Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Steve Jurrens
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - This newscast, hosted by Steve Jurens for Northeast Radio SD on April 28, 2026, provides a comprehensive look at local elections, community initiatives, and fiscal developments in the Watertown area.
Election Updates and New Voting Requirements
Absentee voting is officially underway in Codington County following a minor delay in ballot production. Voters can cast their ballots in person at the courthouse, via mail, or through an authorized messenger for homebound residents. Key election details include:
· Proof of Citizenship: Under a new state law, first-time registrants or those re-registering after a cancellation must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Accepted documents include a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a tribal photo ID.
· Polling Location Changes: Due to renovations, Sheridan Township voters will use a temporary polling site at the Country Inn & Suites.
· Contested Races: Contested races on the primary ballot are limited to the Republican party this year.
· Deadlines: All absentee ballots must be returned by the close of polls on June 2.
Watertown School Board Budget
The Watertown School Board has reviewed a preliminary budget of $116.6 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, representing a 3.66% decrease from the previous year.
· Cost Management: The district is avoiding layoffs by using attrition and reducing certain grade-level sections and positions.
· Funding Shifts: There is a significant shift in the general fund toward state aid as the property tax levy for owner-occupied homes decreases.
· Special Education: The budget includes a new preschool teacher and continued use of virtual speech therapy to address staffing shortages.
· Capital Projects: The $10 million capital outlay includes building upgrades, new clean-diesel buses, and progress on the $20 million LATC Archway complex.
· Budget Hearing: A formal hearing is scheduled for July 13.
Community Initiatives and Student Success
· PACH May Day Food Drive: The Watertown Area PACH (People Against Child Hunger) program is holding its annual food drive this Friday and Saturday to support children facing food insecurity during the summer. Collections will take place at Watertown Radio, County Fair, Hy-Vee, and Walmart.
· FFA Scholarships: Twenty-five South Dakota FFA members from various chapters, including Estelline, Harrisburg, and Mitchell, were awarded a combined total of $79,750 in national scholarships.
Local Regulations and Memorials
· Spring Load Limits: Seasonal weight restrictions on Watertown streets have been lifted as the spring thaw period concludes.
· Workers' Memorial Day: A ceremony was held in Sioux Falls to honor workers killed or injured on the job. The South Dakota Safety Council noted that the state saw 29 workplace deaths in 2024, a 45% increase from the previous year.
