Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

📻 Your Northeast Radio SD News Update for Wednesday, June 24th! 🎙️
Here is a quick recap of today's top local and state stories from Steve Jurrens:
🚓 Flock Cameras in Action: Codington County's license plate cameras logged over 52,000 reads in May, aiding local deputies in investigating vehicle thefts, locating wanted fugitives, and solving hit-and-runs!
🏢 Jail Revenue Surge: State prison overcrowding has resulted in $32,799 in May revenue for Codington County, which is currently housing state inmates for $95 a day.
🛣️ Road Upgrades: Duininck Inc. secured a $1.405 million bid for major resurfacing on County Roads 10 and 7—saving the county over $534,000 compared to the next lowest bid.
💼 County Payroll: Following issues with previous timekeeping software, all county departments will transition to a unified ADP payroll and HR system starting October 1st.
🏫 State Education: South Dakota schools will officially begin teaching a prenatal development curriculum, featuring instructional videos on human development, under the newly passed HB 1313.
🤝 Today's newscast is brought to you by the Watertown Development Corporation, setting the sites for growth in Eastern South Dakota! Learn more about their initiatives at wdcsd.com.
#NortheastRadioSD #WatertownSD #CodingtonCounty #SDNews #SouthDakota #LocalNews #LawEnforcement #SDLeg #CommunityUpdate

🌲 Ready to ignite that "first spark" for the outdoors? ☀️We had a fantastic time on the show this week, chatting with Sara Foust (Codington Connects), Cassy Behnke (SD GFP Naturalist), and Josh Cleveland (SD GFP District Park Supervisor) about all the incredible things happening at our state parks this summer!Whether you have toddlers, are looking for a unique date night, or want to win some awesome prizes, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks has you covered.Here's what you need to know:🥾 Toddler Trek: Got a little one with endless energy? Join Cassy on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 10:00 AM for a fun, guided nature playdate!☕ State Park Social Club: Leave the kids at home (or grab a friend!) and join us for unique adult events like “Blooms and Boardwalks” (flower arranging), "Lures and Lattes” (coffee and fishing), or “Paint and Paddle!” Check the GFP calendar for dates and locations.🗺️ Adventure 250: Want to win prizes just for exploring? Download the app and take pictures at our state parks to earn points. There’s a free drawing every week!The best part? An annual state park entrance license is only $40 and gets you into EVERY state park in South Dakota for the entire year!Where will your next adventure take you? Check out the full GFP events calendar here: gfp.sd.gov/events#SouthDakota #SDGFP #StateParks #Outdoors #FamilyFun #Adventure250 #WatertownSD #CodingtonConnects #exploresd

LIVE w/ Jerod Jordan @ Joy Ranch of SD🏕️ Calling All Young Men: Join Us for the First-Ever Young Timber Camp! 🐎Are you looking for an incredible summer experience for a young man in your life? Joy Ranch of SD is thrilled to officially introduce Young Timber Camp—a 3-day, Christ-centered adventure created for young boys who would like positive male mentorship, outdoor adventure, and practical life skills!Thanks to incredible grants from the Watertown Community Foundation Youth Council and American Bank & Trust, this entire experience is 100% FREE!📍 Where: Joy Ranch of SD🗓️ When: July 7th, 8th, and 9th👦 Who: Boys ages 10-13 (flexible based on parent discretion)What the boys will learn:Equine Care: Saddling, riding, and working safely with horses alongside our amazing head wrangler, Morgan.Outdoor Adventure: Archery, fire-building, and setting up camp.Practical Skills: Basic car maintenance (checking oil and tire pressure).Gentleman’s Etiquette: Proper handshakes, how to tie a tie, and showing respect.Spaces are still available, but filling up fast! We are also looking for male volunteers from the community to help model positive mentorship for the next generation.To apply online www.joyranchofsd.org or to learn more about volunteering, contact our event coordinator, Mallory, today at 605-886-4622.#JoyRanchSD #YoungTimberCamp #WatertownSD #YouthMentorship #EquineTherapy #summercamp #𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬

📻 Tune in and Turn Out for LARK's Annual Field Day! 🌍
Curious about how you can talk to someone in Cape Town, South Africa, or even bounce a signal off a satellite—all without the internet or a cell tower? 📡
Join Mike, Dave, and the rest of the Lake Area Radio Klub (LARK) this weekend for the annual Ham Radio Field Day! This isn't just a fascinating worldwide hobby; it's a vital part of our local emergency preparedness. When severe weather hits or the power grid fails, these are the folks who keep our communities connected.
📍 Where: National Guard Readiness Center (Highway 20, Watertown) 🗓️ When: This Saturday! Guided tours and visitor hours run from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
What to expect:
Tour a completely off-grid setup powered entirely by solar panels and generators.
Watch operators use Voice, Digital data, and Morse Code to make contacts across the US and Canada.
Get On The Air! We have a special station set up just for unlicensed visitors (kids are highly encouraged!). You can sit down with a coach and make a real radio contact yourself.
Whether you're a seasoned radio veteran or just looking for a fun, educational afternoon with the family, we’d love to see you there! The club call sign is W0WTN—come find out exactly what that means!
#HamRadio #AmateurRadio #WatertownSD #LARK #FieldDay #EmergencyPreparedness #CommunityEvent #STEM
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🎤 Get Ready for the 2nd Annual Party at the Plaza! 🎶
Watertown, it’s time to turn up! We recently sat down with local artist and event organizer Xavier (aka Boo Boo) on Northeast Radio SD to get all the details on this year’s massive Party at the Plaza. It’s back, bigger than ever, and transitioning from a small concert into a full all-day festival!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 8th
Time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (11 solid hours of live music!)
Location: Foundation Plaza Park (Downtown Watertown)
Admission: 100% FREE!
🎵 What to Expect
Get ready for an epic lineup featuring 25+ artists from across the region—including talents from Missouri, Oklahoma, and right here in the Dakotas! The stage will showcase a huge spectrum of hip-hop styles, alongside exciting EDM sets.
Live Cypher: Don't miss the open freestyle session where artists jump on a beat and showcase their raw skills!
Food & Fun: Enjoy local food trucks, browse artist merch tables, and enter the raffle.
Stream it Live: Can't make it in person? The entire event will be livestreamed on YouTube and the "Party at the Plaza" Facebook page so you won't miss a beat.
❤️ Party with a Purpose
While the event is entirely free to attend, it is being driven by an incredibly important cause.
"We partnered with Operation Combating Veteran Suicide based out of Box Elder, South Dakota... I really believe in their cause and helping stop what’s going on there." – Xavier (Boo Boo)
Free-will donations and raffle proceeds will be collected throughout the day to directly support Operation Combating Veteran Suicide.
⛺ Calling All Vendors!
Want to showcase your business or sell your goods to a massive crowd? Vendor spots are currently available! Booth fees are incredibly affordable (around $100), and you can secure your spot by reaching out to the organizers directly.
How to Connect, Sponsor, or Become a Vendor:
Facebook: Search and follow the "Party at the Plaza" page
Email: RealBooBoo420@gmail.com or PartyAtThePlaza605@gmail.com
Instagram: @RealBooBoo420
Mark your calendars, bring a comfy chair, and let’s make this a festival to remember. See you at the Plaza! 🎉

Tragic Weekend update from Hamlin County 💔
A tragic updating involving Sunday evening's water rescue at the Lake Mary outlet near Lake Norden: authorities have identified the 43-year-old local man who passed away as Levi Graffin.
According to the Hamlin County Sheriff's Office, a family was fishing when a juvenile fell into the water near the outlet and was caught in a powerful current. Graffin courageously entered the water in an attempt to rescue the juvenile.
Responding crews from multiple agencies—including the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Norden Police and Fire Departments, SD Highway Patrol, and Lake Norden Ambulance—rushed to the scene. Both individuals were swept roughly 50 to 75 yards downstream before emergency personnel could reach them in the water.
The juvenile was conscious when rescued and transported by personal vehicle to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Tragically, Graffin was found unresponsive, and despite immediate life-saving efforts by Lake Norden Ambulance personnel, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the entire Lake Norden community during this incredibly difficult time. 🙏
⚾ Post 17 Closes Out Tourney with History-Making Win!
Watertown Post 17 wrapped up the Crayon Prep Tournament in Papillion, NE, with a dominant 11-4 statement win over the Rocky Mountain Lobos! 🎉 The offense exploded for 15 hits, led by Jonathan Lake’s 3 RBIs, alongside multi-hit games from Cole Hansen, Jackson Feylik, Marcus Pitkin, and Kai Paulson.
On the mound, Caisen Jensen allowed just two runs over three innings, Caden Iverson earned the win in relief, and Pitkin threw a scoreless final frame to shut it down.
History Made: This marks the first time Watertown has ever posted a winning record at the prestigious Omaha tournament, finishing 7th out of 28 elite teams! Coach Ryan Neale praised the squad's depth, resilience, and stellar pitching. Post 17 (28-16) now heads to Dell Rapids for a doubleheader on June 23rd!
⚖️ Federal Case Against Coystenen Delayed for 10th Time
The federal child pornography and coercion case against Jeffrey Allen Coystenen has been pushed back once again as the court sorts through ongoing disputes regarding evidence. The defense requested additional time due to two pending suppression motions—specifically challenging whether the seizure of data from a blue iPhone was lawful. The government did not oppose the extension.
Judge Angela Martinez has set the new plea deadline for September 4th, with a jury trial scheduled for September 23rd. Coystenen has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody.
👨‍🚒 2026 South Dakota State Fire School a Major Success
Watertown played host to over 550 firefighters last week for the 2026 South Dakota State Fire School at Lake Area Technical College! The three-day intensive event featured hands-on training in updated techniques, modern technology, and critical safety practices.
The event kicked off with a "Fireground Blueprint" course led by nationally recognized instructor Christopher Naum, which included a walking tour of downtown Watertown to study local building construction. Watertown Fire Rescue extended a huge thank you to the SDFA, LATC, and local businesses for making the massive event a success!
📚 Watertown Resident Lois Hart Named Author of the Year
A massive congratulations to Watertown native and retired professor Lois Hart, who has been named the South Dakota Council of Teachers of English (SDCTE) Author of the Year! Hart, who grew up in Watertown in the 1950s, draws heavily on her early local memories in her writing. Her sister, Jane Miner, accepted the award on her behalf at the USD conference in Sioux Falls.
🍎 Summit High's Victoria Gleeson Named Teacher of the Year
In more education news, Summit High School English teacher Victoria "Vicky" Gleeson has been honored as the 2026 SDCTE Teacher of the Year! Gleeson transitioned from teaching 3rd grade to high school English in 2020 to meet a critical district need. Colleagues praised her exceptional skill in boosting student confidence, expanding the oral interpretation and play programs, and strengthening connections among educators statewide.
📻 Stay informed with your latest local news from the Northeast Radio SD Studios in Watertown.

📻 Northeast Radio SD News Update: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Good morning! Here is your daily local and state news recap from Northeast Radio SD News, anchored by Steve Jurrens.
🏊‍♂️ Summer Fun at the Pool
The second annual community swim night is taking place this Friday, June 19th.
The event runs from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Watertown Family Aquatic Center.
Sponsored by Midco and the Watertown Parks and Recreation Department, guests can expect completely free access to all pool amenities, including the lazy river, water slides, and a ninja cross.
🚓 Regional Law Enforcement Operations
A new joint initiative called "Operation Ballistic Backlog" has been launched by the FBI and ATF on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
In partnership with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the operation aims to test over 500 firearms currently held in evidence using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to accelerate violent crime investigations.
🗳️ Codington County Voting Reminders
Absentee voting is officially open in Codington County for the 2026 South Dakota Republican Governor runoff election.
The runoff is scheduled for July 28th and will determine the nominee between incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden.
⚾ Local Sports Recap
Watertown Post 17 baseball delivered a dominant performance on Monday night, securing a double-header sweep over Groton Post 39 at Watertown Stadium.
Watertown ended both games early due to the run rule, winning with final scores of 11-1 and 13-3.
📊 State Education & Child Well-being
The latest Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlights early childhood education challenges, noting that 64% of three- and four-year-olds in South Dakota are not enrolled in school.
While South Dakota ranked 38th nationally in education, the state climbed three spots to rank 22nd in overall child well-being.
🚜 SDSU Extension Agriculture Training
South Dakota State University Extension is hosting an environmental training session for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).
The session will take place next Tuesday, June 23rd, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.
Today's broadcast was brought to you by the Watertown Development Corporation, creator of Pheasant Ridge, the Calvin Trade Center, and Mallard Point.

🎙️ Community Spotlight: Head Start & Codington Connects!We recently had a fantastic time on Northeast Radio SD discussing the vital early childhood resources available right here in our community. Sara Foust, President of the Codington Connects Board, was joined in the studio by Head Start Family Service Specialists Alana Huck and T’ana Novy to break down everything families need to know.Parenting is hard work, and you don’t know what you don’t know—but you don't have to navigate it alone. Here are the major takeaways from our chat:How Head Start Supports Families:Comprehensive Help: Family Service Specialists assist with much more than enrollment; they help connect families to food resources, housing assistance, energy assistance, and SNAP applications.Early Head Start (Pregnancy to Age 3): This is a home-based program where specialists support parents in their homes, helping children reach milestones like walking, crawling, and recognizing patterns.Preschool (Ages 3 to 5): The center-based preschool operates Monday through Thursday, from approximately 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.Completely Free: Head Start is an income-qualifying program based on federal poverty guidelines, and there is absolutely no cost to families who qualify.Everything is Provided: The program provides breakfast, lunch, and a snack, along with all necessary school supplies like paper, crayons, and markers.Classroom Support: The program also assists children dealing with trauma or those who need extra referrals to the school district for speech or occupational therapy.Get Involved & Get Connected:Waitlists Move Fast: If a spot opens up, the program only has 30 days to fill it, so getting on the waitlist is highly encouraged.Summer of Fun: Keep the kids engaged this summer with the "Summer of Fun" Parks Challenge and Bingo Card! All activities are free and can be found on the Codington Connects Facebook page or website.How to Apply:You can apply online by visiting the ICAP website or by checking out the resources at codingtonconnects.com. If you need help navigating the application, the team is happy to assist you in person at the ICAP office (7th Ave SE). @🎙️ Community Spotlight: Head Start & Codington Connects!We recently had a fantastic time on Northeast Radio SD discussing the vital early childhood resources available right here in our community. Sara Foust, President of the Codington Connects Board, was joined in the studio by Head Start Family Service Specialists Alana Huck and T'ana Novy to break down everything families need to know.Parenting is hard work, and you don't know what you don't know—but you don't have to navigate it alone. Here are the major takeaways from our chat:How Head Start Supports Families:Comprehensive Help: Family Service Specialists assist with much more than enrollment; they help connect families to food resources, housing assistance, energy assistance, and SNAP applications.Early Head Start (Pregnancy to Age 3): This is a home-based program where specialists support parents in their homes, helping children reach milestones like walking, crawling, and recognizing patterns.Preschool (Ages 3 to 5): The center-based preschool operates Monday through Thursday, from approximately 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.Completely Free: Head Start is an income-qualifying program based on federal poverty guidelines, and there is absolutely no cost to families who qualify.Everything is Provided: The program provides breakfast, lunch, and a snack, along with all necessary school supplies like paper, crayons, and markers.Classroom Support: The program also assists children dealing with trauma or those who need extra referrals to the school district for speech or occupational therapy.Get Involved & Get Connected:Waitlists Move Fast: If a spot opens up, the program only has 30 days to fill it, so getting on the waitlist is highly encouraged.Summer of Fun: Keep the kids engaged this summer with the "Summer of Fun" Parks Challenge and Bingo Card! All activities are free and can be found on the Codington Connects Facebook page or website.How to Apply:You can apply online by visiting the ICAP website or by checking out the resources at codingtonconnects.com. If you need help navigating the application, the team is happy to assist you in person at the ICAP office (7th Ave SE).Let’s ensure every child in our community gets a "head start" on a bright future! 💙 Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership#WatertownSD #HeadStart #CodingtonConnects #CommunitySupport #EarlyChildhoodEducation #familyresourcesLet’s ensure every child in our community gets a "head start" on a bright future! 💙#WatertownSD #HeadStart #CodingtonConnects #CommunitySupport #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FamilyResources

🐞 Join Us for a Special "Little Bug Earns Her Spots" Event! 🐞
We recently had a wonderful conversation on Northeast Radio SD with Julianne Endres, Rebecca Hall, and Julie Ranum about an incredible book and an even more amazing cause!
The Story Behind the Spots
Little Bug Earns Her Spots is a children's book that grew from a touching friendship with a little girl named Emily Holt. Emily loved ladybugs and sadly passed away in 2002. Emily was a Make-A-Wish child. In her honor, all book royalties for the year 2026 will go directly to Make-A-Wish South Dakota and Montana! Rebecca Hall, the digital and watercolor illustrator, helped bring this beautiful vision to life alongside Julianne Endres.
Celebrate with Us at the Redlin Art Center
To celebrate the book's success and support this incredible kindness campaign, the Redlin Art Center is hosting a special family-friendly event!
Date: The event will take place on Saturday, June 20th.
Time: The fun will run from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Location: The event is being hosted at the Redlin Art Center in Watertown.
Book Reading: Julianne and Rebecca will be doing a special joint book reading for attendees.
Fun Activities: Kids can enjoy four different hands-on activity stations. These stations will feature postcard coloring, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and washable ladybug tattoos.
Gallery Bingo: The art center is offering a free picture bingo game. Kids can use their game cards to match pictures to Terry Redlin's original artwork in the gallery.
Where to Find the Book
Can't make it to the event? You can still support the cause! You can pick up your copy locally in Watertown at DDR Books, Blessings Big and Small, and Timber Bloom. The book is also available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Help us spread kindness and support Make-A-Wish!

💇‍♀️ Big Milestones & Celebrations for Prestige Salon! 💇‍♀️
We just caught an amazing interview with news broadcaster Steve Jurrens, Tim Sheean (CEO of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce) on Northeast Radio SD, along with salon manager Nikki Schuesler and cosmetologist Ashley Veen. They shared some incredible history and a sneak peek into a massive celebration you won't want to miss!
🎉 Prestige Salon's 20-Year Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Prestige Salon is marking 20 years of style and service in Watertown, and they are throwing a party to celebrate!
Date: Thursday, June 18th
Time: Ribbon cutting starts at 4:00 PM
Location: Prestige Salon on Willow Creek Drive
🎁 Epic Giveaways & Swag Bags
Make sure to arrive early! The first 15 people through the door will receive an exclusive swag bag packed with full retail-sized products. The prizes don't stop there:
Hourly Giveaways: Large prize drawings will happen on the hour at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
Grand Prizes: Two massive ultimate giveaways will close out the night!
🍔 Food & Fun on Site
Come hungry and thirsty! The celebration will feature local favorites parked outside:
Dempsey's Hot Dog Cart
The Soda Corral
✨ Pamper Yourself: Services Old & New
Prestige Salon is a blended salon offering both commission and booth rental setups for their talented team. While they specialize in custom hair color, cuts, and styles, they offer a full suite of luxury pampering services:
Trending Head Spas: Indulge in a full hour of pure bliss featuring a scalp reset, massage, spa music, heated blankets, and red-light therapy.
Specialty Enhancements: They are your go-to destination for hand-tied sew-in extensions, fusions, tape-ins, lash extensions, microblading, and lash lifts/tints.
Coming in July: Get ready to relax with their brand-new addition—manicures and pedicures!
🚀 What's Next? A Sneak Peek at 1906 Nutrition
The salon recently welcomed its passionate new owner, Riley Zastro. Not only is she keeping the salon's legacy alive, but she's also expanding downtown!
Coming Soon (Targeting July): Keep an eye out for 1906 Nutrition Downtown. This new spot will be an Herbalife-based shake shop serving up energy teas, custom shakes, healthy bowls, and protein balls.
Support a business that has been making Watertown beautiful for two decades. See you on Thursday at 4:00 PM!