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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As part of the ongoing Watertown General Investigation Study, the City Council will consider a motion tomorrow night, March 16, 2026, to authorize City Manager Alan Stager to sign a critical Programmatic Agreement (PA) regarding the protection of cultural and historic artifacts.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council is set to meet Monday, March 16, 2026, with a key renewal for the Derby Downs Fairgrounds Facility on the consent agenda. If approved, the agreement would extend the partnership between the City and K&H Rodeo Company LLC for an additional two years.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has announced the reopening of Interstate 29 and Interstate 90, effective as of 10 a.m. (CT) Today, Sunday, March 15, 2026. While the major interstates are now open to traffic, officials urge motorists to use extreme caution, as the effects of the recent winter storm create treacherous driving conditions.

Northeast Radio SD News – Hayti, SD - The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has announced it is seeking input from the local community and stakeholders on a proposed reconstruction project for a vital section of South Dakota Highway 21.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The City of Watertown’s latest financial report reveals a healthy start to the new year, with sales tax collections for January 2026 outperforming both the previous year and long-term averages.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a recent sit-down interview with Northeast Radio SD, Captain Steve Rehorst and Detective Jesse Alvarado of the Watertown Police Department offered an inside look into the operations, challenges, and motivations behind the department’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the South Dakota legislative Session came to a close on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA), shared a positive outlook for the state’s business community.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County’s financial health remains on a solid trajectory as the busy spring season kicks into high gear. During the March 10, 2026, Commissioners meeting, Auditor Brenda Hanten delivered a detailed monthly report, unveiling a balance sheet and critical reminders for the upcoming 2026 election cycle.