Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - President Donald Trump will award the Medal of Honor to retired U.S. Navy Captain E. Royce Williams, a Wilmot, South Dakota native, for his extraordinary heroism during the Cold War. The announcement follows a decade-long advocacy effort led by U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the recent passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Local author Julianne Endres and illustrator Rebecca Hall have officially launched their new children’s book, Little Bug Earns Her Spots, a touching story about kindness, legacy, and community. The book, released today, is not only a tribute to a beloved local girl but also a mission to grant wishes to children facing critical illnesses.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Local emergency crews responded to a vehicle fire early Thursday morning, successfully preventing flames from spreading to a nearby home.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The South Dakota Department of Health has released its latest influenza summary for the 2025-2026 season. As of February 4, 2026, state health data shows that while the flu remains active across the region, current figures for severe outcomes are trending below historical averages.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Two local organizations are teaming up to bring a night of luck and community spirit to Watertown this March. The Lions Club of Watertown and the Watertown Figure Skate Club (WFSC) have announced the return of Bingo Night, a joint fundraiser supporting the ToePick Ice Productions Theatre on Ice National Teams.

Northeast Radio SD News – Milbank/Brookings, SD - The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public alert following a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident of Grant County. Health officials warn that the individual visited several high-traffic locations in Milbank and Brookings while infectious late last month.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Joy Ranch of South Dakota, a nonprofit dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for individuals with special needs, has received a major boost for its upcoming Night to Shine event.

Northeast Radio SD News – Ortonville, MN - Local fire crews battled an early morning structure fire at Casey’s General Store on Wednesday, Feb. 4, successfully preventing the flames from claiming the entire building.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - As the 101st South Dakota legislative session crossed its third-week milestone, the halls of the State Capitol were filled with spirited debate over healthcare funding, agricultural standards, and fiscal responsibility. With nearly 500 bills now introduced, lawmakers from Districts 4 and 5 are wrestling with significant policy shifts that could reshape the state’s rural landscape.

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.