Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

🗞️ Your Live Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Tuesday, June 16th, 2026! 🗞️
Here is what you missed this morning with Steve Jurrens:
🦺 14th Avenue NW Bridge Set to Reopen
After months of anticipation, the 14th Avenue NW bridge over the Big Sioux River is finally reopening to traffic tomorrow!
The Project: Led by Grand Guard Construction of Watertown, the $2 million bridge replacement project began last November.
The Reopening: Traffic will resume on Wednesday, June 17th, at noon. This will restore a crucial east-west route for northwest Watertown.
Safety First: Drivers are reminded to stay alert as crews will still be in the area completing final cleanup tasks.
🦟 First West Nile Virus Case Detected in Brown County
State health officials have confirmed the first West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pool of the season in Brown County.
The Threat: The Culex tarsalis mosquito, the primary carrier of the virus, is most active between dusk and midnight. The elderly, pregnant women, transplant patients, and individuals with chronic health conditions are at the highest risk.
Prevention: The Department of Health strongly advises residents to use EPA-approved bug spray, eliminate standing water, and avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.
💰 Major Bankruptcy Milestone: The Ruins Apartments
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved the $11.265 million sale of "The Ruins" apartment complex to Build LLC.
The Background: The property, owned by original developer Jesse Craig, was sold during bankruptcy proceedings. Craig was outbid by more than $5 million.
The Next Steps: The sale concludes an 18-month legal process. A court-approved "waterfall" will distribute proceeds to cover taxes, property liens, closing costs, broker fees, and payouts to Red River State Bank and the Watertown Development Company. Remaining funds will go to lower-priority creditors.
🚧 Annexation Dispute Arises Over Gravel Mining
A nearly 100-acre annexation request has sparked a jurisdictional conflict between J&J Land Sales and Codington County.
The Conflict: J&J Land Sales is seeking annexation into Watertown to continue its gravel mining operations, which require a conditional use permit under city zoning.
The History: County officials report that the operator has a history of violations, including mining without a valid permit and encroaching on rights-of-way.
The Current Status: The county has halted operations until July 18th, but the annexation could bypass this delay. Township officials are pressing for immediate legal action ahead of a city hearing scheduled for tonight (June 15th).
🛣️ City Council Approves Land Purchase for North Bypass
The Watertown City Council has unanimously approved the purchase of a 2.91-acre parcel from the South Dakota DOT for $12,200.
The Location: The land is located near 26th Avenue NW.
The Purpose: The purchase utilized the city's land-restricted fund to secure the property for the future North Bypass planning and right-of-way management.
🏘️ TIF Consideration for Prairie Haven Phase Two
The City Council will consider approving TIF #24 tonight, a proposal for the second phase of the Prairie Haven development.
The Project: High Five Developments is proposing a 75-home affordable housing project.
The Financials: Home prices are capped at $410,000, with an expected average value of $310,000.
The TIF: The TIF would help bridge a $39,000 per-lot infrastructure gap via a "pay-as-you-go" reimbursement capped at $3.44 million. Construction is projected to begin in 2027 and reach full build-out by 2031.
🚓 Arrest Made After High-Speed Chase
A 25-year-old Watertown man was arrested early Sunday following a dangerous high-speed pursuit.
The Incident: The chase occurred around 1:02 AM on 8th Street NW. The driver failed to negotiate a left turn, crashing his BMW into a mobile home and three parked vehicles.
The Arrest: The driver was evaluated and found to be under the influence. He was arrested for careless driving and DUI.
🔥 Hay Field Fire Near Waverly
The Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a hay field fire near Waverly on Monday afternoon.
The Fire: The 3-4 acre fire was contained by the property owner using a load tractor before crews arrived.
The Extinguishment: Firefighters spent two hours putting out burning hay bales and soaking the area to prevent reignition. No structures were threatened.
🇺🇸 City Facilities Closing for Juneteenth
As a reminder, several municipal offices and public facilities in Watertown will be closed on Friday, June 19th, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
Closures: City Hall, the Watertown Regional Library, the Watertown Regional Landfill, and the Park and Rec Fieldhouse will all be closed. Normal operations will resume on Monday, June 22nd.
Stay Informed! Read full stories, check out our daily news recap podcast, and sign up for our morning newsletter at northeastradiosd.com.

🗞️ Your Live Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Monday, June 15th, 2026! 🗞️
Here is what you missed this morning with Steve Jurrens:
🦪 Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Bitter Lake
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Bitter Lake. This marks a critical time for boaters to be extra vigilant, as the mussels are microscopic and highly spreadable during this season.
The Discovery: The mussels were found attached to flooded trees on the northwest side of the lake.
Affected Waters: Bitter Lake, Goose Lake, and Solomon Slough are now officially classified as zebra mussel positive.
Action Required: GFP urges all boaters to follow the "clean, drain, dry" protocol: remove debris, drain all water, and allow boats to dry completely. Suspected invasive species should be reported to GFP immediately.
🎶 Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Hougo Broadcasting
A coalition of major music publishers has filed a federal lawsuit against Hougo Broadcasting, accusing the company of broadcasting hit songs without a license for over two years.
The Allegations: The June 8th complaint lists 14 counts of willful copyright infringement against owner Christian Hougo and four stations: KIQK-FM, KSQY-FM, KTOQ-AM, and KXMZ-FM.
License Revocation: ASCAP reportedly revoked the broadcaster's license in April 2024 due to delinquent payments and failed negotiations.
The Repercussions: Publishers are seeking a permanent injunction and up to $150,000 per infringement, which could total over $2.1 million, plus attorney fees.
🚓 High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest
A 25-year-old Watertown man was arrested early Sunday morning following a high-speed chase that caused significant property damage.
The Incident: The chase occurred around 1:02 AM on 8th Street NW. The driver failed to negotiate a left turn, sending his BMW off the road.
The Damage: The vehicle crashed into a mobile home, private property, and three unoccupied vehicles (a Hyundai Genesis, a Chrysler Pacifica, and a Suzuki motorcycle).
The Arrest: Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The driver was arrested for careless driving and DUI. Police are using this incident to remind motorists of the severe risks associated with speed and impairment.
💰 Major Bankruptcy Milestone: The Ruins Apartments
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved the $11.265 million sale of "The Ruins" apartment complex to Build LLC.
The Background: The property, owned by original developer Jesse Craig, was sold during bankruptcy proceedings. Craig was outbid by more than $5 million.
The Next Steps: The sale concludes an 18-month legal process. A court-approved "waterfall" will distribute proceeds to cover taxes, property liens, closing costs, broker fees, and payouts to Red River State Bank and the Watertown Development Company. Remaining funds will go to lower-priority creditors.
🚧 Annexation Dispute Arises Over Gravel Mining
A nearly 100-acre annexation request has sparked a jurisdictional conflict between J&J Land Sales and Codington County.
The Conflict: J&J Land Sales is seeking annexation into Watertown to continue its gravel mining operations, which require a conditional use permit under city zoning.
The History: County officials report that the operator has a history of violations, including mining without a valid permit and encroaching on rights-of-way.
The Current Status: The county has halted operations until July 18th, but the annexation could bypass this delay. Township officials are pressing for immediate legal action ahead of a city hearing scheduled for tonight (June 15th).
🛣️ City Council Approves Land Purchase for North Bypass
The Watertown City Council is set to vote today on purchasing a 2.91-acre parcel from the South Dakota DOT for $12,200.
The Location: The land is located near 26th Avenue NW.
The Purpose: The purchase will utilize the city's land-restricted fund to secure the property for the future North Bypass planning and right-of-way management.
🏘️ TIF Consideration for Prairie Haven Phase Two
The City Council will also review TIF #24 tonight, a proposal for the second phase of the Prairie Haven development.
The Project: High Five Developments is proposing a 75-home project classified as affordable housing.
The Financials: Home prices are capped at $410,000, with an expected average value of $310,000.
The TIF: The TIF would help bridge a $39,000 per-lot infrastructure gap via a "pay-as-you-go" reimbursement capped at $3.44 million. Construction is projected to begin in 2027 and reach full build-out by 2031.
Stay Informed! Read full stories, check out our daily news recap podcast, and sign up for our morning newsletter at northeastradiosd.com.

We had an absolute blast talking to Coach Taylor Johnson and skater Dasia Woertink in our latest live stream.They shared what it takes to excel on the ice, the dedication behind the routines, and what the club is currently working on. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just love watching the grace of the sport, you won't want to miss this conversation!Hit the link to listen to the replay, and leave some love for our local skaters in the comments! 💙🏅#WatertownFigureSkating #IceSkating #FigureSkater #LocalAthletes #WatertownSD #SkatingLife #CoachLife

🎉 40 YEARS of building our community! 🏗️ We were absolutely thrilled to sit down with Julie Kneeland to celebrate a massive milestone for the Watertown Area Home Builders Association!For four decades, WABA has been a cornerstone of local development, championing builders and trades professionals who quite literally shape the place we call home. In this interview, Julie reflects on the association's incredible history, the evolution of the local building industry, and what’s on the horizon.Join us in congratulating WABA on 40 amazing years! 👇🥂#WatertownSD #WatertownBuilders #WABA #40thAnniversary #CommunityBuilding #ConstructionLife #LocalDevelopment

LIVE w/ Angie Collignon - Substance Use and Justice Programs Coordinator for Codington County - 6/10/26 Codington ConnectsIn our latest community spotlight, we had an important and insightful conversation with Angie Collignon, the Substance Use and Justice Programs Coordinator for Codington County. 🤝Angie breaks down the essential work being done to bridge the gap between the justice system and recovery resources. It is vital for our community to understand the programs available to help individuals find a path forward.Listen to the full recording to learn more about the positive impacts these initiatives are having right here in Codington County.#CodingtonCounty #communitysupport #recoveryresources #JusticePrograms #mentalhealthmatters #CommunityCare

LIVE w/ Jerod Jordan at Joy Ranch of SD🐴 It’s going to be a summer to remember! We went live to talk all things Joy Ranch and get the inside scoop on the amazing Young Timber Camp! 🌲✨Whether it's building confidence, making lifelong friends, or just enjoying the great outdoors, this camp offers an unforgettable experience for the kids. If you missed our live chat, you can catch the replay to hear Jerod share what makes this year’s camp so special.#JoyRanch #YoungTimberCamp #SummerCamp #OutdoorAdventures #YouthCamp #Summer2026

🚀 Turning Frustrations into Fortune: Insights from Dr. Melissa Meidinger! 💡
Have you ever been frustrated by a bad customer experience and thought, "I could do this better"? We had an absolutely brilliant conversation on Northeast Radio SD with Dr. Melissa Meidinger, Regional Director of the Watertown Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and she says that exact frustration might be your next big business idea!
We are currently in the middle of what experts are calling the "Great American Small Business Surge." Driven by post-pandemic shifts, inflation, and a desire for independence, more people than ever are looking for side hustles and entrepreneurial paths.
Here is Dr. Meidinger’s ultimate advice on how to find your edge in the market:
📓 Become a "Student of Problems"
Successful businesses rarely start with a random "brilliant idea"—they start by solving a simple problem. Dr. Meidinger challenges all future entrepreneurs to grab a journal. Every time you experience a frustration, hear a customer complaint, or read a negative online review, write it down. It trains your brain to recognize unmet needs. Remember: A problem is simply an opportunity waiting for a solution.
📈 Watch the Mega-Trends
To build a sustainable business, look at the long-term trends shaping our world. Dr. Meidinger highlights a few massive opportunities right now:
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Everyone wants to know how to implement it effectively.
The Aging Population: A huge generation is retiring, creating massive demand for specific services and care.
Remote & Hybrid Work: Solving the unique frustrations and disconnects of the modern digital workplace.
Mental Health & Wellbeing: A growing priority across all demographics.
Lifelong Learning & Workplace Development: Upskilling the current workforce.
📱 Social Media is Your Best Research Tool
Social media gets a bad rap, but it is an incredible tool if used correctly. Consumers are craving authenticity. They want real human connections. Use social platforms to look directly into the minds of your consumers—read their reviews, listen to their desires, and respond to their complaints with factual, helpful, and unemotional solutions.
🤝 Ready to Take the Leap?
Entrepreneurship is not an island! If you have an idea, want to know if it's viable in the marketplace, or need help finding funding, the SBDC is here to help. Reach out to Dr. Meidinger to start turning your problem-solving skills into profits.
P.S. Tune in next time when we welcome Maddie from the Brookings SBDC and the Brookings Growth Alliance to the studio! 🎙️

LIVE w/ Tim Sheehan of Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce🎙️ Chamber Updates, Walk-up Songs, & Ribbon Cuttings with Tim Sheehan! ✂️🎀We had an amazing time on Northeast Radio SD chatting with Tim Sheehan, President and CEO of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce! Between figuring out Tim’s official radio "walk-up song" (Van Halen's Right Now is a strong contender 🎸) and breaking down the explosive business growth in our community, this episode is packed with exciting news!Here is what you need to know about what's happening in Watertown:☕ Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings! * 7 Brew: The highly anticipated ribbon cutting is TODAY at 10 AM on the bypass! Get ready for awesome coffees, energy drinks, and fun!Top Detail: Join us this Friday at 3 PM (just east of the fire department) to welcome Thomas Cranford’s new detailing business! (Plus, catch his rescheduled radio interview Friday morning at 9 AM!)Kinlin Ramen and Sushi: If you haven't checked them out since their ribbon cutting last week, you need to go try their amazing menu (Tim highly recommends the octopus balls!).🤝 Welcome New Chamber Members!The Chamber roster is growing fast! A huge welcome to our newest members: 1906 Nutrition & Prestige Salon (downtown), Jumpstart and Viral (advertising), Cornerstone Bank (Ribbon cutting June 25th!), Sioux Valley Co-op Credit Union, Let's Go Travel by Karen, Ophthalmology Limited, and Edward Jones (Katherine Danforth)!📈 Empowering Local EntrepreneursTim highlighted the Chamber’s core mission: making local businesses bigger, better, and stronger. The Chamber is actively partnering with folks like Melissa Meidinger at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to help local tradesmen and new entrepreneurs turn their incredible skills into successful, manageable businesses.📚 Get Involved: Leadership Lab & Lunch-and-LearnsLeadership Lab: After a massively successful spring session, the 8-week Leadership Lab returns this September! This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to invest in their employees' professional growth. Registration is open and spots are already filling up!Lunch & Learns: Keep an eye out for upcoming 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM training sessions. The Chamber wants to hear from YOU—what does your business need help with? QuickBooks? Marketing? Let them know!🚗 Save the Date: Thursday Night Live!Don't miss the Thursday Night Live Car Show on June 25th! Come down to see some amazing cars, including a live detailing demonstration by the crew at Top Detail on a sweet red drop-top!Whether you want to become a Chamber Ambassador, volunteer, or just connect with other professionals, there has never been a better time to get involved in the Watertown business community.Watch the full interview to hear all the details! 👇#WatertownSD #SupportLocal #ChamberOfCommerce #NortheastRadioSD #WatertownBusiness #CommunityGrowth #LeadershipLab #RibbonCutting #SouthDakotaBusiness

🎓 LATC Breaks Records: Lake Area Technical College celebrates a record-breaking graduating class of 883 students and an incredible 99.8% job placement rate for the class of 2025. Graduates are seeing excellent financial returns, with an average starting wage over $57,000 a year!
⭐ Presidential Scholar: Watertown High School graduate Whitney Martinsen is recognized by the school board as a 2026 US Presidential Scholar Semifinalist.
📜 Free History Series: Two locals are teaming up to offer a free three-part educational series on America’s founding documents starting June 16th at Element.
⚖️ Crime & Courts: Federal updates include a 6+ year prison sentence for a Peever man involved in a 2021 assault, and a federal conviction for a Sioux Falls man caught attempting to entice a minor online in an undercover sting.
🚧 AirStay Hotel Delays: The Watertown City Council has approved extended street closures for the delayed AirStay Hotel project on the former City Hall site, adding strict conditions for neighborhood traffic communication.
⛸️ Historic Skating Season: The Watertown Figure Skate Club celebrates a monumental year at their end-of-season banquet, honoring their Skaters of the Year and recognizing four athletes who achieved prestigious US Figure Skating Gold Medalist status.

Local Government & Development
Drainage Pond Approval: The Watertown Planning Commission unanimously approved vacating a 14,430-square-foot strip of unimproved right-of-way. This allows Jeffrey and Sandra Stoddam to construct a private detention pond between an abandoned rail corridor and the Watertown Development Company addition to address local drainage issues.
Prairie Haven Phase II TIF District: The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to support a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for Phase II of the Prairie Haven project. The development will introduce 75 single-family homes priced around $310,000 each, representing a $22–$24 million investment. High Five Development is requesting just over $4.4 million in TIF reimbursements to cover infrastructure gaps of roughly $30,000 per lot. The measure now advances to the City Council.
Police, Fire, and Accidents
UTV and Pickup Crash: Three people were hospitalized early Sunday after a collision between a northbound Chevy Silverado and a southbound Can-Am UTV northwest of White. The UTV was sent into the ditch, and its occupants were taken to Brookings Hospital. The pickup occupants were uninjured. The State Highway Patrol is investigating.
Rollover Accident: One person was injured Friday night in a single-vehicle rollover at 455th Avenue and 164th Street. Watertown Fire Rescue found a half-ton pickup in the west ditch and transported the patient to Prairie Lakes Hospital.
Vehicle Fire: A van was completely destroyed after catching fire in the parking lot of the Cowboy Country Store gas station (Highways 81 and 212) on Saturday afternoon. Fire Rescue quickly extinguished the fully engulfed vehicle.
Stolen Motorcycles: Watertown Police are seeking the public's help recovering a stolen silver 8x22-foot aluminum trailer containing nine state training motorcycles. The theft occurred on May 13, and surveillance shows a black Dodge crew cab pickup towing the trailer westbound out of Watertown. The stolen bikes include six black Suzuki GZ250s and three white and copper Suzuki TU250Xs.
County Commission & Veteran Services
Codington County Commission Updates: The Commission scheduled interviews for a new pretrial case manager. They also approved hiring two new Memorial Park custodians at $18.68/hour and added an emergency management on-call employee at $30/hour. Additionally, several jail-related claims were approved for architecture, construction, and engineering groups.
Veteran Services Gains: Codington County Veteran Service Officer Jay Roberts reported major financial gains for local veterans in May. The county secured $137,078 in retro payments (bringing the year-to-date total to nearly $465,000) and saw monthly compensation increase by over $22,000.
Local Sports
Watertown Post 17 Baseball: The team went 1-3 at the Lewis and Clark Tournament over the weekend. They opened with a 9-5 win over Blair but subsequently fell to West Fargo, SMFC, and Yankton. Coach Ryan Neale noted the tournament provided valuable rest for some players and expanded roles for others. The team next plays at Brandon Valley on Wednesday.
Community News
Tourism Director Retiring: Rosie Smith announced her retirement, effective August 1, after more than 25 years of leading Glacial Lakes and Prairies Tourism. Smith has been a key advocate for outdoor recreation and community events, signing off her announcement with the message, "Safe travels ahead."