Local Watertown Area News

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board received its first formal look at the 2026-2027 preliminary budget Monday night, revealing a total operating plan of $116,617,894. The new budget marks a 3.66% decrease in overall spending compared to the previous year.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Shamrocks announced that team president Ryan Bisgard will be departing the organization to join the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League as a Partnerships–Marketing Fellow.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Police Department (WPD) gathered outside its headquarters on a clear, sunny morning to hold a somber and moving ceremony in observance of National Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Beacon Center will host the Little Caesars Love Kitchen on Tuesday, May 19, offering free pizza to community members from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at its Jenson Avenue location.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The City of Watertown Street Division has announced upcoming traffic impacts for local commuters as crews perform necessary infrastructure maintenance.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The road to the Class A High School State Tournament runs through Watertown Stadium this weekend. The No. 8 seed Watertown Arrows are set to host the No. 9 seed Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots in a high-stakes Super Regional series, with a trip to the state championships on the line.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Arrows closed out their regular season in dramatic fashion Saturday at Watertown Stadium, overpowering Sioux Falls Washington in a run‑rule opener before walking off the Warriors in Game 2 to complete the doubleheader sweep.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Arrows delivered one of their strongest performances of the season Friday night at Watertown Stadium, sweeping Bishop O’Gorman behind a late rally in the opener and a first‑inning grand slam in the nightcap.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown Fire Rescue responded late Saturday morning to a two‑vehicle crash that left two people injured and temporarily trapped inside their vehicle.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The historic Goss Opera House became the center of the regional political universe as candidates for South Dakota Districts 4 and 5 squared off in a marathon primary forum. With the June 2nd primary looming, the event highlighted divides within the Republican party on issues ranging from the criminality of abortion to the state’s role in economic development.

Northeast Radio SD News – Hayti, SD - Emergency crews responded Friday morning to a vehicle fire just south of Hamlin School, according to the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Madison Grimm, a 19‑year‑old wildlife artist and conservation advocate from Wallace, has been named the South Dakota Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year. The award was presented during the organization’s annual banquet in Huron last weekend.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Former State Senator Neal Tapio announced Monday that he is running for the South Dakota House of Representatives, seeking to represent his hometown of Watertown.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Visit Watertown marked a major milestone this week with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House at its new headquarters, drawing a strong turnout from community members, business leaders, and tourism partners. The celebration coincided with National Travel & Tourism Week, highlighting the growing impact of tourism in Codington County.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - State and federal leaders gathered in Watertown this week on Tuesday afternoon to officially break ground on a state-of-the-art vehicle maintenance shop for the South Dakota Army National Guard. The project, a $22.2 million investment funded entirely by federal dollars, represents over a decade of planning and a significant upgrade to the Guard’s maintenance capabilities.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown Fire Rescue crews quickly contained a fast‑moving ditch and field fire Thursday evening near the intersection of 42nd Street Southwest and 9th Avenue Southwest, according to a media release from the department. The fire was reported at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Bramble Park Zoo is celebrating the arrival of four gray wolf pups, now being hand‑raised by zoo staff after arriving last weekend, according to a release from the City of Watertown. The pups — two males and two females — were born April 18 at Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary. Two have black fur, and two have white fur.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Village of Harmony Hill has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026 Best Assisted Living Community, making it the only assisted living community in South Dakota to receive the honor this year, according to the organization’s announcement.

This Northeast Radio SD newscast, aired on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, covers several local developments in Watertown, South Dakota, as well as a legislative visit.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Rotary Club has announced the recipients of its 2026 Rotary Scholarships, awarding five local students $1,000 each for their essay submissions and commitment to academic excellence and service.