When we see the police, we usually see the patrol cars and uniforms. But what keeps a modern police department running? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Ryan Beauchamp, Sgt. Trevor Barthel, and Sgt. Matt Hegg to explore the “Administrative Division”—the team responsible for everything from mental health co-response and treatment courts to youth programs and high-tech security assessments. We discuss the human side of law enforcement, the department’s new social media push, and a critical scholarship opportunity for local seniors.

[00:00] The Administrative Mission: Captain Beauchamp breaks down how the division supports the entire department through policy, training, and the community engagement programs that keep officers “out and about.”

[03:45] Community Safety & Security: Sgt. Matt Hegg discusses his role in helping local businesses and churches with safety assessments and crime prevention presentations.

[07:12] The Human Aspect of Law Enforcement: Sgt. Trevor Barthel shares his five-year journey as the law enforcement representative on the Treatment Court. He explains how seeing the recovery side of addiction has changed his perspective on the profession.

[12:30] Mental Health Co-Response: A look at the department’s partnership with the Human Service Agency (HSA), featuring Mental Health Officer Bicey and co-responder Ellie Anderson.

[16:15] Youth & Education: From “High Five Fridays” at Lincoln Elementary to the DASH program, the team explains why building relationships with the next generation is their top priority.

[20:45] Breaking News & Deadlines: The announcement of the WPD’s new Instagram page and the details for the 2026 DASH Scholarship.

DASH (Drug Abuse Safety & Health): A community program that hosts youth events and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and local families.

Security Assessments: Businesses, schools, and churches can contact Sgt. Hegg for safety presentations and environment assessments.

High Five Fridays: Catch WPD officers greeting students at local elementary schools every Friday morning!

Co-Responder Program: A partnership with the Human Service Agency (HSA) providing social workers and specialized officers for mental health calls.

Treatment Court: A restorative justice program where Sgt. Barthel works with participants to find a path to health and success after addiction.

Amount: Two $500 scholarships (one male, one female).

Eligibility: Graduating Watertown High School seniors residing in Codington County with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Requirement: Interest in health or civil service-related fields.

Deadline: March 15, 2026.

Where to find: Check the Watertown Police Department Facebook or Instagram pages.

Instagram: @WatertownPoliceSD (New!)

Facebook: Watertown Police Department

Phone: 605-882-6210 for non-emergency inquiries and program suggestions.

Closing Thought from Captain Beauchamp: “We are citizens just like everybody else. We are all one team, and we’re all in this together. The more we work together, the better the community is.”

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 break down a major new partnership aimed at elevating Watertown’s professional landscape: the launch of Leadership Lab. We also dive into Congressman Dusty Johnson’s aggressive new proposal to slash property taxes by 2027 and a federal audit that has put South Dakota’s highway funding—and its CDL program—on the line. Plus, a quick update on a residential fire call that local crews handled earlier this week.

[00:00] Leadership Lab 2.0: The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and Mount Marty University have joined forces to launch an eight-week professional development series. We discuss the curriculum—including emotional intelligence and team dynamics—led by Dr. Melissa Meitinger.

[05:20] The $400 Credit: Congressman and Gubernatorial candidate Dusty Johnson unveils a policy aimed at “working families and seniors.” We look at the $400 property tax credit and the plan to zero out taxes for first-time homebuyers for two years.

[10:45] CDL Crackdown: South Dakota is facing a $13.2 million threat from the U.S. DOT. We explore the audit findings regarding commercial licenses issued to ineligible drivers and the state’s temporary halt on new CDLs.

[15:10] Local News & Safety: A report from the 100 block of 7th Avenue Northeast, where fire crews quickly contained a hotspot near an AC unit at a home under renovation.

Starts: March 2nd.

Location: Mount Marty University, Watertown.

The Details: An interactive 2.0 experience limited to 30 participants. Enrollment is $600 (scholarships available).

Register: watertownsd.com/leadership-lab or call 605-886-5814.

Congressman Dusty Johnson’s 2027 proposal focuses on three pillars:

$400 Annual Credit for every South Dakota homeowner.

First-Time Homebuyers: Property taxes are effectively waived for the first 24 months of ownership.

The Impact: A projected 20% reduction for the average middle-class household.

The Conflict: USDOT and Secretary Sean Duffy warned states like South Dakota, Minnesota, and California about licensing inconsistencies.

State Response: The SD Department of Public Safety is currently reviewing administrative controls to ensure licenses do not outlast legal work permits.

7th Ave NE Incident: Watertown Fire Rescue confirmed no injuries and no structural damage after a minor exterior hotspot was extinguished yesterday.

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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What happens when the “adventures” of childhood are revealed to be the struggles of addiction?

Today, we sit down with Ally Helle, a Watertown native who turned a painful family history into a narrative for change. Ally discusses her “Narrative Argument Essay,” explaining how she navigated the transition from a child watching her father’s struggle to an adult choosing a different legacy. We explore the psychological impact of “parentification,” the difficulty of shedding a “party girl” identity, and the hope found in local human services.

Key Timestamps:

Ally Helle is a graduating senior in Psychology at Mount Marty University. She currently serves as a systems-of-care coordinator at a Human Service Agency, helping families set and achieve goals during difficult life transitions.

Closing Thought: “Even if sobriety has just crossed your mind, reach out. The community is there if you’re willing to look.”

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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Today’s episode,

We cover a range of local events and significant government updates, from youth sports competitions to serious legal investigations involving state employees and massive financial fraud.

The Watertown Knights of Columbus are hosting the 2026 Free Throw Championship on Sunday, January 25, at the Watertown Middle School Gymnasium.

Who Can Join: The event is free and open to all boys and girls ages 9 to 14 (age as of January 1, 2026).

Schedule: Registration and practice begin at 1:00 P.M., with the official contest starting at 1:30 P.M.

Competition Format: Participants compete in their own age groups. Younger divisions (ages 9–11) use a modified 12-foot shooting line and a 28.5-inch basketball, while older divisions (12–14) use the standard 15-foot line and regulation-sized balls.

Prizes & Advancement: Basketballs will be awarded to the 1st- and 22nd-place finishers in each division. All 1st place winners advance to the District Championship on February 1.

Contact: To register or learn more, contact Nick Kranz at 605-886-7799.

The Codington County Commissioners opened their 2026 term on Tuesday with critical leadership votes and a contentious debate over salaries.

Leadership Re-elected: Troy Van Dusen was re-elected as board chairman in a 4-1 vote. The board subsequently showed a united front by unanimously electing nominee Tyler McElhaney as vice chairman.

The Salary Impasse: Discussion stalled over commissioner pay for the fiscal year. Commissioner Myron Johnson initially proposed a 2.6% increase to match the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) given to other county employees.

Compromise Reached: After motions for both a 0% and a 2.6% increase failed in a deadlocked 2-3 vote, the board eventually passed a compromise 2.5% increase in a 3-2 vote. Van Dusen, McElhaney, and Johnson voted in favor, while Gable and Schweer remained opposed.

Codington County 4-H is seeing high participation as the 2026 season begins.

Shooting Sports: Youth Program Advisor Jody Loehrer reported that shooting sports officially kicked off this week with massive turnouts. BB gun and archery disciplines are already at or near their maximum capacities.

Winter Farm Show Prep: Attention is shifting to the Watertown Winter Farm Show, running from February 11 to 14. The 4-H program will manage three lunch counters and is seeking community volunteers to help.

Events for Youth: The Farm Show will host competitions in photography, Legos, and farm safety, alongside mandatory livestock literacy training.

Calf Show: The week concludes on Saturday, February 14, with the Northeast South Dakota Calf Show, featuring beef cattle from across 11 surrounding counties.

Two serious investigations have reached critical points involving local and state-level integrity.

Tripp County Email Scam: An investigation is underway into a sophisticated email scam that defrauded Tripp County of $826,357. In October 2025, a “spoofed” email address mimicking a legitimate vendor deceived the auditor’s office into redirecting a payment to a criminal account. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently working with federal agencies to track the funds.

Falsified CPS Reports: Nova Collins, a 56-year-old former employee of the South Dakota Department of Social Services, was arraigned Tuesday for allegedly falsifying Child Protective Services (CPS) reports. Collins faces four felony counts and one misdemeanor, including forgery and falsification of evidence. Attorney General Marty Jackley noted this is the first criminal prosecution under Senate Bill 62, a 2025 mandate designed to increase oversight of state employee misconduct. Collins was released on a $500 bond and is scheduled to return to court on February 17.

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In this episode, we explore a new chapter for professional growth in Watertown: the Leadership Lab. We are joined by Tim Sheehan of the Watertown Chamber, Heidi Schooley of Mount Marty University, and the program’s lead instructor, Dr. Melissa Meidinger. Together, they discuss how this eight-week interactive course aims to transform area professionals into visionary leaders.

Key Highlights:

The Vision: Why the Chamber and Mount Marty University decided to create an advanced “2.0” leadership experience.

The Instructor: Dr. Melissa Meidinger shares how her 25 years of experience will help make academic principles practical and actionable.

The Curriculum: A look at the weekly topics, including the Enneagram, conflict management, and strategic thinking.

Educational Benefits: Participants may have the option to convert their coursework into Mount Marty University academic credits.

Registration Information: Classes begin March 2, 2026. Space is limited to 30 participants, so listeners are encouraged to sign up early at watertownsd.com/leadership-lab.

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 this episode, we travel up Highway 12 to Webster, South Dakota, to check in with Loren Schoenbeck at Hahler Automotive. While the Hahler Facebook page has recently been buzzing with videos of Schoenbeck’s grandchildren in their battery-powered “bumper cars,” today’s discussion focuses on full-sized value for local drivers. https://www.facebook.com/hahlerauto 

Schoenbeck addresses a common concern in today’s market: the rising cost of new vehicles. He highlights that reliable, feature-rich SUVs don’t always require a massive investment, pointing to the Chevy Trailblazer and Chevy Trax as prime examples.

Chevy Trailblazer: Available in the low $30,000 range, these all-wheel-drive SUVs come equipped with modern comforts like heated seats, heated steering wheels, and remote starts—making them an ideal choice for college students or those seeking a full warranty at a used-car price point.

Chevy Trax: For those looking for maximum fuel economy and value, the Trax offers 32 mpg on the highway and essential winter features for around $25,190.

With a fresh transport of vehicles arriving at the lot this week, Hahler Automotive is replenishing its stock after a busy end-of-year season. Schoenbeck notes that they currently boast an impressive selection of heavy-duty pickups, including flatbeds and service body options, perfect for crews preparing for springtime projects.

As major national auto auctions like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson begin their seasons, Schoenbeck reminds listeners that they don’t need to travel to Florida or Arizona to find classic cars. Hahler Automotive maintains a unique inventory of classic vehicles right here in Webster, with several new additions recently added to the collection.

Whether you are looking for a fuel-efficient daily driver, a work-ready pickup, or a vintage classic, you can view the full inventory at HahlerAuto.com or visit them on Highway 12 in Webster.

Note: Inventory, pricing, and available rebates mentioned in this episode are subject to change. Please visit www.HahlerAuto.com or contact the dealership directly for the most current availability and offers.

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 2025 travel year at Watertown Regional Airport concluded on a high note, with December recording 1,405 passenger boardings. These figures were split nearly evenly between the airport’s two hubs, with 757 passengers flying to Denver and 648 to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Total enplanements for the year reached 14,028, reflecting a steady performance compared to 2024. This stability comes as the airport navigated a mid-year transition in commercial carriers. Manager Ian Merriweather expressed optimism regarding the community’s engagement, noting that the support demonstrates residents are increasingly choosing local air service. While the airport continues to fine-tune its routes, Merriweather remains committed to providing the best travel options for Watertown.

Area legislators held a virtual Cracker Barrel this week to outline priorities for the upcoming 101st legislative Session in Pierre. Key discussions focused on balancing industrial growth with the state’s need for property tax relief and emergency service funding.

Data Center Incentives: Representative Kent Roe introduced House Bill 1005, which proposes tax incentives to attract large-scale data centers. Roe highlighted a potential $430 million project in Deuel County that could create 200 high-paying jobs and significantly expand the local tax base.

Property Tax Reform: The delegation remains divided on the best path forward. While Senators Sauder and Vilhauer see industrial development as vital to long-term relief, others cautioned that eliminating property taxes would weaken local control over schools and municipalities.

Emergency Services: With South Dakota set to receive $500 million for rural healthcare over the next five years, lawmakers are prioritizing emergency medical services. Hoyer warned that rural 911 services are at a critical point due to severe staffing and funding shortages.

The Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for a busy start to the year. The 4th annual Burger Battle begins on January 15, featuring 14 local restaurants. Additionally, the Watertown Winter Farm Show will return from February 11 to 14 at the Codington County Extension Complex.

In legal news, a 44-year-old Mitchell man, Mark Stephen Gullings, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for the production of child pornography. The conviction followed a 2022 investigation into the surreptitious filming of a minor.

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 this episode, we cover significant infrastructure developments affecting the Watertown community. From a major move to save the camping season at Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park to a regional 765-kilovolt transmission project that could reshape the Upper Midwest’s energy grid, we break down the latest decisions from City Hall and beyond.

Saving the Season at Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park: The Watertown City Council has greenlit a $79,367 drainage project to address persistent flooding at local campgrounds. Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Dusty Rodiek and City Engineer Justin Petersen explain how a new drain tile system will prevent "nuisance ponding" and recover lost revenue from closed campsites.

The Road to Lake Kampeska: Council members, including Hoyer and Peters, discuss the deteriorating state of the roads surrounding Lake Kampeska. We look at the push for a comprehensive public report to prioritize repairs on South and North Lake Drives.

Power On Midwest: Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy are seeking public input on a massive 765-kilovolt transmission line. Learn about the upcoming open houses in Big Stone City, Milbank, Clear Lake, and Brookings, and how this "grid of the future" aims to support regional manufacturing and technology growth.

City Manager’s 2026 Roadmap: Alan Steger details new initiatives for the year, including a long-term road construction plan, a new campus zoning district for high-density student housing, and the city’s first TIF application in years.

$79,367: The winning bid from Level Contracting, LLC for the park drainage project—19% lower than the next competitor.

90 Days: The amount of time 22 campsites were closed in 2025 due to flooding, costing the city nearly $59,000.

2034: The projected in-service date for the Power On Midwest transmission line.

Public Feedback: The city will soon release a prioritized list of road projects and is seeking resident input to help shape the future of Watertown’s streets.

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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We dive deep into a difficult but necessary conversation about pornography and sexual brokenness in Northeast South Dakota. Guests Jo Vitek, Luke Smith, and Nate Blaylock explain why this isn't just a "moral" issue, but a neurological and societal one that requires a community-wide response.

Highlights:

Nate Blaylock on the "neurological flatline" caused by process addictions. https://www.knowncoaching.com/meetnate 

Luke Smith discusses why traditional church settings often miss the mark on addressing sexuality and how Cornerstone is stepping up.

Jo Vitek on his law enforcement background and the need for tangible resources for survivors and those in recovery.

The Events: A breakdown of the upcoming seminars for youth, men, and women.

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, the Chamber team drops the “hot off the press” schedule for the 81st Annual Watertown Winter Farm Show and previews the 4th Annual Burger Battle. We learn about the philanthropic side of the burger competition, what to expect at the petting zoo on Valentine’s Day (Saturday of Farm Show), and how shopping local during “Hometown Holidays” has filled up the Chamber’s prize tumbler.

Key Takeaways:

The Burger Battle: Runs January 15 – February 28. Features 14-18 local restaurants. Vote on WTNburgerbattle.com.

Winter Farm Show (Feb 11–14): Free entry! Highlights include the livestock sales, the “Dedication to the Farm Show” on Wednesday, and the Lego contest for kids.

Valentine’s Day at the Farm: Mackenzie shares the story of the “ultimate gift”—buying three heifers on Valentine’s Day.

St. Patty’s Day (March 14): Button raffles are back. The top prize is “Watertown Bucks,” which keep currency circulating within the local community.

Hometown Holidays: Deadline for cards is January 7 at 4:00 PM. Each card represents $250 spent at local businesses.

Quote of the Episode: “We’ve done it in slush and dirt... the paint sticks. We’ll paint that shamrock right in the middle of town.” — Ashley Johnson on the St. Patrick’s Day tradition.

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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