Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Ryan Kohl, a local farmer and military veteran, recently joined news broadcaster Steve Jurrens on Northeast Radio SD to discuss his candidacy for South Dakota’s District 4 House seat. Running on the Republican ticket, Kohl is one of five candidates vying for two available seats in the upcoming June 2nd primary.

Kohl, who currently farms and runs a ranch with his father near Revillo, emphasized his deep roots in the community and his diverse professional background. After graduating from South Dakota State University with a degree in political science, Kohl served as an intelligence officer in the Air Force and later as a teacher at Grant-Deuel School before returning to full-time farming.

Tackling Economic Challenges

A portion of the interview focused on economic issues, specifically property taxes and the development of data centers within the state. While acknowledging recent legislative efforts toward property tax relief, Kohl expressed concern that current solutions may not be broad enough.

“I think I’m a little bit concerned it’s one of the, you know, ‘stealing from Peter to pay Paul’ type solutions. Property taxes are always on people’s minds... but this [current measure] does nothing for [renters].”

Regarding the proposed data centers in Deuel County, Kohl argued that South Dakota must remain competitive with neighboring states. He highlighted the potential for positive economic impact and the importance of keeping such infrastructure within the U.S.

“We have to realize that we’re competing against other states... giving a little bit of a tax break or an incentive to bring somebody in can be very beneficial because we’re competing against other states.”

Strengthening Agriculture and Infrastructure

Kohl advocated a “value-added” approach to the state’s resources, suggesting that South Dakota should focus on processing commodities and using the electricity generated within its borders to maximize tax revenue and economic growth.

“If I grow corn and sell it out of state, we’re not taking full advantage of that resource... another advantage of bringing [data centers] in is if we use more electricity in South Dakota, that’ll also drive a little bit of tax revenue for the state.”

Investing in the Future

The candidate identified youth retention as his primary motivation for seeking public office. Kohl stated that creating job variety and maintaining strong local schools and communities are critical to ensuring the next generation chooses to stay in South Dakota.

“One of the big things is we’re losing our kids. Young people don’t feel like they have good choices... keeping our community strong, keeping our schools strong, and giving variety is so critical for the future of District 4.”

Kohl also voiced his support for increasing teacher pay and funding for institutions like Lake Area Technical College, noting his disappointment in recent funding decisions.

The District 4 primary election will take place on June 2, 2026. Kohl encouraged all residents to ensure they are registered and to participate in early voting or mail-in balloting where available.

Dylan Jordan (Incumbent): A current Representative for District 4.

Kent Roe (Incumbent): Also a current Representative for District 4 seeking re-election.

Fred Deutsch: A former state legislator and familiar name in South Dakota politics.

Gary Hudiburgh: A local candidate with a background in agriculture and business.

Primary Date: June 2, 2026.

The Format: Since there are two seats available for the district, voters will be able to select their top two choices from this list of five.

The Stakes: The winners of this primary will move on to the general election in November.

General Election (November 3, 2026): The two winners from the Republican primary will then face Emelia Enquist on the November ballot.

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🏆 Hall of Fame Nominations Extended

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This radio news broadcast, hosted by Steve Jurens on April 22, 2026, was sponsored by the Watertown Development Corporation. The program covered local public safety, infrastructure projects, and city financial reports.

Motorcycle Crash: An 18-year-old Brookings man sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle accident Tuesday afternoon on Highway 20 in Northwest Watertown. Police reported that the rider lost control of his 2009 Yamaha YZ FR6 at approximately 12:41 p.m.; speed is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Mount Marty Commencement: Dr. Melissa Meidinger has been selected as the keynote speaker for Mount Marty University’s 2026 commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 25. Meidinger, who leads the Watertown Regional Small Business Development Center, plans to speak on the "happiness algorithm," emphasizing core values like family, faith, and meaningful work.

Conservation District Funding: The Codington County Conservation District requested that commissioners restore annual county funding to help cover rising labor costs. District officials highlighted recent achievements, including over 1,700 acres of CRP planting and 132 acres of tree planting, while requesting $25,000 in support.

Zoning and Development: The Watertown City Council held first readings for two zoning changes. One proposal involves rezoning an acre in the Prairie Hills area for multi-family residential use, while the second involves annexing 10 acres for highway commercial development along Highway 212.

Street and Airport Projects: The City Council approved two neighborhood street projects that came in under budget, including a $517,000 asphalt paving project and drainage improvements on 4th Street West. Additionally, a $3.18 million contract was awarded to J&J Earthworks for the reconstruction of a taxiway at the Watertown Regional Airport, with 95% of the costs covered by an FAA grant.

Finance Officer Kristen Bobzien presented Watertown’s preliminary 2025 financials, revealing a mix of strong reserves and high debt:

Cash Reserves: The city ended the year with more than $110 million in total cash, including $13.2 million unassigned in the general fund.

Debt Levels: Total city debt reached $96.5 million, largely driven by upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant. City Manager Alan Steger warned that the city has reached its current borrowing limit, noting that future population growth will be essential to sustaining city amenities.

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Helping All Boats Float in Codington County! 🌊🤝

Did you catch today’s episode of Codington Connects? Host Steve Jurens sat down with Sara Foust and Krista Ateyo-Gortmaker to talk about the power of volunteerism and the vital resources available to our seniors!

What is SHINE? Krista explained the SHINE program, a resource that helps our community navigate the complexities of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Whether you are nearing 65 or helping a loved one, SHINE’s trained volunteers are here to ensure you have peace of mind.

Happening TODAY! 🗓️ Don’t miss the Senior Caregiver Resource Fair (hosted by WAMCAN) at the Watertown Senior Activities Center!

As Krista puts it: “If we help those who need the help most, we will rise the tide for all the ships”.

Join us in celebrating National Volunteer Week by getting connected! Check out the full interview on our Facebook page.

#CodingtonConnects #WatertownSD #NationalVolunteerWeek #SHINE #SeniorCare #CommunityImpact #PeopleOfAction

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Get Ready for a Magical Night on Ice! ⛸️✨

This summary covers the Northeast Radio SD news broadcast from Tuesday, April 21, 2026, hosted by Steve Jurens.

Watertown Road Budget Crisis: City Engineer Justin Peterson informed the City Council of a massive $34 million gap between the current road budget ($4 million) and actual needs ($38 million). The most significant project identified is a $31 million reconstruction of North and South Lake Drive, which would include widening the road and extending culverts. To address the shortfall, the council is considering revenue tools like special assessments and a new 1% sales tax, though the latter would require voter approval.

Flood Control Progress: The City Council accepted a $170,000 grant from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources for a flood control feasibility study. This brings the state’s total contribution to $625,000, covering half of the city’s share for the study. The current plan focuses on widening the Big Sioux River channel and building a levee on the east side of town; however, actual construction is estimated to be at least two years away.

Fire Suppression Technology: The Watertown Masons of Concord Lodge 13 donated a new fire suppression tool to the Watertown Police Department. The device is a portable aerosol canister that can be thrown into a burning room to drop temperatures by 1,000°F within 30 seconds. This unit replaces one successfully used in 2024 to slow a structure fire before firefighters arrived.

AI Ethics Forum: The Watertown Regional Library will host the Artland AI Ethics Forum on April 28 from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Led by Zach Thompson of Liberty Forge AI, the event will focus on data privacy and AI’s impact on rural prosperity without using technical jargon.

School District Retirees: A public open house to honor 2026 retirees will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at the Watertown High School Commons from 3:45 PM to 5:00 PM.

LATC Grad Fest: Lake Area Technical College is preparing for “Grad Fest” on Thursday, May 14. The celebration includes a 4:00 PM parade from McKinley Park to the campus, followed by family activities and music by DJ Jason Nishino. Commencement is scheduled for the following day at 4:00 PM at the Watertown Arena.

District 4 Legislative Forum: A public forum for legislative candidates will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Goodwin Area Hall. Candidates from the Republican, Democratic, and Independent parties—including those running for Senate and House seats—have been invited to participate in the event, which Brock Greenfield will moderate.

The Northeast Radio SD newscast for Monday, April 20, 2026, hosted by Steve Jurrens, covered several local developments in Watertown and the surrounding counties.

Sixth Annual "Snack Attack": The non-profit For the Kids SD delivered over 10,300 individually wrapped snacks to approximately 4,450 students across 12 schools in the Watertown School District. Volunteers from Lake Area Tech's Business School assisted with distribution.

ncore Athletics Success: The local athletic program returned from the Deep South Beach Nationals in Orange Beach, Alabama, where the "Divas" team took first place in their division and earned the event-level Grand Champion title. The "Lux" team also delivered a strong performance in the program's fourth season.

Infrastructure & Agriculture: Codington County Commissioners discussed the 150 miles of underground pipelines within the county and city. They also highlighted the economic impact of large-scale dairies like Manchester Dairy (20,000 cows) and Washington Dairy (12,500 cows).

Legal System Efficiency: State’s Attorney Allison Bakken reported that average case resolution times have dropped from 200 days to 90 days due to a new circuit court policy and partnership with the Community Service Office. Bakken also noted a rise in underage citations and planned a new diversion program.

Recovery Services: Commissioners renewed service contracts for Face It Together and Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars, providing peer support and 40 sober-living housing slots, funded via a federal COSSUP grant.

Trauma Education: The HEART Group (Healing, Education, Awareness, Resilience, and Trauma) recently drew 125 attendees to training on adverse childhood experiences, focusing on long-term health and resilience.

Lakefront Property Assessments: Codington County appraisers are revisiting lakefront neighborhoods this month for a multi-year re-evaluation effort, aiming to keep owner-occupied valuation increases under 3%.

Weekend Fires:

A fast-moving grass fire near Northwest Lake Drive and Highway 28 was contained Saturday after burning toward several homes; the cause was traced to a tractor baler.

Fire crews from Milbank, Big Stone, and Revillo responded to a shed fire at Victory Farms in Grant County caused by a tractor catching fire inside a steel shed filled with straw.

Sales Tax Growth: Watertown’s early-year sales tax numbers show a 4.9% increase in first-penny revenue through February compared to last year. The BBB tax (lodging, dining, and entertainment) saw 13.7% growth in January. Over the last 12 months, first-penny revenue has risen by 6.57%

District 5 Senator Glen Vilhauer reviewed the results of the 38-day legislative session in Pierre, which saw a record 600 bills introduced and 240 signed into law. Key outcomes include:

Healthcare & Infrastructure: At least $500 million was committed over five years for the Rural Health Transformation Program, along with $87 million in federal funds to expand rural broadband internet.

Property Tax Relief: Senate Bills 96 and 245 are projected to reduce owner-occupied property taxes by 30% to 40%.

Education Funding: While many bills passed, a funding request for the Lake Area Technical College Building Trades project failed on the House floor.

Watertown Police Officer Alexis Buysse was honored as the 2026 South Dakota Officer of the Year. Serving as the department’s mental health officer since 2021, Buysse is credited with building the city's modern crisis response model. Her proactive approach and partnerships with schools and courts led to a significant decrease in annual suicides, dropping from 12 to 3 within the program's first year. She also introduced "Blue," a mascot dog used to foster positive relationships with local youth.

A partnership between Codington Connects, Codington County, and the nonprofit Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars (BSBB) is using federal grants to expand sober housing and support services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Impact: Participants have seen a 75% reduction in arrests and a 67% increase in stable employment.

Expansion: BSBB is currently seeking $100,000 in seed money to purchase a dedicated facility.

Community Action: The "April Showers" hygiene drive is currently accepting donations of basic care items at their downtown location on West Kemp.

"The Little Mermaid" Musical: The WHS Drama Department is performing Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the DD Miller Auditorium. The production features a 29-song score, a live pit orchestra, and unique choreography where cast members wear Heelys to simulate swimming. Performances are scheduled for tonight and tomorrow at 7:00 PM.

After Prom 2026: Preparations are underway for the high-energy After Prom event, featuring casino games, a mechanical bull, and a professional hypnotist. The prize pool includes Nike Dunks and five $1,000 scholarships from Lake Area Technical College. Students must arrive by the midnight lockout to participate.

The Codington County Auditor’s Office announced a delay in the availability of absentee ballots for the June 2nd primary. The delay is due to statutory timelines following the March 31st candidate petition deadline. Once finalized and proofed, ballots will be mailed to applicants, and in-person absentee voting will begin at the auditor’s office on 1st Avenue Southeast.

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First graders in Castlewood participated in a highway safety lesson hosted by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT). The "Touch a Truck" event featured a full-sized snowplow named "Dale," dedicated to the memory of late Watertown tow truck driver Dale Jones, who was killed in the line of duty. SDDOT Secretary Joel Jundt noted that the vehicle serves as a tribute to all first responders and operators. Students spent the day exploring the cab and learning how to use tools like the SD 511 system to stay safe during severe weather.

A significant $11 million construction project is set to begin on Tuesday, April 21st. A four-mile stretch of South Dakota Highway 25, north of Highway 20, will be closed to all through traffic for grading work.

Duration: The closure is expected to last until at least August 1st, with the full project by Midwest Contracting wrapping up in the fall of 2026.

Detours: Passenger vehicles will be detoured via Highway 20, 437th Avenue, and 155th Street.

Truck Restrictions: Semi-trucks are strictly prohibited from using these country road detours and must stay on the state highway system, utilizing Interstate 29 or US Highway 12.

The South Dakota Department of Health released data showing that the 2025–2026 flu season has been significantly less severe than the previous year.

Current Stats: As of mid-April, there have been 25 flu-related deaths and 905 hospitalizations.

Year-over-Year Comparison: This is a sharp decline from last year's 65 deaths and 1,500+ hospitalizations.

Historical Context: With an average of 40 deaths per year, this season is tracking well below the historical norm. Activity peaked in the second week of February, with Influenza A and B Victoria strains being the most prevalent.

Executive Director Angelica Euthy reported a steady climb in visitor spending and local BBB tax revenue. To accommodate this growth, "Visit Watertown" has relocated its tourism hub to the Goss Opera House in downtown Watertown.

Event: An open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 7th, at 4:00 PM.

Awards: Nominations for the Visitor Industry Awards, including the Gordy Ostis Customer Service Award, are open through April 24th via visitwatertownsd.com.

Dejuan Croom, a 43-year-old from Los Angeles, was sentenced to over 23 years in federal prison for his role as a key manager in a drug trafficking organization. The group used rental vehicles with hidden compartments to transport methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to the Sioux Falls area. This sentencing resulted from a Homeland Security Task Force operation aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations in South Dakota.

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Following the conclusion of a highly active 38-day Session in Pierre, District 5 Senator Glen Vilhauer sat down with Northeast Radio SD to provide a factual breakdown of the key legislation affecting South Dakota residents. According to Vilhauer, the Session saw a record-breaking 600 bills introduced—the highest volume since 1998—with approximately 240 eventually signed into law by the Governor.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Vilhauer highlighted the passage of the state budget on the final day of the regular Session. Among the significant infrastructure investments is an $87 million federal allocation to expand broadband internet access in rural areas that currently lack reliable service.

One of the most substantial financial commitments of the Session was the Rural Health Transformation Program. The state has allocated at least $500 million over the next five years to bolster healthcare services in rural counties. Vilhauer noted that this program applies to every county in the state, with the exceptions of Minnehaha and Pennington.

Vilhauer addressed the significant focus on property tax relief, noting that more than 20 bills had been introduced on the subject. He specifically identified two bills as the primary drivers for future relief:

SB 96: Provides counties the authority to levy an additional local-option sales tax of up to 0.5% specifically to fund property tax relief for owner-occupied homes.

SB 245: Reallocates a 0.3% portion of the state sales tax—originally intended to sunset back into the general fund—into a dedicated fund for property tax relief.

Projections suggest these combined measures could result in a 30% to 40% decrease in owner-occupied property taxes.

While many initiatives passed, Vilhauer expressed disappointment regarding a failed funding request for Lake Area Technical College (LATC). A bill seeking $5.2 million to support building trade services at the college failed to gain the necessary votes on the House floor.

Vilhauer also took time to praise the legislative Page and Internship programs, having personally sponsored Whitney Martinson from Watertown as a page during the Session.

Reflecting on the Session, Vilhauer shared a personal milestone: a visit from his wife, Darla, daughter-in-law, Ellie, and his three oldest grandchildren. During their visit, the Lieutenant Governor permitted the grandchildren to join Vilhauer on the Senate floor to pound the gavel for official votes.

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Headline: 2026 Legislative Recap with Senator Glen Vilhauer! 🏛️📑

We sat down with District 5 Senator Glen Vilhauer for a straightforward look at the record-breaking 38-day Session in Pierre. From a $500M investment in rural health to a major push for property tax relief, here are the highlights:

✅ Record-Breaking Session: 600 bills introduced (the most since ‘98!), with 240 passing into law. ✅ Property Tax Relief: New measures (SB 96 & SB 245) are projected to reduce owner-occupied property taxes by 30-40%. ✅ Rural Health: A minimum of $500 million allocated over the next 5 years for rural healthcare transformation. ✅ Broadband Expansion: $87 million in federal funds heading to rural South Dakota for better internet access.

“I’m proud that we give every bill a committee hearing. No matter how crazy it might be, it gets its day in court.” — Senator Glen Vilhauer.

Watch the full interview below to hear more about the budget, local impacts for Watertown, and a special moment involving the Senator’s grandchildren and the legislative gavel! 🔨🧒

#WatertownSD #SDLeg #SouthDakota #SenatorVilhauer #PropertyTaxRelief #RuralHealth #Broadband #NortheastRadioSD

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