In this live session with Northeast Radio SD, leadership from the Watertown Police Department (WPD) discusses the department’s multi-faceted approach to public safety, focusing on child abuse prevention and the upcoming Teen Police Academy.

Captain Steve Rehorst emphasizes that law enforcement is just "one spoke on the wheel" of child safety. Protecting the most vulnerable members of the community requires a collective effort from neighbors, teachers, and parents.

The "Reach Clinic": WPD partners with Sanford for forensic interviews and medical evaluations. This "team approach" includes the State’s Attorney and child advocates to ensure a child only has to tell their story once, minimizing re-traumatization.

WPD Statistics: Last year, the department handled 41 child abuse reports, resulting in 29 arrests. The goal remains to drive that number to zero through community vigilance and prevention.

Detective Brandon Johnston, an expert in computer forensics, highlights the growing complexity of internet crimes against children.

The Snapchat Myth: Many believe content on Snapchat is deleted instantly. Johnston clarifies that law enforcement can often recover this data months later.

Complex Investigations: These cases are rarely solved in "30 minutes" like on TV. They often require lengthy legal processes with social media companies and can take weeks or months to resolve.

Parental Tip: Monitoring social media activity and looking for changes in a child’s behavior are the best lines of defense against online predators.

Sgt. Matt Hegg announces the return of the Teen Police Academy, offering local youth a hands-on look at life behind the badge.

Dates: June 8th, 9th, and 10th.

Eligibility: Teens aged 13 to 18.

What to Expect: This is an interactive experience (no "boring PowerPoints"). In partnership with Lake Area Tech, students will use VR driving simulators to experience high-pressure maneuvers safely.

Registration: Limited to 20 participants. Register online at watertownpd.com.

The department encourages citizens to report anything that seems "out of the ordinary." Whether it is unusual behavior in a child or unexplained bruising, the WPD would rather investigate a dead end than miss a chance to intervene.

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The City of Watertown Public Works Department has announced the temporary opening of the 4th Avenue Southwest yard waste drop-off site.

Dates: Tuesday, April 14th – Saturday, April 18th.

Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.

Requirements: Open to Watertown residents only. You must bring a recent utility bill to gain access.

Accepted Items: Leaves, grass, and tree limbs (limbs must be under 6 feet long and 6 inches in diameter).

Important Rule: Loose waste will not be accepted; everything must be bagged, boxed, or in a 95-gallon container.

Alternative: The City Landfill is also offering free disposal for tarped loads during this same window.

A longtime fixture in Codington County leadership is preparing to step down. At this Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, Myron Johnson announced he will not seek re-election, officially withdrawing his nominating petition.

Johnson’s departure marks the end of a distinguished 16-year tenure.

He will remain in office through the end of the year and continue serving on various boards, including the South Dakota Retirement Board, until January 1, 2027.

Commissioner Lee Gabel provided a progress report on the new $32.6 million county jail project.

Progress: Currently 17% complete as of April 7th.

Budget: The project remains on track financially.

Timeline: Due to 28 days of weather-related pauses, the expected completion date has shifted to August 16, 2027.

4-H Educator Jodi Loehr highlights a busy and successful season for local youth.

Shooting Sports: 57 youth are registered for the state shoot in Fort Pierre later this month.

National Honors: A local team has qualified for the prestigious Daisy National Shoot in Arkansas this July.

Education: The "Adopt a Cow" dairy curriculum is currently connecting K-2nd grade students at Waverly and Millett schools to their agricultural roots.

Commercial drivers in South Dakota face new requirements starting July 1, 2026.

The "Intrastate Exception" (K-restriction) is being eliminated. Most CDL holders must now maintain a valid medical examiner’s certificate or face an automatic downgrade to a non-commercial license.

Special Saturday Hours: Several exam stations (Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls) will be open from 7 AM – Noon on April 11, 18, and 25 to help drivers meet these requirements.

Emergency crews responded to a serious crash on US Highway 14 near Brookings yesterday morning.

The Incident: A 2012 Toyota Camry collided with a Ford Transit bus stopped at a railroad crossing.

Injuries: The bus driver and three passengers sustained minor injuries. The driver and front passenger of the Camry were taken to Brookings Hospital with minor injuries, while a rear passenger in the Camry sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Sioux Falls.

The crash remains under investigation by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

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Lawmakers from Districts 4 and 5 met with constituents at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) to discuss the 2026 legislative session.

The Proposal: Representative Matt Roby highlighted two bills that could reduce property taxes by 30% to 40% for owner-occupied homes.

The Contention: Representative Dylan Jordan argued this is a tax shift rather than a cut, as it is funded by a 19% increase in the state sales tax.

Budget Concerns: Senator Glenn Villehauer defended the state’s $7.4 billion budget, citing rising costs in Medicaid and Corrections. Meanwhile, Representative Josephine Garcia warned that the state’s reliance on federal funds—accounting for 60% of the budget—is turning South Dakota into a "welfare state."

High school juniors are invited to the final Junior Tech Day of the school year on Wednesday, April 15.

Activities: Attendees can sit in on live classes, participate in lab sessions, and meet instructors.

Perks: The event includes scholarship giveaways, prizes, and a free pizza lunch.

Registration: Interested students and parents can sign up at lakeareatech.edu.

A $2.2 million urban reconstruction project on Highway 28 through Toronto, SD, is set to begin this Thursday, April 9.

Scope: The project includes new grading, storm sewers, updated street lighting, and fresh asphalt.

Traffic Impact: To minimize disruption, the SD DOT will reconstruct the highway one half at a time, maintaining two-way traffic throughout the project.

Local Updates: The City of Toronto will also be replacing water mains simultaneously. Residents can text "TORONTO28" to 605-566-4041 for project updates.

The Deuel County Republicans will host their annual dinner on Friday, April 10, at the Clear Lake Community Center.

Featured Speakers: Speaker of the House John Hansen, businessman Toby Doten, and US Senate challenger Justin McNeal.

Agenda: The event includes a meet-and-greet at 5:00 PM, a formal program, and a firearm auction donated by Sheriff Corey Borg.

Financial Literacy Month: April marks a push by South Dakota anti-poverty agencies to integrate financial education into their services. Eric Kunstweller of the Interlakes Community Action Partnership noted that these classes significantly improve clients' long-term housing stability.

Manufacturing & The Economy: For the first time since early 2025, the Midwest manufacturing sector (including SD) showed job growth. However, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss warns of "stagflation" risks due to high inflation, rising food and fuel prices, and global tensions involving Iran.

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The Watertown Lakeside Retreat is set for a major upgrade this summer. Following a unanimous City Council vote, a drainage project at Stokes Thomas Lake City Park will be expanded to include 12 to 15 new campsites.

Impact: A 20% increase in the park’s available inventory for travelers.

Cost: Approximately $136,000, managed by Level Contracting LLC.

Timeline: The project has a hard deadline of May 31, 2026, ensuring readiness for the summer season and the Cookin’ on Kampeska festival in July.

The City Council approved the creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District No. 23 to facilitate the Harmony Hill residential development.

Project Details: A collaboration between SCI Development and the Sisters of the Mother of God Monastery to build up to 40 new single-family homes.

Pricing: Homes are targeted to be accessible for local workers, with most priced under $300,000 and smaller models starting near $160,000.

Future Phases: Plans include specialized housing for veterans and Lake Area Tech students.

Residents are urged to be patient regarding a total road closure in front of County Fair Foods.

The Cause: The operation requires a massive 100-ton truck crane with a footprint over 30 feet wide, making a partial lane opening impossible.

The Plan: While a full permit runs through May 31, the city hopes to open two lanes of travel once utility street cuts are patched and deemed safe.

State Senator Glenn Willhouer briefed the council on the 2026 legislative session, describing it as one of the busiest since 1998 with over 600 bills introduced. Key takeaways include:

TIF Protection: The survival of TIF districts via a compromise in SB 228.

Local Tax Options: HB 1245 now allows cities to propose a temporary 1% sales tax to voters for specific capital projects like parks or bridges.

Crime Victim Support: $5.5 million was secured for victims of crime, which will benefit local organizations like the Beacon Center.

THC Regulation: Watertown was noted as a "trailblazer" for state regulations on THC-infused beverages.

LATC Nursing Lab: Lake Area Technical College is hosting an open house on April 14 at its Pierre campus to showcase a new nursing simulation lab featuring advanced mannequins funded by Avera Health.

RELEAF Program: Starting April 24 (Arbor Day), the city is offering a $100 reimbursement for residents who plant an approved tree species. This is an effort to rebuild the canopy lost to the Emerald Ash Borer.

Federal Trial Delayed for Jeffrey Koistinen

The trial for Jeffrey Koistinen has been pushed back from March to June 16, 2026.

The delay centers on a legal dispute over evidence found on a blue iPhone.

The defense argues the phone was seized unconstitutionally, while prosecutors contend it would have been found regardless through a warrant addendum for Koistinen's vehicle.

Koistinen faces an 11-count indictment for child pornography and remains in federal custody.

South Dakota Primary Filing Deadline Passes

The roster for the June 2nd primary is officially set.

In Codington County, incumbent Myron Johnson withdrew and Lee Gable retired, leading to a major shakeup on the County Commission.

Republicans Chris Hupke and Nathan Gruff have filed for districts 1 and 3.

In District 5, incumbent Glen Vilhauer faces a challenge from State Representative Josephine Garcia for the Senate seat.

A four-way Republican gubernatorial primary features incumbent Larry Rhoden against Dusty Johnson, John Hansen, and Toby Doten.

Absentee voting for the primary begins April 17th.

Watertown Mayor Phasing Out Weekly Radio Appearances

The city is ending the long-standing tradition of the mayor's weekly in-studio radio spots.

Instead, the city will move to centralized Tuesday briefings at 1:30 PM following council meetings.

The shift is intended to provide the public with technical, expert-driven information directly from department heads.

To support this, the city plans to invest in high-fidelity remote broadcasting capabilities for local stations.

Traffic Changes on the East Side of Watertown

Starting Tuesday, April 7th, traffic signals at US Highway 212 and 33rd Street Southeast will move to a flashing operation for a 90-day evaluation.

Lights will flash yellow for Highway 212 traffic and red for 33rd Street.

This follows a recent analysis that determined the intersection no longer meets the criteria for a full signal.

A new signal will be installed nearby at the intersection of Highway 212 and 26th Street Southeast.

Massive Barn Fire in Aurora

Six fire departments from across Brookings County responded to a pre-dawn barn fire early Thursday morning.

The fire, reported at 4:25 AM, fully engulfed a barn used to store small equipment and a vehicle.

No people or animals were injured in the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal.

Drug Trafficking Conviction in Sioux Falls

A federal jury has convicted 49-year-old Quantiae Harris for leading a major drug trafficking organization.

Harris was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as money laundering.

The organization reportedly moved over 100 pounds of meth and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills into South Dakota from California and Nevada using Airbnbs as bases.

Harris faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 15th.

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Spring Grant Season: The Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) has launched its spring grant cycle, guided by the "Youth Perspective 2025 Assessment".

Youth Council Focus: The assessment identifies urgent needs for mental health care and education regarding vaping and social media. Since 2001, the council has awarded over $218,000.

New Projects: Upcoming funding will prioritize youth job boards and daycare availability.

H2O 50 Strategic Plan: The WACF is shifting toward a "people first" strategy, focusing on workforce housing, childcare affordability, and talent retention.

Record Distribution: In 2025, the foundation distributed a record $1.16 million in grants and scholarships.

Prairie Lakes Legacy Fund: Executive Director Jan Mangwassa announced the first investments from this fund will support mental health initiatives and the modernization of the Community Transit fleet.

Severe Weather Preparedness: Following a record-breaking 2025 tornado season, the National Weather Service has designated April 13–17 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

Workplace Safety: Officials noted that 62% of businesses lack an emergency plan and will emphasize workplace safety during the week.

Flu Season Update: The 2025–2026 flu season is winding down with over 16,600 confirmed cases and 25 deaths. While less fatal than the previous year, the 905 hospitalizations recorded exceed the eight-year average of 690.

National Art Award: Watertown High School senior Camille Crisman won a National Gold Key and the American Visions Award for her film, Exodus. She will be honored at Carnegie Hall this June.

Codington County Commission: Long-term incumbents Lee Gabel and Myron Johnson will not return in 2027.

District 1: Chris Hupke has filed for the seat.

District 3: Nathan Graf has entered the race.

District 5: Randall Schweer is seeking re-election.

Election Dates: Absentee voting begins April 17, leading to the June 2 primary and the November 3 general election.

Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Top Stories: Business Intelligence, Local Legends, and Community Care

Business & EQ: Dr. Melissa Meidinger from the Small Business Development Center breaks down why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a bigger predictor of success than IQ. Learn about the "6-second rule" to avoid professional regret and stay in control during high-stakes workdays.

Wrestling History: Watertown’s own Gage Lohr makes history! The junior standout has officially secured his fourth consecutive South Dakota State Title at 157 lbs, tying a city record held since the 1970s. With a commitment to SDSU already locked in, Lohr is eyes-on a potential fifth title next year.

Community Support: The Village at Harmony Hill is shining a spotlight on its Adult Day Services, offering a "restaurant-feel" environment for seniors and vital relief for family caregivers. Don't miss their upcoming April Tea Party!

The Cost of Care: A new AARP report reveals the staggering impact of unpaid family caregivers in South Dakota, valued at $2.5 billion annually. Advocacy continues for state and federal tax credits to support the 150,000 residents providing this "backbone" service.

Legal News: A Pierre smoke shop owner has pleaded guilty to drug-related charges following a statewide law enforcement sting. Sentencing is scheduled for late April.

Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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🧠 IQ gets you the job. EQ gets you the promotion.

Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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The Watertown Area Home Builders Association has announced the kickoff of its 2026 season.

Kickoff Event: Tuesday, April 14, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Glacial Lakes Powersports and Golf. The event features networking and free simulator play.

Annual Scramble: The Home Builder Scramble is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at Prairie Winds Golf Club.

Incentive: Teams that register during the April 14 kickoff will be entered into a drawing for a $100 cash prize.

Contact: Julie Neilan at 605-520-0661 for registration or inquiries.

The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) has launched a five-year strategic plan (2026–2030) to improve maternal and infant health across the state.

Key Priorities: Improving postpartum care, expanding safe sleep education, and enhancing healthcare system coordination.

The Data: Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt noted that nearly 59% of pregnancy-associated deaths in the state occur between six weeks and one year after delivery.

New Initiatives: The state is introducing regional "Maternal and Infant Health Hubs" to connect local clinics with specialized care, particularly in rural and tribal areas.

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against the State of Minnesota, specifically targeting the Minnesota Department of Education and the State High School League.

The Allegation: DOJ argues that policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in female sports violate Title IX by denying biological female athletes fair competition and compromising privacy in locker rooms and bathrooms.

Key Figures: Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated the administration will not tolerate policies that "ignore biological reality." Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison dismissed the suit as a "sad attempt to get attention."

Financial Impact: The legal battle puts more than $3 billion in annual federal funding for Minnesota at risk.

Firefighters responded to two separate blazes occurring within 30 minutes of each other this past Saturday.

Volga Incident: A fire broke out at 3:33 PM near Volga when strong winds reignited a 10-day-old controlled burn pile.

Aurora Incident: Smoke was discovered at 3:58 PM near the Valero facility in Aurora, reportedly sparked by a train engine moving rail cars.

Outcome: Both fires were contained within an hour with no reported injuries or property damage.

Authorities released details on several recent arrests made between March 18 and March 28.

Drug Arrests: A welfare check in Hayti led to a search warrant and the seizure of controlled substances. A 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were taken into custody.

Registration Violation: A 54-year-old woman was arrested for a felony registration violation for living within 500 feet of a city park (a designated safe zone).

DUI Offenses: Multiple stops resulted in DUI arrests, including a 73-year-old man near Lake Poinsett with a .137 BAC and a 31-year-old man near Castlewood for DUI and speeding.

Co-founders Michael Klatt and Angie Yani have introduced "StartUp Watertown," a mission-driven project based at the Mother of God Monastery.

The Goal: To provide a professional business incubator for entrepreneurs looking to move their operations out of residential garages and basements.

Resources: The facility offers administrative support, boardrooms, and networking areas to help new businesses scale.

Partnerships: The initiative works with the Small Business Development Center and aims to inspire students at Lake Area Technical College to pursue business ownership.

Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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🏹 Gage Lohr: 4 Titles. 1 Junior Year. 1 Incredible Legacy.

History was made on the mat this season! We sat down with Watertown’s own Gage Lohr to talk about securing his FOURTH consecutive South Dakota State Title at 157 lbs. 🏆🏆🏆🏆

Gage has officially tied a Watertown record that has stood since the 1970s, and the crazy part? He’s only a JUNIOR.

Here’s what you need to know about the Arrow standout:

✅ Started in Preschool: He’s been honing his craft for over a decade.

✅ Mental Toughness: Gage credits his “stay cool” mentality for his success in high-pressure matches.

✅ Next Stop: Brookings! He’s officially committed to wrestling for SDSU after graduation. 🐰💪

✅ Record Watch: Next year, Gage has the chance to become the first 5-time state champion in Watertown history.

“I’m just pretty grateful for the opportunity that I have and just always looking to be the best I can be.” — Gage Lohr

Watch the full interview to hear about his training at Bergee Elite, his thoughts on pro wrestling, and how he’s helping inspire the next generation of Arrow athletes! 🎥👇

#WatertownArrows #GageLohr #SDStateWrestling #ArrowPride #SouthDakotaSports #SDSUWrestling #StateChamp #WrestlingLife

Northeast Radio SD is a family-owned, locally operated, all-online radio station based in Watertown, SD! Streaming LIVE 24/7 online at www.northeastradiosd.com OR download the Apple or Android app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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