Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation has named Laura Heathcote as its new Community Engagement Director, a leadership role created to expand the Foundation’s work with local nonprofits, community partners, and philanthropic initiatives.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation has announced the newly elected members of its Youth Council for the 2026–2027 school year, coinciding with the program’s 25th anniversary.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - For Siri Bach, serving on the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s (WACF) Youth Council has been much more than an extracurricular activity—it has been a masterclass in community impact.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A new season of public art is officially underway in Watertown as 16 unique sculptures have been installed across the community for the 2026–2027 Artwalk exhibit.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) is proving once again that the future of the community starts in the classroom. Through its annual Area School Partnership Program, the Foundation has awarded a total of $6,000 in grants to three local school districts, funding innovative projects that fall outside the lines of standard school budgets.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Hockey Association (WHA) recently celebrated a milestone in community spirit and remembrance, presenting a $2,500 gift to the Christopher (Chris) Rieb Fund. The donation, presented to Dr. Mark and Susan Rieb on behalf of their late son’s fund, is held by the Watertown Area Community Foundation.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Demonstrating the power of student-led philanthropy, the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s (WACF) Youth Council has officially awarded $15,000 in grants to nine local organizations dedicated to supporting area youth.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The local landscape is set for a seasonal change this week as the Watertown Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the Watertown Artwalk committee, begins the deinstallation of the current Artwalk sculptures.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The wait is over for local music lovers and community enthusiasts in Watertown. The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce has officially unveiled the highly anticipated summer schedule for Thursday Night Live (TNL), promising a season filled with diverse musical acts, themed community celebrations, and family-friendly fun.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) moves into its spring grant season, the voices of the city’s youngest leaders are taking center stage. The Foundation’s Youth Council has officially released its “Youth Perspective 2025” needs assessment, a comprehensive look at what is working for Watertown’s teenagers—and where the community needs to step up.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A new wave of support is flowing into the region as the Prairie Lakes Legacy Fund announces its first round of strategic investments. Administered by the Watertown Area Community Foundation, the fund targets critical gaps in mental health, public transportation, and support for victims of domestic violence.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The full history of the Watertown area is moving from dusty shelves to digital screens. The Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) has announced a final $30,000 grant to the Codington County Historical Society, completing the funding needed to digitize the entire Watertown Public Opinion archive.

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 - Watertown, SD - Members of the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Giving Back 365 program have distributed $46,073 in grants to 15 local nonprofit organizations, addressing a diverse array of community needs ranging from food security to youth arts.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The legacy of local community leader Rebecca “Becky” Weber continues to impact the region through a $5,000 donation to Joy Ranch of South Dakota.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Hockey Association (WHA) is set to honor the enduring legacy of one of its own during this year’s Mite Jamboree. The event will pay tribute to Chris Rieb, a former standout athlete whose passion for the sport continues to shape the local hockey community.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Community members have one week left to support local non-profits through the annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser at the Watertown Regional Library. Entering its final stretch, the event has already generated $6,041 in total donations as of the week four update.

Northeast Radio SD News - Castlewood, SD - As students get ready for Christmas break, a key moment in the Castlewood School District’s progress was marked by a visit from the Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF). Board members recently toured the school to see the new library circulation desk, which has been in regular use since the library reopened two weeks ago.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The community’s holiday spirit is translating into major support for local organizations as the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser enters its third week. As of the latest update, the festive competition has already generated $4,417 in donations to support the vital work of area non-profits.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser, hosted by the Watertown Area Community Foundation and displayed at the Watertown Regional Library, has generated holiday enthusiasm and community support, accumulating a total of $1,678 in donations as of the second weekly update on December 9.