The South Dakota Senate on Tuesday failed to pass a bill that would have authorized $87 million in federal spending authority for broadband expansion grants through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Northeast Radio SD News - Brookings, SD - A multi-agency response prevented a residential fire from spreading to nearby homes Monday afternoon. On March 2, 2026, at approximately 3:57 p.m., Brookings 911 Dispatch alerted first responders to a structure fire at 3026 Sunnyview Drive, located just north of Brookings.

Northeast Radio SD News - Hayti, SD - In a ceremony at the Hamlin County Courthouse, two local heroes were recognized for their decisive actions that saved a young life. On March 3, 2026, the Hamlin County Commissioners presented the Life Saving Award to Deputy Vidmar and Deputy Ries.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown Deputy Mayor and Councilman Kyle Peters joined news broadcaster Steve Jurrens on Northeast Radio SD’s The People’s Pulse to recap a City Council meeting that saw the approval of two new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts and a shift in how the city discusses its housing crisis.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a meeting dominated by economic development strategy and fiscal debate, the Watertown City Council on Monday night greenlit two new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts designed to inject nearly 200 new affordable housing units into the local market.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The next phase of the Harmony Hill residential development took a step toward reality as the City Council conducted first readings for two ordinances related to the project. The ordinances seek to annex and zone new land to accommodate “compact” single-family housing.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council moved forward with an administrative step for the upcoming 5th Avenue North Reconstruction project by approving a construction administration agreement with Civil Design, Inc. (CDI). The agreement, totaling $161,660.00, represents a reduction in costs as the city prepares to begin work on the major thoroughfare.

Northeast Radio SD News - Wallace, SD - In the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region, where the rhythm of the tractor often clashes with the nesting cycles of wild waterfowl, 18-year-old Madison Grimm is carving out a new legacy—not just with a paintbrush, but with a high-tech incubator and a bottle of clear nail polish.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Bramble Park Zoo is inviting local students to trade their bedrooms for the zoo grounds this spring break. The zoo has officially announced its Inaugural Spring Break Lock-In, a first-of-its-kind overnight experience designed specifically for students in grades 6 through 12.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a move set to shake up South Dakota’s Republican primary, Navy veteran and local business owner Justin McNeal has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. McNeal, a political newcomer, is positioning himself as a grassroots alternative to two-term incumbent Senator Mike Rounds, focusing his campaign on fiscal responsibility, term limits, and a return to “principled leadership.”

House Education Committee lawmakers in South Dakota decided on Monday to postpone a plan that would have limited student cell phone usage during school hours. The decision came after critics argued that local districts already have established policies and should retain autonomy over the matter.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Arrows wrestling program delivered an unforgettable performance this past weekend at the 2026 SDHSAA State Individual Wrestling Championships.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Local authorities are investigating a serious head-on collision that occurred Sunday afternoon on U.S. Highway 20, resulting in serious injuries and a citation for a teenage driver.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council will convene Monday, March 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM at City Hall to deliberate on an agenda highlighted by “workforce” housing initiatives and long-term lease agreements at the Watertown Regional Airport.

Gavel on table beside legal books, with scales of justice in the background. Logo reads "Northeast Radio SD." Warm lighting, professional setting.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Winter has made its presence known, and the City of Watertown Street Division has officially declared a Snow Emergency as of February 28, 2026. Public works crews are already on the job to ensure the safety and accessibility of city roadways.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area United Way officially marked the conclusion of its 2025–2026 campaign this week, announcing a staggering fundraising total of over $669,000. The announcement came during a celebratory evening gathering that brought together the donors, volunteers, and community partners responsible for the campaign’s success.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) has announced the promotion of Caitlin Broek to the role of Director of Information Technology (IT) and Clinical Informatics.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Reliabank, in a strategic partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), has announced a major capital infusion into eastern South Dakota. A total of $619,600 is being awarded this month to local non-profits and community development initiatives, with $442,500 of that total coming directly from the Member Impact Fund.

Northeast Radio SD News – Deuel County/Grant County, SD - Local infrastructure is set for a significant boost following the South Dakota Transportation Commission’s February meeting, where Deuel and Grant counties were named as recipients of the 2026 Bridge Improvement Grants (BIG).