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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.

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.

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.

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.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Homeowners attempting to repair aging exterior decks or expand residential garages will bypass costly variance procedures after the City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 26-12. The zoning text amendment modifies Chapter 21.10, clarifying standard residential configurations while rectifying an historical oversight affecting hundreds of properties developed before 2005.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Double-frontage property owners caught in a regulatory bind following previous zoning changes received permanent relief after the City Council unanimously passed the second reading of Ordinance No. 26-11. The text amendment modifies Chapter 21.61 of the municipal code, adjusting height parameters for residential properties bounded by streets on multiple sides.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce received unanimous Council backing for its special event permits after revealing a comprehensive, multi-layered restructuring of one of the community’s longest-running summer traditions.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council voted unanimously to approve a Non-Federal Reimbursable Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), greenlighting the final phase of the city’s airport terminal relocation project. Designated as Project 2601, the agreement governs the relocation of vital communication, weather observation, and instrument landing infrastructure away from the old terminal facilities.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Absentee voting operations are actively underway across Codington County ahead of the anticipated 2026 Primary Election cycle, according to a comprehensive departmental report delivered by County Auditor Brenda Hanten during Tuesday’s Commissioner meeting.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Codington County Veteran’s Service Office (VSO) will officially migrate its administrative headquarters to downtown Watertown late this summer, following commission approval of a new commercial lease agreement that simultaneously lowers county rental expenditures and eliminates long-standing vehicular access obstacles for area veterans.