In this episode, Mallory Olsen takes us behind the scenes of one of South Dakota's most unique nonprofits. Joy Ranch isn't just a picturesque 1880s western town; it's a place where children from burn victim and spina bifida camps find independence on horseback.

Key Discussion Points:

Call to Action: Visit the Joy Ranch Facebook page to volunteer for Night to Shine or purchase tickets for the upcoming Tour of Italy Chef Night.

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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This episode covers the January 21, 2026, commencement ceremony of the Codington County Drug Court in Watertown. We explore the personal journeys of four graduates—Fentiman, Orris, Hart, and Likens—who have successfully navigated the rigors of the treatment program to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Key Themes:

Accountability: How the program uses a multidisciplinary team to guide participants toward sobriety.

The Power of Family: Featuring insights from Nathan Howard and Alex Remily on how parenthood serves as a primary motivator for long-term change.

Community Success: A look at how the graduates are contributing back to the Watertown and Clark areas through employment and service.

Featured Voices:

Honorable Carmen Means, Circuit Court Judge

Paula Grupe, Court Services Officer

Nathan Howard, Partner to Ashley Fentiman

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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Dennis Gall, a representative of the Watertown Curling Club, recently sat down with Northeast Radio SD to discuss the rapid growth of the city’s newest winter sports league. Now in its second year, the club is bringing a unique blend of strategy, physical activity, and social camaraderie to the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena.

The club was revitalized through the efforts of local residents, including Hoyer and his wife Carla, Justin Peterson, and Brandon and Lindsay Stangle. After a hiatus of nearly a decade, the new league has quickly found its footing, doubling its size from four teams to eight in just one year.

Gall emphasizes that while the sport requires skill, the primary focus is on sportsmanship and community. "It is a huge social event," Gall noted, comparing the etiquette to golf. "You start the game shaking everybody’s hand... and after the game, you do the same thing. The camaraderie and the competitiveness make it unique."

Commonly referred to as "chess on ice," curling involves significant strategy. Players must decide whether to place "guards" to hide their rocks or attempt "takeouts" to remove an opponent's stone from the house—the bullseye target at the end of the 150-foot sheet of ice.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, Gall provided a breakdown of a standard game:

Team Structure: Each team consists of four players (men, women, or mixed).

The Play: Every member throws two rocks per "end" (similar to an inning), totaling eight rocks per team.

Scoring: Only one team scores per end—the one with the stone closest to the "button" (the center of the house).

Roles: All players take turns shooting and sweeping. Sweeping is critical, as it heats the ice to help the rock glide further and influences how much the stone "curls" or turns.

With the Winter Olympics on the horizon, interest in the sport is expected to spike. To welcome newcomers, the club is hosting a free "Learn to Curl" event:

When: Sunday, February 1st, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Prairie Lakes Ice Arena.

What to Bring: Attendees only need a pair of clean athletic shoes and light layers (the arena is approximately 40°F). All specialized equipment is provided.

"You don't have to be a professional," Gall assured. "We’re all still pretty raw at the game. You'd fit in perfectly."

The upcoming league season runs from February 15th through March 22nd. Individuals are encouraged to sign up even if they don't have a full four-person team, as the club works to pair solo players or find subbing opportunities.

For more information or to register for the free event, visit watertowncurlingclub.org.

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 Chamber of Commerce recently shared an inside look at the upcoming 81st Annual Watertown Winter Farm Show, scheduled for February 11–14 at the Coddington County Extension Complex. This long-standing tradition continues to serve as a cornerstone for the regional agricultural community, blending livestock excellence with family-friendly programming.

The show officially kicks off on Wednesday, February 11, at noon in the livestock show ring with a special dedication ceremony. This year, the Agriculture Committee is honoring the family of the late Steve Keppen and longtime exhibitor Mike Mack. Both families have been instrumental in the show’s enduring success. Following the vocal dedications, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will formally open the week’s events.

Livestock remains the heart of the show, with 177 head of cattle expected in the barn this year. Featured breeds include:

Simmental: 50 head

Angus: 36 head

Shorthorn: 33 head

Hereford: 30 head

Charolais: 20 head

Maine Anjou: 8 head

A major highlight is the Supreme Row, scheduled for Friday at 3:30 p.m. Supported by numerous local sponsors, including American Bank and Trust and Reliabank, the event awards $9,000 in prize money, split between the consignors and the purchasers of the champions.

The Farm Show offers more than just machinery and livestock. Karen Aiken, Director of Member Engagement, highlighted several community contests:

Home and Family: Photography and quilting entries (adult and junior) are due at the extension office by February 6.

Lego Contest: Entries for ages 3–12 are due to the Chamber by January 28.

Farm Safety: Winning posters from the recent contest will be on display throughout the week.

New to the schedule this year is a focus on fire prevention. CNR Fire Suppression will host sessions on Thursday and Friday (1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.) covering fire extinguisher maintenance for both farm equipment and residential homes.

For many, the Farm Show is a full-day experience. The 4-H lunch counter will be open daily, offering its famous peanut bars and rotating specials of beef, pork, and lamb. On Saturday, February 14, families can enjoy the Flamingo Farms Petting Zoo from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while others may attend the Legislative Cracker Barrel at 8:00 a.m.

Exhibitor booths will be spread across the main building and the Field House, featuring everything from heavy machinery to baked goods and home décor.

For those unable to attend in person, live auctions will be streamed via LiveAuctions.tv. A full schedule of events and the official digital catalog are available at watertownwinterfarmshow.com. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087172086086&__tn__=-UC*F 

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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In the conclusion of our interview, Nick Phillips of Applied Digital discusses the broader implications of AI technology for the United States, particularly for South Dakota. Phillips argues that building these “AI Factories” domestically is a matter of national security and economic dominance, ensuring the U.S. remains ahead of global competitors like China and Russia.

Key takeaways from the final part of the conversation:

A National Priority: Phillips frames the expansion of AI infrastructure as essential for maintaining the U.S. lead in technology, advocating for South Dakota as an ideal host due to its status as an energy exporter and its cold climate.

The “Tool” of AI: Moving past the “scary” headlines, Phillips explains that AI is already improving outcomes in South Dakota’s core industries, such as optimizing crop yields in farming and assisting with medical diagnoses.

Legislative Hurdles: A significant focus is House Bill 1001 (sponsored by Representative Kent Rowe), which aims to level the playing field by exempting data center equipment from sales tax—bringing South Dakota in line with 42 other states and its Midwestern neighbors.

Community Engagement: Applied Digital maintains an open-door policy, with Phillips inviting the public to attend upcoming town halls in February to ask questions directly and ensure their concerns are addressed with facts rather than rumors.

https://www.applieddigital.com/ 

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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Imagine graduating from college with zero debt and a high-paying job already waiting for you. That’s the reality for hundreds of students at Lake Area Technical College. Today, we’re joined by Tracy Buisker and Melissa Waldner to break down the Build Dakota Scholarship. We discuss the “Stretch the Million” partnership, how small businesses can “upskill” their current employees, and why technical education is the fastest path to a $50,000+ starting salary.

Key Takeaways:

What’s Covered: Tuition, fees, books, tools, and laptops.

The Commitment: Graduate and work in a high-need field in South Dakota for three years.

Business Benefits: How local employers are securing their future workforce today.

Pro-Tip: Tracy and Melissa explain why your scholarship essay is essentially your first job application.

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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Hockey is more than just a game in Watertown—it’s a growing community. Today, we sit down with Aaron Schiernbeck, a multi-generational Laker who wears many hats: dad, coach, and Bantam announcer. Aaron shares his journey from winning a state championship in 2004 to helping lead the next generation of skaters in Watertown’s "Mecca of ice arenas."

Highlights:

The "Mecca" of Ice: Why the new Prairie Lakes Ice Arena is drawing envy from across the region and how it’s fueling a 50+ player growth spurt this season.

National Recognition: How Watertown became one of only six cities selected for the NHL’s "Learn to Play" program.

Hockey for Good: A preview of the Chris Rieb Memorial Tournament and the 7th Annual "Stick It to Cancer" event on February 7th.

Advice for Newbies: Why you don’t need to know a thing about skating to join the Laker family (and a hilarious reminder to always remove your skate guards!).

From critical election deadlines to major highway projects and significant legal rulings, this week’s recap covers the essential stories shaping Codington County and the broader South Dakota business community.

Codington County Auditor Brenda Hanton has officially released the filing deadlines and procedures for the upcoming 2026 election cycle.

Candidates seeking office in the June primary must file their nominating petitions by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2026. For independent candidates planning to run in the November general election, the deadline is set for 5 p.m. on April 28.

Local candidates for positions including County Commissioner, Auditor, Sheriff, and Register of Deeds should file at the Codington County Auditor’s Office in Watertown. Candidates for state or federal offices, such as Governor or U.S. Senator, must file with the Secretary of State in Pierre. Hanton reminded candidates that petitions sent via registered mail by the deadline will be considered valid.

The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) celebrated the state’s leading businesses during its annual conference in Pierre.

Boston Shoes to Boots of Yankton was named Retailer of the Year. Owned by sisters Mandi Gause and Brennan Ewald, the downtown staple was recognized for its successful expansions and community commitment. Other major honors included:

Restaurant of the Year: Talley’s Silver Spoon (Rapid City), led by Master Chef Benjamin Klinkle.

Community Service Award: Madison Dairy Queen, owned by Elon Mork, who has raised over $1 million for the Children’s Miracle Network.

The SDRA also elected new leadership. Jason Harms of Harms Oil (Brookings) will serve as the new board president, succeeding Sarah Hustead of Wall Drug. Watertown will have a new voice on the board with the election of Lisa Converse of Element.

Commuters should prepare for a significant disruption as the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) begins a $7.7 million infrastructure project on Highway 127 starting Tuesday, January 20.

The project involves replacing bridge and culvert structures over the Little Minnesota River. As a result, a three-mile stretch of Highway 127—from the junction of Highway 10 to 116th Street in Sisseton—will be closed to all traffic. The SDDOT expects the closure to remain in effect until November 2026. Motorists are advised to use Interstate 29 as a detour.

In a courtroom filled with law enforcement and community members, Ted Jeffrey “T.J.” Hurkes was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Thursday in Codington County.

Hurkes previously pleaded guilty to the first-degree rape of a victim under the age of 13. State’s Attorney Alison Bakken had requested a life sentence, arguing that Hurkes’ actions “shattered the community’s sense of safety.”

Judge Carmen Means imposed the 50-year term, which will run concurrently with Hurkes’ existing 30-year federal sentence for manufacturing child sexual abuse material. Hurkes is scheduled to be returned to federal prison in Illinois this Friday.

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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In today’s episode, we cover a major investment in technical education for Watertown, the "invisible" future of classroom technology, and a high-profile indictment involving South Dakota State University.

LATC Equipment Overhaul: The Watertown School Board has greenlit over $220,000 in upgrades for Lake Area Technical College. This includes a state-of-the-art Anatomage table for nursing students in Pierre—a 3D virtual cadaver that allows for digital dissection—and a new motor grader for the heavy equipment program.

The “Invisible” Tech Strategy: Watertown School District IT Director Tim Cruz joins the board to discuss the 2026 tech roadmap. Cruz argues that technology should be a “back burner” tool, moving away from gadgets as the focus and toward AI literacy. Learn how the district is training staff on Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot to help students navigate a world of deepfakes.

Build Dakota Scholarships: Applications are now open! We discuss how students can graduate from Lake Area Tech without debt. Lake Area Tech Foundation Director Tracy Biegler explains the requirements for this “full ride” opportunity, including the three-year commitment to work in South Dakota post-graduation.

Legal & Regional News: * SDSU Equestrian Indictment: Former head coach Camira Brown faces a felony grand theft charge following a year-long investigation into the alleged misuse of university funds for private veterinary bills and horse boarding.

Minneapolis Unrest: A federal officer was injured in Minneapolis as tensions continue to rise following recent immigration enforcement actions.

Watertown Development Company: Empowering local entrepreneurs with no-cost online courses. Visit wdcsd.com under the events tab to start your growth journey today.

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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In today’s briefing, Northeast Radio SD covers a heavy news cycle for Watertown and the surrounding region. Headlines include a first-degree attempted murder charge following a weekend stabbing, a massive federal lawsuit filed against local and state officials by Jeremiah Peacemaker, and the annual recognition of excellence within the Watertown Police Department. We also look at proposed changes to Lake Albert hunting land, the 2026 Hamlin County Sheriff’s race, and an inspiring story of recovery and service from a Watertown native.

Attempted Murder Charge in Watertown: 27-year-old Melody Harless is in custody without bond after a stabbing incident in Southwest Watertown left a 30-year-old male with life-threatening injuries. Police emphasize this was an isolated incident.

Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit: Following his acquittal in a 2020 murder case, Jeremiah Peacemaker has filed a 65-page lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution and evidence fabrication against dozens of defendants, including the State Attorney General and Watertown police leadership.

WPD Annual Awards: The Watertown Police Department honored its own this week. Key honorees include Corporal Austin Nelson (Officer of the Year), Sergeant Trevor Barthel (Supervisor of the Year), and Sig Sivertson (Detective of the Year). Medals of Valor were also awarded for a heroic water rescue in November.

Lake Albert Refuge Proposal: The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission is considering removing waterfowl refuge status from private lands at the request of eight local landowners, potentially restoring hunting access to those properties.

Fatal Hit and Run Investigation: The South Dakota Highway Patrol is seeking a red Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck (2018–2023 model) with a missing passenger-side headlight in connection with a fatal January 3rd crash near Humboldt.

Hamlin County Sheriff’s Race: Incumbent Sheriff Chad Schlotterbeck has officially announced his re-election bid, facing a challenge from community member Isaac Sauder.

Community Spotlights: Mike Thyen of Thyen Simmentals has been named the 2025 Promoter of the Year, and Watertown native Ally Helle shares her powerful journey from addiction to a career in human services.

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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