In this special online radio and live-streamed session, we host a virtual Cracker Barrel with the men and women representing Northeast South Dakota. We dive into the “austere” budget proposed by the Governor and explore why local legislators are fighting to keep the “Big Three” (Education, Healthcare, and State Employees) funded despite stagnant sales tax revenue.

Deep Dive Topics:

The “But-For” Test: Roby and Vilhauer explain the math behind Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) and why Watertown’s industrial successes rely on these tools.

The Data Center Island: Roe explains HB 1005 and the 38 drafts it took to get South Dakota ready for the hyperscale digital economy.

Grandma’s Ham and Property Tax: Jordan uses a classic story to challenge the status quo on tax policy, while Sauder emphasizes the need for informed, adventurous voting.

The Rural Safety Net: A sobering look at the EMS crisis and the federal funds coming to South Dakota’s rural hospitals.

Contact Your Legislators: Find your representative’s contact info at the South Dakota Legislature website. Remember: personal, unique messages are the most effective way to make your voice heard!

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 a busy start to 2026 for Watertown. From the Municipal Utilities Board meeting to significant legislative moves in Pierre, we look at how the city is positioning itself as a regional hub for industry, technology, and community support.

Chris Clifton, director of the Watertown Development Company (WDC), shared an optimistic annual report focusing on the Calvin Industrial Park.

Infrastructure Milestone: A $4.5 million lift station project is underway, potentially expanding utility capacity from 100 to 400 acres.

State Support: Governor Larry Rodin recently visited to announce an additional $500,000 grant, bringing the project’s total state funding to $1 million.

Retention & Growth: While recruiting new industry is key, the WDC is heavily focused on local businesses such as Max Steel and Sentry On-Site Development to help “landlocked” companies grow within the city limits.

Quality of Life: The WDC is investing in the “whole worker” by supporting Lake Area Tech scholarships, affordable housing initiatives, and increased daycare capacity.

The Watertown Municipal Utilities Board is preparing for a significant “Go-LivFebruary 1ebruary 1st.

Software Transition: A new system will modernize billing. Important: Every customer will receive a new account number.

Automatic Payments: If you are on a pre-authorized payment plan, you don’t need to do a thing. The system will migrate your links automatically.

Friendly Competition: The department wrapped up 2025 by donating 3,000 items to the Salvation Army. The Electric Department took the “top spot” in their internal challenge, averaging 101 items per employee.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is bringing the Block Kids event to Watertown onFebruary 7ebruary 7th.

The Challenge: Students in grades K-6 are invited to build original projects to discover STEM and construction career paths.

Details: Starts at 10 a.m. (Registration at 9 a.m.) at 2813 Piper Avenue. Cash prizes for top finishers!

Sponsorship: Local businesses can sign up as “Superstructure Supporters” via the NAWIC Dakota Prairies Facebook page.

State Representative Kent Roe (District 4) is heading to Pierre with two significant pieces of legislatioJanuary 13anuary 13th:

House Bill 10-5: A tax incentive bill to attract the data center industry. With global AI expansion, Roe wants South Dakota to compete with the 35 other states already offering these incentives.

House Bill 1026: A consumer protection bill requiring licensing and oversight for property data collectors.

Local Impact: The Applied Digital Project in Deuel County (near Astoria/Toronto) is projected to add $400 million in assessed value and 200 permanent jobs, with an average salary of $65,000.

January 13: South Dakota Legislative Session begins / Governor’s State of the State Address, February 1

February 1: Watertown Municipal Utilities’ new billing system,m February 7

February 7: NAWIC Block Kids Competition at 2813 Piper Avenue.

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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Shona Marshall - Outreach Coordinator of the Beacon Center reviews a turbulent 2025—federal funding cuts, rebuilding services, the relaunch of the Sexual Assault Response Team, and the staff who keep the shelter and outreach running. She describes the Center’s courtroom advocacy, awareness of vicarious trauma, and on-site shelter and support programs.

Looking ahead to 2026, Shona outlines needs and ways to help: donations of cleaning and personal-care supplies, financial gifts via www.BeaconCenterSD.com, and volunteer support. For immediate help, the Center has a 24/7 phone line, with Facebook and email as additional contact options for non-emergency outreach.

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 episode covers several community stories across South Dakota: the South Dakota State Historical Society announced Fall 2025 Deadwood Fund Grant recipients to preserve five historic properties; Watertown donors paid over $20,500 to clear student lunch debt; Watertown Shamrocks have a full January schedule with special promotions for first responders; Governor Larry Rhoden set a per-capita fundraising record in Union Center; and Prairie Lakes Health Care System celebrated the region's first baby of 2026, Ariya Russman.

Details include grant amounts and project focuses, donation sources for lunch debt relief, Shamrocks ticket promotions and merchandise updates, the historic fundraiser's impact, and the newborn’s birth statistics and community support programs.

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 kick off 2026 with a special guest: Lake Area Tech President Tiffany Sanderson. We dive into the massive success of their 60th-anniversary year, the opening of the Build Dakota Scholarship window, and how LATC is changing the "college-to-career" pipeline. Plus, Tiffany shares her "secret" past life in radio!

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

[02:15] Celebrating 60 years of LATC and hitting record enrollment.

[05:40] The Build Dakota Scholarship: How to get a full ride to college starting right now.

[10:15] The "Ready, Set, Go" event on Jan 15th—connecting students to employers.

[14:30] Nursing in Pierre: The new simulation center partnership with Avera.

[20:00] Vision 2030: A $100 million plan to grow the campus by another 1,000 students.

[25:30] Fun Fact: President Sanderson's first job at a farm radio station at age 14.

Links Mentioned:

Apply for scholarships: lakeareatech.edu

Register for "Ready, Set, Go" (Jan 15th)

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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Governor Rhoden announced a $500,000 Future Fund grant for the Calvin Industrial Park at the Century Facility in Watertown, bringing state investment in the park to $1 million to support regional industrial growth. Local leaders highlighted a five-part partnership among the city, a development company, utilities, the county, and the state to build infrastructure and attract businesses.

Rhoden and GOED Commissioner Bill Even praised Watertown's pro-business culture, noting South Dakota's low regulation and taxes as drivers of opportunity, and encouraged entrepreneurs to use GOED resources. Century Operations Manager Nick Hendrickson showcased the company’s rapid expansion as an example of the park’s potential.

The episode also covers Attorney General Marty Jackley’s early priorities for the 2026 legislative session on public safety and tech-related crimes, a $10 million DOJ settlement with Disney over children’s data, and a $189 million federal investment to modernize rural health care in South Dakota ahead of the State of the State address.

In this episode, we sit down with Robert "Fidel" Fuller and Cheryl Fuller of Fox Lake Furs to pull back the curtain on the world of South Dakota trapping. From the biological necessity of population control to the surprising role of skunk spray in high-end perfumes, the Fullers share how this historic trade remains essential in the 21st century.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

The "Carrying Capacity": Why trapping is a vital tool for preventing disease outbreaks like rabies and parvo.

A "Dying Art": Robert’s mission to mentor youth and why the average age of trappers is a concern for the industry.

From Field to Fashion: The process of skinning, tanning, and sewing fur, and why real fur is the ultimate "green" biodegradable choice.

The Business of Fur: How Fox Lake Furs works with local hunters and the South Dakota Trappers Association to keep traditions alive.

The "Coonpecker" Contest: A look at the unique local traditions in Twin Brooks and the utilization of every part of the animal.

Guest Info: Robert and Cheryl Fuller operate Fox Lake Furs. Robert is a life member of the South Dakota Trappers Association. For those interested in hides, fur products, or learning more about trapping, Robert can be reached via Facebook (Robert W. Fuller).

Resources Mentioned:

South Dakota Trappers Association (Facebook)

National Trappers Association

Game, Fish & Parks (South Dakota) https://www.facebook.com/sdgfp 

https://www.facebook.com/robert.w.fuller.3

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 of the Northeast Radio SD news wrap-up, we highlight a series of stories that define the spirit of our region—from national legislative victories to local acts of heroism and heart. We cover major milestones for Watertown’s medical and business communities, critical safety updates for outdoor enthusiasts, and the enduring legacy of a local hockey icon.

HR Excellence at Persona Triangle: We celebrate Amber Dahl, Vice President of Human Resources at Persona Triangle, who has been named the 2025 Northeast South Dakota SHRM HR Professional of the Year. Dahl, an 11-year veteran of the company, shares the credit with her dedicated team.

A Medical Victory for Miriam Koska: The six-year-old and her family saw a “record-breaking” result during a recent stem cell harvest. While Miriam continues her fight with a third round of chemotherapy, we have details on an upcoming benefit on January 16th to support the family.

National Defense & Sacred Land: Senator Mike Rounds discusses the signing of the $900.6 billion National Defense Authorization Act, which brings significant infrastructure investment to the Watertown Army National Guard and Ellsworth Air Force Base. Plus, we look at the historic protection of the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial site.

Ice Safety Warning: The Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office issues an urgent plea for caution after two ATVs fell through the ice on Big Stone Lake. We identify the specific hazard zones to avoid as high winds and snow move into the area.

Election News: Senator Glenn Vilhauer officially announces his bid for re-election to the District 5 seat. We review his first-term focus on education and his background in the Watertown City Council.

Continuing a Hockey Legacy: The Watertown Hockey Association honors the late Chris Rieb. Through a $2,500 donation from the Christopher Rieb Memorial Fund, the “Learn to Play” program is ensuring the next generation of skaters is ready for the ice.

Donate to the Koska Family Benefit: Find auction and donation links at NortheastRadioSD.com.

Ice Safety Updates: Monitor the Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office social media for real-time hazard alerts.

Legislative Cracker Barrel: Tune in live January 6th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on the Northeast Radio SD app, Facebook, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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 holidays may be wrapping up, but the ice is just getting started! This week, we welcome Taylor Johnson, the driving force behind the Watertown Figure Skate Club. Taylor shares how a small-town club is making a big-time splash at national competitions across the country. We also discuss why you're never too old (or too young) to start, with programs ranging from 2.5-year-old "Ice Explorers" to adult competitive classes.

Key Moments:

[02:15] Winter "Learn to Skate" registration details.

[05:30] The "Snowpaw Sam" curriculum: How kids learn to fall and get back up.

[09:45] National Dreams: Taking Watertown skaters to Michigan, California, and Massachusetts.

[14:20] Theater on Ice: Broadway meets the rink with pirate ships and "Descendants" characters.

[18:50] Edge Work: Why hockey players are turning to figure skating coaches for more speed.

[22:10] Taylor’s professional background: From training with Scott Hamilton to performing in Las Vegas.

Connect with our Guest: Visit watertownfigureskateclub.com to learn about memberships, volunteering, or signing up for the winter session.

https://www.facebook.com/WatertownFigureSkatingClubWatertownSd 

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 the finalization of 2026 labor agreements for Codington County’s law enforcement, a heart-warming milestone for a local holiday tradition, and the opening of winter sports registrations. We also take a look at regional health data and significant updates from the Department of Justice.

In This Episode:

Codington County Labor Agreements: The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved 2026 union contracts for the Teamsters Local Union 120 and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association. We break down the new wage scale, the 2.6% cost-of-living adjustment, and the transition to the 2026 Sanford Health Plan.

14 Years of Comfort: The Watertown Rotary Club and Slumberland Furniture have teamed up once again for the "Home for the Holidays" initiative, delivering 25 brand-new beds to local families in need. Learn how this partnership with local nonprofits continues to impact housing security in our community.

Registration Alert: The Watertown Figure Skate Club’s "Learn to Skate USA" winter session is now open. From toddlers to advanced hockey power skating at the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena, find out what you need to know before the December 26 deadline.

State Health Update: Influenza activity remains lower than historical averages in South Dakota. We look at the latest numbers from the Department of Health as the 2025-26 season progresses.

Justice Department Crackdown: Details on "Operation Relentless Justice," a nationwide effort that led to nearly 300 arrests, including a high-profile case involving a repeat offender in South Dakota.

Federal Sentencing: A Jamaican national receives over five years in prison for a sweepstakes scam that defrauded an elderly victim, involving a local connection right here in South Dakota.

Stay Connected: Subscribe to Northeast Radio SD on Apple Podcasts for your daily dose of community news, business updates, and human interest stories. For more local coverage, visit our website or download the Northeast Radio SD app.

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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