All Stories

Just before 10:00 PM on Sunday, Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) responded to a reported kitchen fire in the 1500 block of 7th Avenue NE. Crews arrived on scene with Engine 4, Engine 3, Medic 5, and Battalion 1. Upon arrival, responders learned that a resident had already extinguished the flames. However, heavy smoke continued to linger throughout the home. WFR personnel entered the residence and confirmed that the fire had been successfully extinguished and was contained to the

The Dakota Prairies Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is inviting professionals, partners, and community members to its upcoming Industry Appreciation Mixer, set for Thursday, September 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion in Watertown. The event celebrates the vital connection between the construction and manufacturing sectors, bringing together leaders and workers from both industries for an evening of networking, recognition, and e

The price of most organic food could jump this fall because of new policies and tariffs on imported organic sugar, frustrating manufacturers who say the actions won't help sugar growers but could put some food companies out of business. More than 90% of organic sugar used by U.S. manufacturers is imported. The price of that product increased in August when the Trump administration imposed steep trade tariffs, and will rise even more when high-tier duties on most organic sugar

The 2025 South Dakota State Fair in Huron showcased the talents of 4-H youth from across the state from August 27 to September 1, 2025, and Codington County participants made a strong impression in several Youth-in-Action competitions. Local youth earned Purple Ribbon honors in categories such as Fashion Revue, Special Foods, Communications Projects, and Skill-a-Thons. These awards reflect excellence in creativity, public speaking, animal science, and consumer education.

Drivers in Sioux Falls should prepare for a temporary traffic diversion on Interstate 229 this Tuesday evening, Sept. 23, 2025. Beginning at 7 p.m., the northbound lanes of I-229 will be closed near Cliff Avenue (exit 4) to allow maintenance crews to repair the asphalt at the temporary bridge.

A motorcycle crash claimed the life of a Hot Springs man Friday evening after the bike struck a deer on US Highway 18. The incident occurred around 7:04 p.m. near mile marker 44, approximately four miles east of Hot Springs. According to preliminary reports from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, a 2007 Harley-Davidson Night Train was traveling westbound when a deer entered the roadway. The motorcycle collided with the animal and tipped over, ejecting both riders to the ground.

Next week, lawmakers will vote on whether to build a new state prison in Sioux Falls. At $650 million, it’s the biggest building project in South Dakota history. That price tag is hard to swallow, and people deserve clear answers before we move forward. Here’s what we know now. The current state penitentiary is 140 years old. It’s crumbling, overcrowded, and dangerous. We’ve seen stabbings, staff assaults, contraband smuggling, and reports of mold, pests, and failing plumbin

A Beech 35‑C33 airplane (N1310A) was destroyed following an accident near Brookings on September 6, 2025. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, according to a preliminary investigation report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (Accident Number CEN25LA368). The flight, operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Brookings Regional Airport (BKX) bound for Bozeman, Mont. About 8:59 a.m. CDT, shortly after takeoff at roughly

The Watertown Lakers, in partnership with the NHL, NHLPA, and USA Hockey, will launch a revamped Learn to Play 10U Developmental Program this fall aimed at making hockey more accessible for local families. The program welcomes children ages 5–10 (birth years 2015–2020) and is designed for beginners as well as those who already feel comfortable on the ice. Practices emphasize skating fundamentals, basic hockey skills, teamwork, confidence

Wilmot School announced that it has received community support for a new outdoor learning classroom, with a $2,000 Community Impact Grant from POET Bioprocessing — Big Stone and an additional donation from Valley Queen to help fund the project. POET representatives presented a ceremonial check for $2,000 to Wilmot School on September 17, marking the company’s contribution to the hands-on outdoor learning space planned just outside the school’s classrooms.