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Local Watertown Area News
Local news articles about Watertown and surrounding area.


Watertown Man Charged With Solicitation and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A Watertown man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators in South Dakota and Idaho linked him to an alleged online solicitation and sexual exploitation case involving a 13‑year‑old girl, according to newly filed court documents.

Steve Jurrens
May 223 min read


$174 Million Battery Energy Storage Facility Proposed for Codington County, South Dakota PUC Schedules Public Input Meeting
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Crowned Ridge Energy Storage I, LLC (CRES) has formally submitted an application to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for a permit to construct a 120-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in Codington County. Representing an estimated capital investment of $174 million, the project is designed to enhance grid resilience, curb transmission congestion, and maximize existing regional renewable energ

Steve Jurrens
May 225 min read


Watertown Regional Airport Manager Outlines Record Growth, Seasonal Hunting Flights, and New Revenue Programs
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown Regional Airport Manager Ian Meriwether joined host Steve Jurrens on Northeast Radio SD to provide an update on the airport’s operations, shifting passenger trends, and ahead-of-the-curve land management programs. Now in its fourth year of operation, the terminal continues to see high customer satisfaction and notable traffic spikes.

Steve Jurrens
May 213 min read


District 5 Senate Candidate Josephine Garcia Outlines Platform, Focuses on Property Rights Ahead of June Primary
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the June 2 primary election approaches, the race for South Dakota’s District 5 Senate seat continues to take shape. Current Representative Josephine Garcia recently appeared on a local radio stream to discuss her background, her legislative record, and her campaign focus on constituent representation.

Steve Jurrens
May 212 min read


Watertown Outlines 2026 Mosquito Control Plan; Spraying Only When West Nile Risk Rises
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With mosquito season approaching, the Watertown Park, Recreation, and Forestry Department has detailed its 2026 Mosquito Control Program, emphasizing prevention and targeted action to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus.

Steve Jurrens
May 212 min read


Bryant Man Sentenced to 2.5 Years for Illegal Firearm Possession After Felony Conviction
Northeast Radio SD News – Bryant, SD - A Bryant man has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison after admitting to illegally possessing multiple firearms despite a prior felony conviction, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.

Steve Jurrens
May 212 min read


Watertown Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A 26-year-old Watertown, South Dakota man has been sentenced to federal prison after being convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today.

Steve Jurrens
May 212 min read


Watertown sales tax collections rise through the first quarter of 2026
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown’s sales tax revenues continue to trend upward in 2026, with the city reporting steady year‑over‑year growth across its 1st Penny, 2nd Penny, and BBB tax categories, according to newly released financial data.

Steve Jurrens
May 201 min read


Watertown Fire Rescue: Boat fire quickly contained inside residential garage
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown Fire Rescue responded to an emergency call Wednesday evening after a report of a boat on fire inside a residential garage on the 3000 block of Derby Avenue, according to a department media release.

Steve Jurrens
May 201 min read


Hands-On History: Henry School Fifth Graders Embark on First-Ever South Dakota Capstone Trip
Northeast Radio SD News – Henry, SD - Classroom textbooks came to life this month as the Henry School fifth-grade class returned from their inaugural South Dakota Capstone Trip. The trip marks a new tradition for the school, following recent state standard shifts that moved these core South Dakota history and science focuses from the fourth grade to the fifth grade.

Steve Jurrens
May 203 min read


2nd Annual “Splash into Summer” Event Promises Expanded Food, Free Family Fun at Foundation Plaza
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington Connects, and its community partners are gearing up to officially kick off the season with the second annual “Splash into Summer” celebration. The free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at downtown Watertown’s Foundation Plaza. During a weekly check-in on Northeast Radio SD, Codington Connects Board President Sara Foust and Liz Brownell of the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown s

Steve Jurrens
May 203 min read


Watertown Fire Rescue Highlights Lifesaving Innovation and Rural Challenges for National EMS Week 2026
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In recognition of National EMS Week 2026, representatives from Watertown Fire Rescue sat down to share an inside look at the evolving world of Emergency Medical Services. This year’s national theme, “Improving Outcomes Together,” serves as a backdrop to highlight not only the incredible technological advancements in modern medicine but also the critical challenges facing rural first responders.

Steve Jurrens
May 203 min read


Deep Roots, Future Vision: Senator Steph Sauder Outlines Campaign Priorities for District 4 Re-Election
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With the South Dakota primary election just around the corner on June 2nd, District 4 State Senator Steph Sauder is hitting the pavement, clocking thousands of miles across the district to connect with voters. In a recent comprehensive interview with Northeast Radio SD, Senator Sauder shared her multi-generational connection to the land, her legislative achievements, and her clear-eyed vision for keeping South Dakota competitive on a

Steve Jurrens
May 204 min read


Watertown Co-Response Team Highlights Innovative Approach to Mental Health Crises and Community Policing
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a recent broadcast on Northeast Radio SD, Watertown Police Department Mental Health Officer Alexis Buysse and Public Safety Social Worker Elly Anderson pulled back the curtain on a revolutionary approach to local emergency response: a dedicated mental health co-response team.

Steve Jurrens
May 203 min read


WACF Youth Council Elects New Members, Marks 25th Anniversary
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation has announced the newly elected members of its Youth Council for the 2026–2027 school year, coinciding with the program’s 25th anniversary.

Steve Jurrens
May 192 min read


Delivering Results with Fiscal Integrity: District 5 Senator Glen Vilhauer Outlines Re-Election Vision (Podcast & Video)
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Following a recent live broadcast with Northeast Radio SD, Republican incumbent Senator Glen Vilhauer reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to District 5, outlining a comprehensive legislative platform ahead of the upcoming primary election on June 2nd. A Tripp native who has called Watertown home for over 45 years, Senator Vilhauer brings a deep, lifelong commitment to community service and unparalleled financial expertise to the Sout

Steve Jurrens
May 193 min read


Watertown Police Department Unveils New Armored Rescue Vehicle for High-Risk Incidents
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Police Department has officially expanded its emergency response infrastructure with the addition of a new Armored Rescue Vehicle. Designed to strengthen public safety, the vehicle is aimed at providing enhanced protection for citizens, first responders, and law enforcement personnel during high-stakes tactical operations and severe crises.

Steve Jurrens
May 192 min read


Watertown Parks and Recreation Director Dusty Rodiek Announces Retirement
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Dusty Rodiek will officially retire at the end of June 2026, marking the conclusion of an impactful municipal career dedicated to enhancing Watertown’s public spaces and community infrastructure.

Steve Jurrens
May 182 min read


Council Backs’ Rent-for-Shares’ Haying Agreement to Provision Bramble Park Zoo
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The City Council approved Resolution No. 26-18, confirming a "rent-for-shares" agricultural lease agreement with local operator Lyle Bothe, doing business as LNJ Farms and Ranch. The resolution establishes an intent to lease approximately 85 acres of city-owned real property at St. Ann’s Hill and Derby Downs exclusively for haying operations, setting a formal public hearing date for June 1, 2026.

Steve Jurrens
May 182 min read


Council Modernizes Corporate Signatures and Limits Routine Agendas via Governance Policy GP-01
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a move to modernize corporate workflows and optimize public agendas, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-19, formally establishing Governance Policy GP-01. The policy outlines explicit parameters delegating administrative signature authority to city staff for routine municipal sponsorship and advertising agreements, such as tee-box signage at the Cattail Crossing municipal golf course.

Steve Jurrens
May 182 min read


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