All Stories

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.

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will host a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor U.S.M.C. Sergeant Dirk R. Abbas on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT at the Britton Area Event Center, 1203 3rd Street, Britton. The SD HWY-27 bridge over Crow Creek, south of Britton, will be officially designated the SGT Dirk R. Abbas Bridge.

Glacial Lakes Corn Processors’ Board of Directors has declared a cash distribution of $0.06 per share from the Nonqualified Written Notice of Allocation (NQWNA) for fiscal year 2024. The distribution will be paid to shareholders of record as of 5:02 p.m. CST on September 17, 2025, with payment scheduled to be issued by October 31, 2025. This $0.06 per share payment is part of the $0.29 per share NQWNA initially declared in 2024, leaving $0.23 per share still outstanding.

Theresa Hillis, superintendent of the Prairie Lakes Wellness Center, has announced she will retire from her role effective December 5, 2025. Hillis joined the City of Watertown team in 2022 and, over the past three years, led a series of operational and programmatic improvements at the Wellness Center.

Watertown Fire Rescue has announced the promotion of Lieutenant Adam Heinrich to the rank of Battalion Chief. Heinrich, who joined the department in 2007 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2021, will officially begin his new role overseeing C-Shift on October 2.

At this year’s County Convention Safety Awards Luncheon, the Codington County Maintenance Department was recognized with both the Gold and Platinum Safety Awards for its outstanding commitment to workplace safety and employee training. The awards are presented annually to county departments that demonstrate proactive measures to improve safety standards, reduce risk, and provide practical training for both staff and the public they serve.

The Codington County Commissioners met on Tuesday to discuss several community service initiatives and budget matters, including funding for burials, transportation assistance, and the strategic planning of various community programs. Community Services Director Sarah Foust provided a report on August's activities, noting that her department assisted 48 individuals with a total of 88 services. Funeral assistance remains the most requested service, with transportation and doc

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Codington County Commissioners unanimously approved a final amendment to the construction manager-at-risk (CMAR) contract for the new county jail and sheriff’s office facility. The guaranteed maximum price for construction was set at $32,665,397, allowing the county to move forward with all planned alternates—including full completion of the sheriff’s office.

At Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Codington County Commissioners held a public discussion on the county’s five-year highway and transportation plan, led by Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey. While no significant changes were introduced, several projects were rescheduled due to inspection results, weather impacts, and grant funding timelines.