Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Friday, April 25, 2026 (Podcast/Video)

This is a detailed summary of the Northeast Radio SD newscast for Friday, April 24, 2026, hosted by Steve Jurens.

Political and Election News

• Ryan Cole’s Candidacy: Local farmer and military veteran Ryan Cole is running for one of two South Dakota House seats in District 4.

• Background and Platform: A former teacher and intelligence officer, Cole’s platform focuses on property tax relief for both owners and renters, promoting local commodity processing to keep tax revenue in-state, and prioritizing youth retention through strong schools and diverse job opportunities.

• District 4 Primary: The election is scheduled for June 2nd.

Public Safety and Crime

• Estelline House Fire: A home in the 200 block of 5th Avenue North in Estelline was declared a total loss following an early Wednesday morning fire.

• Incident Details: Occupants safely evacuated before firefighters arrived; crews from the Estelline Fire Department battled flames in the attic and southeast corner of the structure for over two hours.

• Community Support: The station is encouraging listeners to contact them if they wish to assist the displaced family.

• Federal Sentencing: Alexander Juan Cotton, a 28-year-old Sioux Falls man, was sentenced to over nine years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

• Case Details: A Homeland Security investigation found over 300 illicit images and videos, with victims as young as one year old. Cotton must also serve five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.

Environment and Agriculture

• Manure Digester Study: A new study published in Environmental Research Letters warns that South Dakota’s manure digesters may pose significant environmental risks.

• Methane Concerns: Climate scientist Alyssa Valdez noted that while the systems capture methane for energy, leaks or ruptures can be devastating, as methane is 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide.

• Pause on Loans: Due to escalating concerns, the USDA has extended a pause on loans for digester projects through the end of 2026.

Community and Economic Development

• Eagle Butte Grant Setback: The Four Bands Community Fund is facing an 18-month setback after the USDA terminated 49 of 50 land access grants.

• Impact: The nonprofit lost $6 million intended for loans to residents of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.

• Reasoning: The USDA cited "wasteful spending" and a shift toward anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives as reasons for the termination. Executive Director Lakota Vogel stated they are seeking new investors and considering an appeal.

• New Training Range: State officials, including Governor Larry Rhoden, celebrated the opening of a new motorcycle training range in Sioux Falls.

• Rider Safety: The asphalt training pad is the result of a 50-year partnership between the South Dakota Safety Council and the Office of Highway Safety. Successful participants in basic training courses can earn a waiver for DMV testing.

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