This week on Northeast Radio SD, we sit down with Malia Kranz, a senior whose achievements span academics, athletics, and military service aspirations. Kranz recently received a highly competitive nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs from U.S. Senator Mike Rounds.

Key discussion points:

The intense nomination process, including the application and board interview.

Kranz's incredible athletic career, including her two state championships in discus and breaking the school record in shot put.

The unique opportunity of the Air Force Academy, which offers a full scholarship in exchange for a five-year service commitment post-graduation.

Malia Kranz's excitement to report for Basic Training in June 2026 and her goal of pursuing a degree in a challenging field like medicine or aviation.

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In this episode, we cover local fundraising success, a significant personnel change in Grant County, and a push from U.S. Senator Rounds for a federal investigation into persistent mail delivery issues across South Dakota. We also look at holiday travel forecasts, crucial federal sentences handed down for drug trafficking, and the latest flu report from the Department of Health.

The annual Christmas tree fundraiser hosted by the Watertown Area Community Foundation at the Watertown Regional Library is off to a strong start, raising $1,678 in community donations by December 9th.

Fifteen local nonprofit organizations decorated trees, and every dollar donated serves as a vote that goes directly to the chosen nonprofit. The foundation is boosting the effort with a matching donation of up to $300 for each participating nonprofit, plus an additional $500 grant for the organization that secures the most votes by the fundraiser’s close on December 31st. Current top vote-getters include Rachel’s Hope, Watertown Cares, and the Watertown Regional Library. Residents are encouraged to visit the library before the end of the month to cast their vote and support local causes.

Grant County Sheriff Kevin Owen is concluding his 15-year career in law enforcement at the end of December. The Grant County Commissioners have selected Owen to immediately transition into the role of County Administrator and Commissioner Assistant, effective January 1st, 2026.

Owen was chosen from a pool of nine applicants and will replace the retiring Karen Layer. Owen first took office as sheriff in January 2011, following prior service with the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. He stated that he has “appreciated the opportunity to serve Grant County and its citizens as their sheriff for the last 15 years.”

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds has formally requested that the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) launch a full investigation into “persistent issues” with mail delivery across South Dakota.

In a letter sent to OIG Tammy Hull on December 9th, Rounds cited complaints from hundreds of constituents regarding substantial delays affecting intrastate mail, packages, and periodicals. He stressed that these delays impact the health and well-being of South Dakotans, giving examples of missed medical appointments and delayed medications for veterans. Rounds attributes the problem to a “flawed design of the USPS network” that routes South Dakota mail outside the state. The Senator is pushing the OIG to determine the root causes of the delays, assess the current network design, and evaluate the need for a dedicated regional processing facility within South Dakota.

AAA South Dakota forecasts a record-breaking holiday travel season, projecting 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between December 20th and January 1st.

South Dakota Travel: Locally, approximately 388,000 residents are projected to travel, a 1% increase.

Driving Dominates: Driving remains the most popular option nationally and locally, with nearly 92% of South Dakota travelers (356,000 people) planning to drive. This trend is motivated in part by lower fuel costs, with the South Dakota average at $2.70 per gallon.

Air and Other Travel: Air travel is also expected to set a new national record, and South Dakota air travel is projected to increase by 4%. Travel by bus, train, and cruise is forecast to see the most significant growth nationally, driven primarily by record cruise demand.

AAA reminds all travelers that December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month and urges everyone to plan a safe ride home.

Two men have been handed lengthy federal prison sentences after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and commit money laundering.

Fame Cobbs, 40, of Sioux Falls, was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison, along with a concurrent 18-month sentence for assaulting a federal officer.

Mario Taylor, 34, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Taylor was identified as the Arizona source of supply, mailing thousands of fentanyl pills to Cobbs and co-conspirators in the Sioux Falls area. Investigators estimate that approximately 35,000 fentanyl pills were trafficked during the operation. The money laundering involved Cobbs using the electronic payment system, Cash App, to send drug proceeds back to Taylor in Arizona.

According to the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), influenza activity in the state remains classified as minimal for the current 2025-26 season, with the geographic spread rated as sporadic.

Despite the low overall rating, the state saw a notable increase in confirmed cases for the week ending December 6th, with 99 new cases and two new hospitalizations. The season's cumulative totals are 188 confirmed cases and 12 hospitalizations. The DOH notes that current activity is significantly lower than the average season, which typically sees over 12,500 confirmed cases. The state’s flu activity usually peaks around the first week of February.

That’s it for this news update. Thank you for tuning into the Northeast Radio news podcast.

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 spotlight the incredible journey of the Lake Area Technical College (LATC) Esports team, the Navigator, as they prepare for the national championship. We hear from players Jose Del Angel and Garrison Steele, and detail how this program has grown from a small student club into a nationally competitive force, all while supporting a diverse group of students.

LATC’s Warzone roster, which includes Jose Del Angel of Milbank, S.D., Garrison Steele of Alden, Minn., and Mason Anthony of Nicollet, Minn., has had its strongest season to date. After a regular season that featured only one loss, the team secured the Region 13 Championship.

Their ticket to the final came after a grueling national semifinal against Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. After splitting the first two matches of the series, Coach Bryce LeBlanc rallied the remaining duo of Jose Del Angel and Garrison Steele with a clear message: “Win and move on or lose and go home.” The players responded decisively, securing a 2-1 series victory and their spot in the national championship.

The Duo: Due to technical issues, Mason Anthony stepped back during the regional rounds, and Garrison Steele stepped in alongside Jose Del Angel. The two have since formed a strong competitive duo and remain the starters for the final.

Player Perspective: Jose Del Angel said competing in the national finals is the highlight of his season, emphasizing the need to “stay focused, communicate well, and play aggressively.” Garrison Steele, in his final year at LATC, added that earning a national title “would mean a lot” to him.

What began as a small student club has rapidly transformed into a program boasting more than 30 students competing in nine game titles across two collegiate leagues.

Coached by former collegiate players Bryce LeBlanc and Levi Olson, the program has logged impressive stats this fall: four regional qualifiers, one regional champion, three national qualifiers, and now, a national championship appearance.

Coach LeBlanc’s Take: LeBlanc credits their success to consistent practice, teamwork, and composure. “Our message stays the same,” he says. “Play with confidence, trust the plan, and compete.”

Coach Olson’s Invitation: Olson emphasizes that the program welcomes students of all skill levels, assuring that Esports “is a diverse and welcoming community here, and there is a place for anyone who loves games.”

The students on the team represent a wide range of academic fields, demonstrating that gaming strategy and quick thinking translate across various disciplines:

Garrison Steele is pursuing Precision Agriculture, a field that uses drones and advanced technology, echoing the strategic use of technology in gaming.

Jose Del Angel is a Computer Information Systems (CIS) student focused on software development.

Kayan Enixon, also in CIS, specializes in Software Development and Database Administration, building desktop applications and working with programming languages.

As Mason Anthony noted, competing at the college level has been a significant experience, as“"Gaming was one of the few avenues I had to compete growing up.”

The LATC Navigator team will be competing live in the Call of Duty: Warzone 2v2 National Final tonight!

Streaming Time: The match will be streamed live beginning at 4:30 p.m. Central.

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Welcome to the Northeast Radio news podcast. In this episode, we dive into the latest from Codington County, where commissioners made urgent moves to secure federal housing grants, authorized a significant payment for the new jail facility, and addressed critical infrastructure. Plus, we look at action taken by the South Dakota Attorney General regarding telemedicine and abortion pills.

Codington County has taken urgent steps to secure vital federal homeless funds. Following a report from Community Service Director Sarah Faust, the commissioners approved an emergency application for a federal transitional housing grant. The county stepped in as the applicant after the intended partner, Watertown Cares, was unable to take on the project.

Director Faust underscored the time-sensitive nature of the funds, stressing that if the state doesn’t secure them, they will be “lost forever.” The program offers long-term support for individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on rehabilitation and community contribution. Faust clarified that the two-year support program is “not a free ride by any means,” and is designed for people “working to really get their lives together.” The primary goal remains getting people to “become productive members of our community.”

In related efforts, the Community Service office also applied for two opioid grants: a $40,000 community health worker grant and a $50,000 community awareness campaign grant. They are also collaborating with the State’s Attorney and local judges to launch a pre-trial case management program in January, intended to prevent long-term court involvement. This builds on successful financial performance, as the office reported over $1,800 in Medicaid reimbursement for community health worker services in November, serving 40 unique individuals and managing 81 total client contacts.

The commissioners also advanced key county construction and renovation projects:

New Jail Facility Payment: The commission approved an estimated $1,037,120 payment for recent work completed on the new jail facility by several contractors, including Beckenhauer and Tegra. This payment aligns with the county’s policy of paying contractors as work is completed, and the county’s jail building fund currently holds over $3.7 million in available funds.

Treasurer’s Office Closure: Treasurer Carol Maloney received approval to temporarily close the Treasurer’s office on Wednesday, December 10th, and Thursday, December 11th, to allow for the installation of new carpet. Maloney assured the public that December is typically a quiet month and that services such as vehicle renewals would remain accessible via the 605 drive system and self-service terminals.

In a move to secure the county’s wholesale power delivery, the Codington County Commissioners approved the renewal of a long-standing franchise agreement with East River Electric Cooperative. The renewal secures the continued operation of vital high-voltage transmission lines and five substations across Codington County.

The agreement, first established in 2006, is crucial for the county’s power infrastructure. Dave Heide, manager of Codington Clark Electric (one of East River’s 24 member cooperatives), expressed strong support for the renewal, stating, “We rely on these servers day in and day out, every day to keep the lights on. So we’re all in with East River, and we really appreciate the renewal of the franchise.” The commission’s approval ensures stability for the county’s power system for the foreseeable future.

Moving to the state level, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has issued a cease-and-desist order, ordering Mayday Medicines Incorporated to immediately stop advertising the sale of abortion-inducing pills in the state.

The action follows an investigation alleging the advertisements constitute a deceptive practice under state consumer protection laws and failed to disclose South Dakota’s strict legal prohibitions against abortion. While state law does not punish women who undergo an abortion, it criminalizes the act of prescribing, procuring, or administering abortion-inducing substances.

Attorney General Jackley’s letter stated that Mayday’s advertisement directs South Dakota consumers to resources that “institute abortion inducing pills are legal in South Dakota, while also urging women not to seek medical care after taking abortion pills and to keep their abortion a secret”” Jackley warned that failure to comply by December 19th, 2025, could result in legal action under the South Dakota Deceptive Trade Practices and Consumers Protection Act, which carries civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation and potential felony criminal consequences.

That’s it for this episode’s Codington County update. Thank you for tuning into the Northeast Radio news podcast.

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 broadcast, we lead with significant recognition for a local healthcare system and an essential update on a cross-county law enforcement investigation. We also hear from the Watertown School Board on legislative concerns, a new cell phone policy, and an enthusiastic report on the progress of the McKinley Early Childhood Center.

National Recognition: Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS), a division of Sanford Health, has been named to the prestigious inaugural Forbes’ Top Hospitals 2026 list. PLHS was one of only 253 hospitals nationwide to earn an overall five-star rating based on publicly reported quality measures that focus heavily on patient outcomes, safety, and the value of care.

ATM Fraud Arrest: A joint investigation by the Clark and Watertown Police Departments led to the arrest of 33-year-old Jose Burgos Paqui on December 8th, in connection with a series of ATM fraud incidents. Paqui has been charged with grand theft, a Class 5 felony in Clark County, with further charges anticipated in Codington County as the investigation continues.

SDGFP Seeks Help: Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP) is seeking the public's assistance regarding an incident of wanton waste and improper disposal of approximately 20 uncleaned pheasant carcasses discovered in a roadside ditch near Clara. The act violates state hunting regulations, and anyone with information leading to a resolution may be eligible for a reward. Authorities believe the incident occurred between December 1st and December 4th. Call 888-OVERBAG or contact Officer Zach Thompson directly at 605-881-2260.

McKinley Early Childhood Center: Principal Emily Hanton provided an enthusiastic update on the center, which houses the district’s birth-to-three services, special education preschool, regular preschool, junior kindergarten, and kindergarten.

Program Focus: Learning relies heavily on purposeful play and hands-on activities, and the junior kindergarten program serves as a valuable resource for students who need an extra year for social-emotional development.

Community Engagement: McKinley is working to build collective school-wide experiences by inviting community members, such as the Watertown Police and Fire Departments, to help students become comfortable with safety officials.

Screening Dates: The final developmental screening is scheduled for the end of January, with the primary kindergarten and preschool screenings set for March 16th.

Legislative Concerns: Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielson reported on the Governor’s budget address, which recommended a 0% increase in state funding for K-12 education. Dr. Danielson expressed concern about the lack of state support for essential costs, such as staff salaries and benefits. He also noted anticipation of property tax relief bills that public schools will likely oppose.

Cell Phone Policy: Dr. Danielson noted the district’s current cell phone policy—phones stored away in K-8 and placed in caddies in high school classrooms—is effective at maintaining classroom focus.

Christmas Break: A reminder that students will be dismissed for Christmas break on December 23rd and return on January 6th.

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In today’s broadcast, we cover significant investments in community infrastructure and education. Joy Ranch of South Dakota unveiled plans for a year-round, accessible recreational center. At the same time, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) pushed forward with the initial design phase for its proposed new Trade Center. Plus, we honor a Watertown School District employee’s long service and share critical details on dual credit and Build Dakota scholarship opportunities.

Major Expansion: Joy Ranch has announced the construction of a new, fully accessible multi-purpose recreational event center, scheduled for completion by Summer 2026.

Meeting Demand: The expansion is driven by sustained growth, with Joy Ranch welcoming over 11,000 people in 2024 for camps and retreats, requiring a year-round, weatherproof space.

Features: The center will include two indoor pickleball courts, along with basketball and volleyball capabilities, all designed to be fully accessible for all ages and mobility levels.

Capital Campaign Kicks Off: Joy Ranch recognized Valley Queen Cheese and its foundation for a P30,000 pledge toward the project’s capital campaign.

Design Phase Approved: The LATC board approved an architectural services agreement with Co-op Architecture to begin the design phase for a new Trade Center and associated campus site improvements.

Goal: The Trade Center is intended to consolidate various trades and academic programs, aligning with the college’s long-term master campus plan.

“Shovel Ready” Focus: Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielson emphasized that securing the design services is a crucial step to making the project “shovel ready” if funding or major donor opportunities become available.

Agreement Details: The approved agreement covers complete architectural and engineering services for both the Trade Center ($61,250) and site improvements ($23,500).

Retirement Honored: The Watertown School District formally approved the retirement of longtime Lincoln Elementary employee Jolene Sutton after 25 years of service, praising her as “the backbone of Lincoln.

Dual Credit Affordability: LATC’s foundation is offering new scholarships to eligible dual-credit students (specifically those receiving free or reduced-price school lunches) to ensure the courses remain affordable following changes to legislative funding.

Build Dakota Alert: The application window for the Build Dakota Scholarship opens January 31st and closes March 31st.

Matchmaking Event: To help students find the required industry sponsor, LATC will host the “Ready, Set, Go, Build Dakota” event on January 15th. This event is required for all high school juniors, seniors, and non-traditional students interested in applying.

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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Monday, December 8, 2025, news roundup covers a range of significant events, including a tragic fatal crash, important local traffic closures, the recognition of outstanding state park staff, and major legal developments from across the region.

We start with unfortunate news regarding a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred last Tuesday morning (December 2nd) at the intersection of South Broadway Street and 20th Avenue Southeast in Watertown. The South Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the driver fatally injured as Antonio Davis Jr., 29, of Oceanside, California.

In related traffic news, Watertown motorists should anticipate a temporary lane closure this morning, Monday, December 8th, on the northeast corner of the 19th Street East and Willow Creek Drive/1st Avenue North intersection. The right turn lane on Willow Creek Drive will be closed as crews repair a damaged signal pole. Crews expect to have the repairs finished by the end of the day.

The State Parks Division recently held its annual awards, honoring dedicated staff and volunteers—and our region brought home top honors!

Genee Dorn was named the 2025 Seasonal Employee of the Year for her impactful work at Lake Poinsett Recreational Area near Arlington. Dorn was celebrated for her strong work ethic, her prioritization of clean facilities, and her excellent visitor satisfaction.

Robert Rutten earned the Distinguished 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award for his incredible service at Pelican Lake Recreation Area near Watertown. Rutten logged an impressive 450 hours, notably taking the initiative to single-handedly clear hundreds of trees after two severe summer storms struck the park.

We cover two significant legal developments from the region:

Iroquois Aggravated Assault Indictment: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Ace Bordeaux, 40, of Iroquois, has been indicted on one felony count of aggravated assault in connection with a November 22nd shooting. The 47-year-old victim suffered gunshot wounds. Bordeaux, who faces up to 15 years if convicted, was indicted on Friday, December 5th.

SDSU Police Chief Arrested: An SDSU Police Chief, Timothy Heaton, was arrested on five counts of cruelty to animals, a Class 6 felony, following a search warrant executed by Brookings police on December 3rd. The investigation revealed unsanitary and unheated living conditions at a home owned by Heaton, with reports indicating a significant amount of feces and structural damage inside.

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We had to crank the volume up to 11 this week because we had the awesome local alternative band Chester LIVE in the studio! Meet Jaden (drums), Keegan (bass), and Quade (guitar/vocals), three young musicians who came together in Watertown and are quickly making a name for themselves.

In this fun chat, they talk about:

The Origin Story: How a chance encounter in the e-sports lab at Lake Area Tech led to the band's formation less than a year ago.

Alternative Roots: Their love for 90s sounds (Hum, Slint, Alice in Chains) blended with influences from classic rock (Dire Straits) and funk (Red Hot Chili Peppers).

Rocker Moments: The history-making moment when Jaden broke a drumstick mid-performance of their original song "Raking the Leaves!"

We feature three awesome original tracks: "Randy," "Raking the Leaves," and the fan-favorite, "Blue Nest."

If you love hearing fresh, original alternative music, you need to listen!

Search: Chester the Band on Instagram and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577884346226 .

Booking: DM them directly on social media or check their link tree for email contact. https://linktr.ee/chestertheband?brid=ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw 

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 week on Northeast Radio SD, we sit down with Jo Vitek of Divine Providence of South Dakota and Pastor Mark Tracy of Cornerstone Church to discuss a critical and often-ignored community issue: sexual brokenness and the need for resources dedicated to healing.

Vitek and Pastor Tracy explain that issues like sexual addiction and distorted views of intimacy have grown rapidly, causing significant damage to relationships. They highlight that many local leaders are currently ill-equipped to help those who reach out. The solution is the Pure Desire Ministries Conference, an event designed to break down barriers, increase awareness for parents and leaders, and provide tools for genuine healing.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

It's for Everyone: The issue transcends faith, age, and gender. Whether you are seeking healing from a past wound, or you are a parent trying to navigate a world that "clickbaits" children into distorted views of sexuality, this event is designed for you.

A United Effort: The event showcases powerful unity in Watertown, with the Catholic Church (Holy Name of Jesus) and the Methodist Church (Cornerstone) hosting simultaneous adult events.

No Barriers to Entry: The event is free to attend, with a free meal provided. Organizers emphasize that if childcare is an issue, they are willing to provide assistance to ensure everyone who needs to be there can attend.

Youth Event (Ages 14-18): Friday, January 16th, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM at Cornerstone Church. Parents are encouraged to attend and listen from the back.

Adult Conferences: Saturday, January 17th, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Women's: Cornerstone Church

Men's: Holy Name of Jesus Church

Register Now and Learn More: Find the registration link and full event details at facebook.com/puredesirewatertown.

Learn more about the year-end activities of our guests:

Divine Providence of SD: Supporting wounded survivors of child sexual abuse and strengthening churches across Northeast SD. Look for their upcoming bake sale on Saturday, December 13th, at 525 South Lake Drive to fund future healing retreats.

Cornerstone Church: Giving away 250 boxes of food TODAY! Check their social media for current community outreach events.

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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Captain Dennis Jolly of the Salvation Army in Watertown joins us to discuss the organization's critically important holiday season. This interview provides an in-depth look at how the funds raised during the Christmas Red Kettle Campaign sustain crucial community services throughout the year.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

The Mission: The Salvation Army is seeing a massive surge in demand for all services, serving over 1,200 people with Thanksgiving food boxes alone—a number more than double last year’s total.

Volunteers are Vital: Jolly shares the powerful math showing that volunteer bell ringers generate $52 per hour, compared to $21 per hour for paid staff. Every hour a person volunteers doubles the impact!

Christmas Goal: The goal is to raise $244,000 to avoid cutting essential programs like the food pantry, utility assistance, and the hot meal program, which has served over 15,000 meals this year.

Matching Days You Can't Miss: Learn how to double your money on specific days thanks to the Advisory Board:

"10s on the 10th" (Trav’s Outfitter) up to $2,500.

"20s on the 20th" (First Premier Bank/Bank Card) up to $5,000.

Angel Tree Program: Find out how the program preserves dignity by allowing parents to shop for their children’s unwrapped gifts, and how the program is helping over 570 children this Christmas.

Community Partnerships: Captain Jolly highlights the incredible support from the Watertown Shamrocks hockey team, who are the Honorary Christmas Chairs and have been record-breaking bell ringers this season.

How to Help Today:

Volunteer: Go to registertoring.com to pick your time and location.

Donate: Look for the QR codes on the Red Kettles for easy mobile giving, or visit the website.

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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