Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Watertown Optimist Club will join thousands of volunteers across the globe to celebrate Optimist Day. This annual observance, held on the first Thursday of February, recognizes the “optimism in action” provided by club members who work year-round to support local youth and strengthen the community.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a recent episode of “The People’s Pulse,” Watertown Mayor Ried Holien joined Northeast Radio SD to discuss a transformative week in local government marked by significant debate over downtown revitalization and the introduction of life-saving law enforcement technology.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Dr. Melissa Meidinger, Regional Director of the South Dakota Small Business Development Center (SBDC), recently appeared on Northeast Radio SD’s new program, “The Entrepreneur’s Edge: Dream. Start. Grow.” to discuss the comprehensive support available to local business owners.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The luck of the Irish is returning to Watertown early this year. In a live interview with Northeast Radio SD, Ashley Johnson, Director of Community Engagement for the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, outlined a month-long celebration that promises community spirit, cash prizes, and family-friendly fun.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - City Manager Alan Stager laid out a busy February and March for the city during Monday night’s council meeting, highlighting the launch of two major public safety and oversight initiatives alongside upcoming discussions on high-interest development projects.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a landmark decision that pitted long-term community vision against immediate fiscal caution, the Watertown City Council voted Monday night to approve a $90,000 funding request for the newly formed Downtown Watertown Collective (DWC).

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council has officially cleared the way for the Watertown Police Department (WPD) to bolster its toolkit in the fight against the opioid epidemic. At a meeting held on February 2, 2026, the Council authorized, as part of the consent agenda, the department to apply for and accept a $50,000 grant from the South Dakota Opioid Settlement Community Grant Program.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Residents of Watertown are invited to trade their detective hats for dinner napkins this February as local social service hub Codington Connects hosts its latest fundraiser, “Cafe Murder.” The interactive murder mystery dinner theater will run for three nights—February 19, 20, and 21—at the Second Street Station.

Northeast Radio SD News – Groton, SD - The magic of outdoor ice took center stage this past weekend as the Watertown Figure Skating Club (WFSC) returned to the ice for the annual Carnival of Silver Skates. In a long-standing community tradition, the WFSC was once again invited to participate as guest performers in a show that traded the quiet chill of a standard rink for the high-energy roar of an outdoor arena.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council will convene tonight, February 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM at City Hall to address a full agenda centered on the future of the city’s infrastructure, public safety equipment, and a significant new proposal for downtown development.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Middle School gym was bouncing with athletic talent Sunday, February 1, 2026, as the District 5 Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Championship took place.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council is set to meet this Monday, February 2, 2026, to discuss an investment in the city’s core. On the agenda is a formal funding request from the Downtown Watertown Collective, a newly established organization seeking to transition downtown revitalization from a volunteer effort to a professionally managed program.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The athletes of Encore Athletics are proving that cheerleading is about much more than just stunts and sidelines. This February, the local cheer program has launched its “Adopt-A-Grand: Sharing the Love” fundraiser, a community outreach project designed to bring joy to residents of local nursing homes for Valentine’s Day.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Lakers hockey program is entering its most intense stretch of the 2025-2026 season, marked by high-stakes varsity matchups, community-driven fundraisers, and individual accolades for its senior leaders.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - As tax season officially arrives, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is preparing to open its doors for the 38th consecutive year of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The clinic, which provides free tax preparation services to the community, is scheduled to run from February 3 through March 14, 2025.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In a live interview on Northeast Radio SD, from Watertown, Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA), emphasized the critical role of proximity and persistent advocacy in protecting the state’s 4,000+ member businesses.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A stalled vehicle triggered a large multi-car pileup on Interstate 29 late Friday night, sending one person to the hospital and leaving three vehicles heavily damaged.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Salvation Army of Watertown served 444 new clients in 2025, driven by the support of 879 volunteers who contributed more than 11,236 hours. Led locally by Corps Officers Captains Dennis and Kelly Jolly, the organization provides holistic emergency assistance and social services to Codington and surrounding counties, including Clark, Deuel, Grant, and Hamlin.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) has announced a transition in its leadership, with the Board of Directors electing Tom Beadnell as Chair and Julie Ranum as Vice Chair.

Northeast Radio SD News - Yankton, SD - A Watertown man faces up to 50 years in prison following his conviction Friday in connection with an officer-involved shooting that took place in the parking lot of Yankton High School last December.