holiday weekend, responding to two separate fire and traffic incidents. On Saturday night, a malfunctioning firework sparked a grass fire along a property fence line on Prairie Park Court near White. Fortunately, most of the flames were already extinguished by the time deputies arrived, and no charges are expected. On Sunday night, emergency crews in Bruce responded to a single-vehicle rollover on 213th Street near 485th Avenue. A 15-year-old driver lost control of her Chevy Cruze and left the roadway, causing the vehicle to flip. Luckily, she was evaluated at the scene and released without requiring hospital transport; the South Dakota Highway Patrol is continuing the investigation.

Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Thursday, July 2, 2026
🏖️ Independence Day Festival Details & Holiday Closures: A friendly reminder that several city offices—including City Hall, the Watertown Regional Library, the landfill, and the Park and Rec field house—will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The Prairie Lakes Wellness Center will operate normally on Friday but will be closed on Saturday, July 4th. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for services before the long weekend.
🤝 Watertown Area United Way Names Campaign Chairs: The Watertown Area United Way has proudly named Abby and Andy Turbak as the campaign chairs for the upcoming 2026–2027 fundraising campaign. The couple, who are highly active in local schools, radio, and community organizations, share the philosophy that strong communities thrive when neighbors help neighbors. Executive Director Lisa Doll praised their leadership and deep connection to local families. Funds raised during the campaign, which officially kicks off with community events from August 17th to the 21st, will support more than 28 local programs focused on health, youth opportunity, financial security, and resiliency.
🦟 City-Wide Mosquito Spraying Scheduled: The City of Watertown has scheduled city-wide mosquito spraying to take place tonight, weather permitting, starting after 9:00 PM. Recent monitoring indicates adult mosquito counts have officially reached the threshold requiring immediate treatment. Spraying will take place on both the east and west sides of Lake Kampeska, spanning from Kampeska Lodge to Prairie Winds Golf Club, and will include Derby Downs and Prairie Haven. Residents are asked to stay indoors during active spraying, keep children and pets inside for at least one hour afterward, and thoroughly rinse any homegrown garden produce before eating.

Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Wednesday, July 1, 2026
🏛️ Permanent Home Secured for Codington Connects: Local business leader Lee Schull has officially donated the downtown BPI building to Codington Connects. This generous act gives the local non-profit a permanent home to safely expand its vital community services, directly addressing urgent local housing and childcare shortages. The Schull family’s long history of anonymous giving inspired them to make this gift public to encourage a culture of philanthropy in others. Moving forward, the facility will be completely renovated to serve as a hub for key public resources, transforming the BPI acronym to stand for "Building Partnerships that Inspire".
🌿 City of Watertown Steps Up Property Maintenance Enforcement: With summer growth in full swing, Watertown officials report that community complaints regarding overgrown grass, noxious weeds, junk, and inoperable vehicles are on the rise. While the Watertown Police Department prefers voluntary compliance, the city will move forward with mowing properties and assessing all associated fees directly to owners if official certified letters are ignored. Junk violations may also result in formal court citations. City Manager Alan Steger acknowledged that the city itself has temporarily fallen behind on mowing certain municipal areas and is currently reviewing its pollinator plot locations based on community feedback.
⚡ Watertown Municipal Utilities Preps for Major Fiber Project: Watertown Municipal Utilities is preparing for a projected surge in utility locate requests as Bluepeak begins installing a massive 100% fiber optic overlay across the entire city. The project kicks off mid-July with an initial crew covering roughly 9 miles, with plans to expand to 170 miles by 2027. WMU currently handles 5,000 to 6,000 locates annually, but thousands more are anticipated, threatening to overwhelm current staff. To keep the project moving safely and on schedule, WMU is actively gathering quotes to hire a third-party locator, favoring a flat daily rate over per-ticket billing to prevent inflated costs.