Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With the 2026 primary election season approaching, the field for the Codington County Board of Commissioners is beginning to take shape. Codington County Auditor Brenda Hanten confirmed this week that petitions are being filed for the three commission seats up for election this year: Districts 1, 3, and 5.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Strong communities aren’t built on blueprints alone—they are built by the people who show up every day with a commitment to making things better. This week, Watertown officially recognized five such individuals as the recipients of the 2026 Watertown Community Builder Awards.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey announced at Tuesday’s meeting that 175th Street—the city haul road for the landfill—EAST from the entrance of the landfill, will be closed to all traffic starting Wednesday, March 18.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - During Tuesday’s Codington County Commissioners’ meeting, Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey shared that the 14th Avenue Northwest Bridge replacement project is currently trending ahead of its anticipated construction schedule.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The spirit of community investment and the lasting impact of local mentorship took center stage on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, as the Business Industry School Coalition (BISCO) hosted its annual Barbecue Luncheon at the Lake Area Technical College.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.