Shining a light on support in our community! 🌟

Shauna Marshall from The Beacon Center stopped by Northeast Radio SD to share updates on how they are supporting local individuals and families in Watertown, SD.

Here are a few highlights from the interview:

Community Support: A huge shoutout to the Militia Men VMC Redleg Riders Chapter for their incredible donation of $1,500 and 70 lbs of hamburger! 🥩

Facility Upgrades: Thanks to a grant from the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, The Beacon Center has fresh new carpet, windows, siding, and landscaping—with an Open House coming soon!

How You Can Help: Their current wishlist includes peanut butter, jelly, shelf-stable milk, cleaning supplies, and ramen noodles. Check out their Amazon Wishlist or drop off items at 801 Jensen Ave.

Remember: The Beacon Center is here for men, women, and children, providing confidential, non-judgmental support 24/7.

📞 24/7 Helpline: 605-886-4300

🌐 Learn more & view wishlist: beaconcentersd.com

#WatertownSD #TheBeaconCenter #CommunitySupport #NortheastRadioSD #EndDomesticViolence

Welcoming Eira to Watertown! ⚽

🗳️ Codington County Residents: Have Your Say on Ordinance 83!

Shelly Alvine recently sat down with Northeast Radio SD to discuss the petition drive for Referendum County Ordinance 83, which seeks to place Codington County’s proposed 0.5% local sales tax on the ballot for a public vote.

Here are the key takeaways from the interview:

The Issue: The county commissioners passed a 0.5% sales tax ordinance under state legislative authority (SB 96). Organizers are rallying to let local voters decide on the tax through a referendum.

The Goal: Organizers need roughly 1,000 signatures (5% of registered voters in Codington County) to qualify for the ballot.

The Deadline: State rules allow only a 20-day window to gather signatures, making next Tuesday the final deadline to submit.

Who Can Sign: You must be a registered voter residing in Codington County.

📍 Where to Sign or Get Involved:

Saturday, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Meet organizers downtown at Foundation Plaza.

Classroom Connections: Stop by in person during regular business hours.

Direct Contact: Call or text Shelly Alvine at (605) 881-1694 to arrange a signature pickup or join volunteer efforts.

#CodingtonCounty #WatertownSD #LocalGovernment #ReferendumOrdinance83 #SouthDakota

The Watertown City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 26-28, officially designating the Watertown Current as the city's new newspaper of record, effective September 1, 2026.

Watertown Current publisher Troy McQuillen addressed the council to note that the publication now employs a staff of six full-time local workers.

The resolution also adopted Governance Policy GP-03 to modernize the city's payment processes.

This policy change authorizes City Manager Alan Steger to review and approve routine claims, bills, and payroll, allowing the city to pay vendors more efficiently without waiting 30 days for a formal council meeting.

Clark native and professional golfer Kim Kaufman will host a "Mother-Daughter Huddle" on Monday, August 10, from 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM at Great Shots in Sioux Falls.

The event will feature an interactive Q&A session, live demonstrations, and hands-on golf instruction.

Registration costs $20 total for both mother and daughter, and all proceeds will benefit the Sanford Sports Scholarship Fund.

Kaufman recently returned to the Epson Tour following a battle with breast cancer and is using the event to promote women's health awareness and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Women's Leadership Conference: The "Limitless" Watertown Women's Leadership Conference takes place today at Lake Area Technical College, with doors opening at noon.

Political Campaigns: Former State Senator Neal Tapio officially announced his candidacy for the South Dakota House of Representatives, seeking to represent Watertown in the upcoming 2026 election cycle.

Gifts & Donations Policy (Resolution 26-32): Passed unanimously, approving Governance Policy GP-02. This allows City Manager Alan Steager to accept routine city-directed donations (such as playground equipment or benches) valued at $100,000 or less without a council vote. Larger or more complex gifts, such as naming rights or real estate, still require council approval.

Airport Lease (Resolution 26-31): Advanced a proposed 25-year lease for Dino Air LLC to construct a $75 \times 75\text{ ft}$ ($5,625\text{ sq ft}$) private hangar at Watertown Regional Airport for $\$1,125$ annually ($20\text{ cents/sq ft}$) with a $2\%$ annual escalator. A public hearing and final vote are scheduled for August 17th.

Mid-Year Budget Cleanup (Ordinance 26-23): Approved $\$795,710$ in supplemental appropriations for city projects, including airport transfers, public works equipment, industrial park improvements, tennis/pickleball courts, a solid waste hoop barn, and dive rescue equipment.

Annexation Request (Ordinance 26-29): Reviewed an annexation request for roughly $13,558\text{ sq ft}$ of land south of the Prairie View Addition for homeowner Eric Martins to build an accessory structure. Second reading is set for August 17th.

Location: East side of Lake Kampeska (from Kampeska Lodge to Prairie Winds Golf Club, Derby Downs, and Prairie Haven neighborhoods).

Schedule: Begins tonight at 9:00 PM following high adult mosquito counts.

Precautions: Residents are encouraged to stay indoors during spraying, keep children and pets inside for about an hour afterward, and rinse homegrown produce before eating.

Four Watertown-area figures are among the 21 members named to the 2026 South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame Class:

Jason Sutherland: Watertown basketball and track star.

Frank Cutler: Longtime coach who spent six seasons in Watertown.

Jim Dorman: Castlewood native and athletic contributor.

Tim Miles: Doland native and successful collegiate basketball coach.

The induction ceremony will take place on September 13th at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Calling all art and nature lovers! 📸🦅 Join Northern Prairie Arts for the next Arts Night at the Pub featuring local nature photographer Nicolas Waite! Nicolas captures stunning wildlife and the unique spaces where nature meets human progress. 🌾🦌

Back to school is right around the corner! 🏫🚓

🚽 Meet "Timmy the Traveling Toilet" - Habitat For Humanity Greater Watertown Region for Humanity's Funniest Fundraiser Yet!

🎙️ Catch a glimpse into the local restaurant industry with the premiere of "Vision to Reality"! In this brand-new segment by StartUp Watertown on Northeast Radio SD, Angie Yahne, owner of Tropical Smoothie Cafe (Watertown), and with Watertown Development Company, sits down with Sean Dempsey, the owner of Dempsey's Brewery Pub & Restaurant.

Catch up on all the exciting community news, upcoming events, and growth updates shared by Tim Sheehan during his interview on Northeast Radio SD!

Limitless Women's Event: A huge shoutout to the Women of Watertown committee and keynote speaker Princess Paula for an incredible, high-energy event!

Mac Landscaping Ribbon Cutting: Mark your calendars for Friday, August 14th at 9:00 AM! Come celebrate Shane Mac and Mac Landscaping while checking out the awesome new patio space featuring built-in grills, seating, and TVs.

Business at the Tee Golf Tournament: Taking off right after the ribbon cutting on August 14th! There are still a few team slots available—grab your crew and sign up before it fills up! ⛳

Only two Thursday Night Live shows left this season!

Thursday, August 6th: Live performance by Matt Yeager!

Thursday, August 13th (Rain Makeup Date): Don't miss Danica Michaels taking the stage with a full sound setup! 🎸

Out with the Old: The Chamber is dismantling the famous 12-foot milk jug igloo (built from ~3,000 milk jugs!) to make room for a new attraction. (Fun note: If anyone needs 3,000 milk jugs for a project, the Chamber has a deal for you! 🥛)

Volunteers & Partners Needed: With big plans to expand hours and interactive fun for Santaland, the Chamber is looking for community volunteers, local businesses, artists, and extra "elves" to help greet families and bring the magic.

Major housing developments are moving full steam ahead across town—including Prairie Haven, The Commons, and projects near the ice arena—pushing Watertown toward its 5-year goal of 30,000 residents!

👉 Want to register a golf team, sponsor an event, or volunteer? Reach out to the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce today!

#WatertownSD #WatertownChamber #CommunityUpdate #ThursdayNightLive #SupportLocal #WatertownGrowth