Local Watertown Area News

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown High School is looking to the future of its volleyball program with a familiar face at the helm. Activities Director Craig Boyens announced the hiring of Havyn Heinz as the new Head Volleyball Coach for the Arrows, pending formal school board approval.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Drivers in Northeast South Dakota should prepare for significant travel changes as a major road improvement project begins next week. Starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, a nine-mile grading and interim surfacing project will commence on S.D. Highway 25 west of Henry.

Northeast Radio SD News – Fort Sisseton, SD - History in our backyard is getting a major boost this spring. The South Dakota State Historical Society has officially announced the winners of the Deadwood Fund Grant for the Spring 2026 cycle, and a Northeast South Dakota landmark is on the list.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - On Thursday, April 9th, a small building in downtown Watertown will open its doors for an event that aims to make a global impact. Fallout Shelter Ministries is partnering with Daylight United for an exclusive “Dinner and Acoustic Night” to raise funds for the ongoing battle against human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Local film enthusiasts and aspiring creators have a rare opportunity to go behind the lens this month. South Dakota’s own award-winning writer and director, Andrew Kightlinger, is returning to his roots for a special screening of his film Lost on a Mountain in Maine at the Odyssey 8 Theater on Monday, March 30.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A Watertown summer staple is getting a high-energy makeover. In a recent interview on Northeast Radio SD, Tim Sheehan, President and CEO of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, and Ashley Johnson, Director of Community Engagement, discussed the historical roots and the bold new direction for the 2026 Cookin’ on Kampeska celebration.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The local tourism landscape is about to look a little different. During a live broadcast on Monday, March 23, the leaders of Visit Watertown announced that they are officially moving their headquarters to the historic Goss Opera House and are now seeking nominations for the 2026 Tourism Awards.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Downtown Watertown Collective is officially on the hunt for a new leader to serve as the Downtown Collective Director, a role designed to act as the primary “connector and catalyst” for the city’s heart.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Planning Commission has unanimously recommended the approval of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district designed to bring 40 new affordable single-family homes to the community.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Board of Adjustment has voted to remove an immediate sidewalk installation requirement for a new development in the city’s southeast industrial corridor, siding with a local developer who reasoned the infrastructure would effectively lead to nowhere.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A variance was granted to property owner Andrew Wiese at 527 3rd Street SE, allowing for the replacement of a 6-foot privacy fence that exceeds current city height restrictions for front yards.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Jason and Stephanie Lenards received the green light to move forward with a substantial expansion of their property at 434 S Lake Drive after the Board of Adjustment granted a side yard setback variance.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A long-standing commercial space in downtown Watertown is set for a residential transformation. The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a conditional use request to establish a dwelling unit on the main floor of a commercial structure at 24 Midway Alley.

Northeast Radio SD News – Custer, SD - The Qury Fire, located two miles southeast of Custer, has officially reached 68% containment. The blaze currently stands at 9,168 acres.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the snow melts and warmer weather approaches, the City of Watertown is preparing for the annual spring cleanup. The Public Works Department announced that curbside yard waste collection is set to resume the week of Monday, March 30, 2026.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With warmer temperatures arriving and snow beginning to melt, the City of Watertown’s Wastewater Division is reminding residents of seasonal regulations regarding sump pump usage to protect the local infrastructure and prevent costly backups.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown community is gearing up for two days of inspiration and professional growth as the 4th annual Day of Development returns on March 24-25, 2026. Founder Mitch Reed, who also serves as the Superintendent of the Florence School District, interviewed with Steve Jurrens at Northeast Radio SD to discuss the event’s evolution and what attendees can expect this year.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce has announced a bold new direction for one of the region’s most anticipated summer traditions. Cookin’ on Kampeska returns to Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park from July 16–18, 2026, featuring a “music-first” festival format that moves beyond its traditional BBQ competition roots to offer a bigger, more vibrant community experience.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a town known for its industrious spirit, Ann Taecker is working to ensure that “creative” remains a core part of the local vocabulary. Speaking to the Watertown Rotary Club on Thursday, Taecker—a visual artist, grant specialist, and community development advocate—shared her vision for a Watertown where art isn’t just a luxury for the few, but a vital part of the daily lives of all citizens.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD – It has been called a “life-sized board game,” a night of “organized chaos,” and Watertown’s most unique fundraiser. On April 24, 2026, the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown will host its Annual Blue Door Derby Camel Races, an event that has grown from a quirky local gathering into the agency’s signature fundraising effort.