Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Monday, April 28, 2026 - (Podcast/Video)
- Steve Jurrens
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - This Northeast Radio SD newscast, anchored by Steve Jurrens on Monday, April 27, 2026, covers major community projects, public safety alerts, and local political updates for the Watertown area. The news is sponsored by Hahler Automotive in Webster, SD.
Community Revitalization: Lori’s Garden
A significant redesign of Lori’s Garden on Kemp Avenue in downtown Watertown is currently underway as part of the "Love Grows Here" project led by the H2050 Arts and Recreation Committee.
· Current Progress: City crews have begun clearing the area by removing aging pine trees and a deteriorating fence.
· Planned Features: The rebuilt garden will feature ADA-accessible perennial gardens, a picnic and pergola area, adult swings, an art wall, a memorial mosaic, and interactive digital displays telling the park's story.
· History: The garden was originally donated by Mike Luken in memory of his wife, Lori, who died in a car accident when their daughter was four years old.
· Funding: A grant decision to fund roughly half of the project is expected in May. Additional donations are being accepted via the Watertown Area Community Foundation.
Infrastructure: 5th Avenue North Reconstruction
Phase 2 of the 2026 Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Project begins today on 5th Avenue North.
· Closures: Phase 1 (Broadway to Highway 81) and Phase 2 (Skyline Drive from Broadway to Highway 81) are now closed. 3rd Street Northwest will remain open until after May 20.
· Timeline: Work is scheduled to continue through September 11, weather permitting.
· Scope: The project includes full roadway resurfacing, curb and gutter installation, sidewalk repairs, and replacements for storm, sanitary, and water mains.
Public Safety & Legal Updates
· Brookings County Fire: A house fire northwest of Brookings on Sunday evening caused an estimated $350,000 in damage. The fire on 30th Avenue West started on the exterior and spread inside; fortunately, all occupants and pets escaped safely. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced renters.
· Federal Sentencing: Antonio Baker, 32, of Chicago, was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison following a 2024 traffic stop in Sioux Falls where police seized 1.3 kilos of meth and cocaine.
· Campaign Sign Warning: The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds the public that campaign signs are prohibited on state highway rights-of-way. Illegal signs will be removed and can be reclaimed at local SDDOT offices.
Local Politics: District 4 GOP Forum
Northeast Radio SD moderated a two-hour forum on Sunday in Hayti for District 4 Republican candidates.
· Participants: House candidates Fred Deutsch, Kent Roh, Dylan Jordan, Gary Uttecht, and Ryan Cole, alongside Senate candidates Tim Bogalka and Stephanie Sauder.
· Topics: The debate covered property taxes, data centers, mental health, rural healthcare, and local control.
Upcoming Events: Boulder Memorial Golf Tournament
The Lake Area Technical College Foundation and Alumni Association will host its annual golf tournament on Saturday, June 13, at Prairie Winds Golf Course.
· Details: The event is a two-person stroke play tournament using "tin whistle" scoring.
· Registration: The entry fee is $200 per team, limited to 36 teams. The registration deadline is June 9.
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