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Watertown Chamber & WDC to Host District 4 & 5 Legislative Social on April 7
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watertown Development Company (WDC) are inviting the public to a Legislative Social on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the top floor of the Archway at Lake Area Technical College.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 182 min read


USD to Elevate Athletic Excellence with New $36 Million Gassen Family Fieldhouse
Northeast Radio SD News – Vermillion, SD - The University of South Dakota (USD) is taking a major step forward in its commitment to student-athletes with the announcement of the Gassen Family Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art indoor facility slated for completion in June 2028. The Office of the State Engineer (OSE) is currently seeking Statements of Qualifications from firms interested in providing Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) services for this landmark project.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 182 min read


Watertown Police Arrest Six in Major Methamphetamine Distribution Crackdown
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Police Department has announced the arrest of six individuals following a multi-day investigation into the distribution and use of methamphetamine within the city. The enforcement actions, which took place on March 15 and 16, 2026, involved a series of search warrants, traffic stops, and probation searches.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 182 min read


Senator Stephanie Sauder Announces Re-election Bid for District 4
Northeast Radio SD News – Bryant, SD - State Senator Stephanie Sauder has officially announced her candidacy for re-election to the South Dakota State Senate, seeking to continue representing District 4 in the northeastern region of the state.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 172 min read


AG Jackley Joins Multistate Lawsuit Targeting OneMain Financial’s “Bait and Switch” Loan Tactics
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined a bipartisan coalition of 13 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against OneMain Financial, Inc., alleging the lender engaged in a widespread “bait and switch” scheme that trapped subprime borrowers in debt through hidden “add-on” products.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 172 min read


Watertown Municipal Utilities Announces Billing System Upgrade: What Residents Need to Know
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown Municipal Utilities (WMU) has announced it is in the process of transitioning to a new, modernized billing software system. While the upgrade is designed to improve the customer experience and provide clearer billing statements, the utility provider is alerting residents to several temporary changes and actions required during the transition period.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 172 min read


Milbank to Host Farley Fest 2026: A Weekend of Live Music and Community Celebration
Northeast Radio SD News – Milbank, SD - The Milbank Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) has officially announced the musical lineup and schedule for Farley Fest 2026, scheduled to take place on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20. This annual summer celebration, a staple of Lake Farley Park since 2007, features two days of regional music, family activities, and local traditions.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 172 min read


“The People’s Pulse” w/ Watertown Mayor Ried Holien - 3/17/26 (Video & News Article)
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a Session that stretched nearly three hours, the Watertown City Council faced a packed agenda on Monday night, highlighted by passionate testimony from residents regarding a major road reconstruction project on 5th Avenue North.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 173 min read


Qury Fire Expands to 9,000+ Acres; Firefighters Secure Key Lines Near Custer State Park
Northeast Radio SD News – Custer, SD - Firefighters have successfully held containment lines across the Qury Fire perimeter despite an increase in mapped acreage. As of Tuesday evening, March 17, 2026, the wildfire is officially estimated at 9,059 acres. While the size has grown due to interior burning and more accurate mapping, containment remains steady at 27 percent.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 173 min read


Watertown City Leadership Urged to Address Alarming Spike in Juvenile Violence
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - While annual crime statistics show a general downward trend in Watertown, a deeper dive into the data has prompted a call for action from city leadership. During Monday night’s City Council meeting, Councilman Doug Allen highlighted a startling 400% increase in juvenile rape arrests, urging the city to shift more resources toward combating domestic and sexual violence.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 175 min read


First District Association Reports “Massive” Financial Windfall for Watertown; Regional Cooperation Yields 250-to-1 Return
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council received a “rosy” financial update Monday night that underscored the tangible power of regional cooperation, as the First District Association of Local Governments reported that the city saw a staggering $250 return for every single dollar it invested in the organization last year.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 172 min read


Harmony Hill Expansion Moves Forward as Council Navigates Utility “Turf War”
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council took a major step Monday night toward expanding one of the state’s most significant residential developments, unanimously approving the annexation and rezoning of a new two-acre parcel for the Harmony Hill subdivision. While the move signals continued growth for the city’s south side, it also reignited a long-simmering “turf war” over utility service rights and the ethics of municipal expansion.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 173 min read


Infinity Fun Wins Liquor License Transfer to Boost Restaurant Offerings
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A strategic pivot by a local family entertainment center sparked a brief debate Monday night over the intersection of alcohol, gambling, and youth activities. In a 4-2 split vote, the Watertown City Council approved the transfer of a retail liquor and video lottery license to Infinity Fun LLC, signaling a move away from simple concession-stand fare toward a full-service restaurant model.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 172 min read


Local Grocer Requests Council Action on 2nd Street NE Closure; City Pledges Resolution Within One Week
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The ongoing closure of 2nd Street NE following the demolition of the old City Hall became a flashpoint during Monday night’s City Council meeting, as a local business owner warned of mounting safety risks and “unnecessary hardships” for downtown commerce.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 162 min read


Neighbors Win Reprieve for Historic Trees in 5th Avenue “Sidewalk Debate”
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - What began as an infrastructure update for a “historic” Watertown neighborhood spiraled into a debate over property rights, “modern” vs. “historic” standards, and the value of a mature tree canopy.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 163 min read


Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Harmony Hill: Minnwest Bank Expands Its Commitment to Local Communities
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Under much clearer skies than the “muddy mess” that marked its 2021 groundbreaking, the Village of Harmony Hill celebrated a milestone on Monday afternoon. The community gathered for a dual celebration: a formal ribbon cutting welcoming Minnwest Bank into the local fold and a substantial check presentation to the Challenger Learning Center of South Dakota.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 163 min read


Watertown Fire Rescue Stabilizes Building After Vehicle Collision
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A local business at 23 Kemp Ave West sustained structural damage Monday morning after a hatchback sedan crashed through its entrance.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 161 min read


Production Company Settles for $23,500 After Barring Sioux Falls Student in Wheelchair from "Foreigner" Stage
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - A local production company has reached a settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office following allegations that it discriminated against a young performer with a disability during a classic rock concert.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 162 min read


Watertown Council Agenda Highlights: Annexation, Restaurant Expansion, and Brewing Company Ownership Change
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council is set to review several property and licensing items during its meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026. Key items on the agenda include a major residential annexation project on the city’s south side and the transfer of a liquor license that will pave the way for a new restaurant expansion and casino.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 152 min read


Watertown to Hold Public Hearing on 5th Avenue North Sidewalk Project
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Property owners along 5th Avenue North may soon see new sidewalks as the Watertown City Council prepares to consider Resolution No. 26-10 during its meeting tomorrow night, March 16, 2026.

Steve Jurrens
Mar 152 min read


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