Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) units, including Medic 4 and Battalion 1, were instrumental in a highly complex vehicle extrication operation supporting the Estelline Fire Department. The incident involved a half-ton pickup that had rolled onto its side and was leaning dangerously over a bridge. The rescue was complicated by a bridge support beam that had penetrated the vehicle's passenger compartment, trapping the driver.

WFR personnel provided critical coordination and patient care during the high-stress event. The operation's success hinged on Performance Towing's support, which stabilized the precarious vehicle and ensured the safety of all rescue crews. Traffic control from the Duel County Sheriff's Office, a deputy, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol ensured a secure perimeter for emergency operations.

Coddington County Sheriff Brad Howell recently presented a detailed report on the department's activities and finances for October 2025 to the County Commissioners.

The department reported collecting over $47,000 in revenue for the month. This substantial income was primarily derived from correctional programs, including contracts for housing out-of-county prisoners, work release, and fees from the 24/7 sobriety program, which brought in over $31,000.

Key Statistics for October 2025:

Average Daily Inmate Population: 49

Total Bookings: 195

Calls for Service: 563

Warrants Served: 53

Civil Papers Served: 243

24/7 Sobriety Monitoring: 73 individuals are actively monitored via electronic devices like SCRAM bracelets and remote breathalyzers.

In a move toward integrating new technology, the Sheriff's Office has also signed a 60-day agreement to test Flock cameras (license plate readers) at no cost to the county. This trial will integrate the new technology with existing patrol vehicle cameras.

On November 18th, Samuel B. Miller of Lake Norton was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Abigail A. Howard in the Hamlin County Circuit Court. Miller entered a plea of no contest to the charge of sexual contact with a child under 16, stemming from an investigation opened by the Hamlin County Sheriff's Office in February 2025.

Miller was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with 90 days suspended, and received 10 days' credit for time served, resulting in an immediate jail sentence of 80 days. His suspended sentence is conditioned upon meeting specific requirements for one year, including remaining a law-abiding citizen, paying all fines and court costs, reimbursing the county for his court-appointed attorney, refraining from contact with the victim, and completing a mental health evaluation.

The Watertown area United Way has announced significant progress in its annual campaign, officially reaching 80% of its $655,000 target.

The organization expressed gratitude for the community's generosity but is now initiating a final push to secure the remaining 20% of funds. This money is crucial for supporting the 31 local partner agencies—including the Beacon Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown, and the Salvation Army—which focus on key impact areas: education, health, and financial stability.

Community members can contribute to help Campaign Chairs Jason and Tia Hutt reach the 100% goal by visiting the United Way website at watertownunitedway.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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Episode Summary It’s that time of year again—snow season on the prairie. On today’s episode of Hack or Whack on Northeast Radio SD, Steve and Dorene discuss the universal struggle of the clogged snowblower (and the heavy, wet snow sticking to your shovel).

While Steve shared a rather... unconventional method involving bodily fluids (allegedly from "a guy he knows"), Dorene brought a much cleaner solution to the table.

The Hack: Cooking Spray If you are tired of stopping every few feet to clear out the discharge chute or knock snow off your auger, head to your kitchen pantry.

The Method: Take a can of non-stick cooking spray and coat the inside of your snowblower's discharge chute and the auger.

Crucial Step: Make sure the machine is clean and dry before applying the spray.

Bonus Use: This also works on shovels (even the big grain scoops!) to keep wet, heavy slush from sticking to the blade.

The Verdict? IT'S A HACK! This simple trick creates a slick surface that prevents snow and ice buildup, making your cleanup faster and saving your back muscles from lifting that extra snow weight.

Have a Hack? Do you have a better method than Steve’s "friend"? Let us know!

Call: 605-878-1880

Email: Dorene at [email protected]

Catch "Is It Hack or Whack?" Monday through Friday on Northeast Radio SD!

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Episode Date: November 28, 2025

Here is a summary of the top news stories and community announcements for today:

Our community mourns the loss of a Watertown woman following a tragic incident earlier this week. On Monday, November 24th, emergency crews, including the Watertown Police Department, Watertown Fire Rescue, and Codington County Search and Rescue, were dispatched to the 200 block of Challenger Way Southeast after a vehicle entered a pond and became fully submerged.

The driver, identified as 41-year-old Brianna Mahavi of Watertown, was extricated and transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital with life-threatening injuries but passed away later that evening. The Watertown Police Department extended its condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy. Authorities do not anticipate any further updates at this time.

With record holiday shopping traffic expected this season, AAA South Dakota Public Affairs Manager Sean Stewart is urging both drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety.

Stewart emphasized that holiday stress can contribute to road rage, advising motorists to remain patient, avoid distractions, and not engage with aggressive drivers, warning, "you never know how the other driver might react."

Key Safety Reminders for Shoppers:

Parking Lots: High-risk areas. Drivers must slow down and yield to pedestrians.

Walkers: Put down the smartphone, avoid headphones, and use designated crosswalks.

Theft Prevention: Always lock your vehicle and stow purchases completely out of sight in the trunk.

A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) indicates that federal tariffs imposed in 2025 have added 7/10 of a percentage point to consumer inflation by September, raising costs for families here in South Dakota.

The research found specific price increases in key sectors:

Household Furnishings: Up 6.7%

Electronics: Up 2.6%

Food: Up 2.8%

According to an analysis by the Dakota Institute, South Dakota faces estimated additional import costs of $296 million to $370 million due to the tariffs.

Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is inviting the community to its first-ever LATC Chorus Christmas Concert on Friday, December 12th.

Featuring: The newly formed LATC Chorus and special guests, the Glacial Lakes Harmonizers.

Time & Location: 7:00 PM on the 4th floor of the LATC campus (1201 Arrow Avenue Northeast).

Admission: Free for all attendees.

Charity Focus: Organizers will collect optional free-will cash donations and non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.

All are encouraged to attend this festive event to welcome the holiday season and support a local cause.

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Is It Hack or Whack? | November 28th

Featured: Foster and Jurrens

It's time for our daily "Is It Hack or Whack?" segment, and today, Foster is tackling a common household issue: towels that have lost their softness and, well, their fresh scent.

If you’ve ever grabbed a towel after a shower only to find it smells a little "funky" or feels stiff, Foster has a simple, low-cost solution that bypasses those expensive fresh beads and softeners—a trick she learned from her own mother.

The simple household hero is white distilled vinegar. While it might sound unconventional, vinegar's natural acidity is highly effective at breaking down what really makes your towels feel stiff and smell sour:

Residue Buildup: It cuts through lingering residue from traditional fabric softeners, detergents, and hard water minerals.

Odor Causing Bacteria: It tackles mildew, mold, and other bacteria that cause those lingering, damp odors.

Foster confirmed the method with Jurrens, who advised on modern washer features, especially the high-efficiency (HE) models common today.

Load the Laundry: Place your towels into the washing machine.

Add the Vinegar: Pour $1/4$ to $1/2$ cup of white distilled vinegar into the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine.

Run the Cycle: Run the washer on warm or hot water. Since you use the fabric softener compartment, the vinegar will dispense automatically during the rinse cycle, ensuring the vinegar smell rinses out completely.

Dry: Dry your towels on low or medium heat.

The result? Softer towels with a clean, fresh scent—no funk required.

Listen to the full segment to hear Foster and Jurrens debate the Hack status of this laundry trick!

Catch "Is It Hack or Whack?" heard Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM right here on Northeast Radio SD.

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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This broadcast update covers key developments across South Dakota, including a major legislative debate over water quality, new holiday safety initiatives, a significant step forward for a Watertown non-profit, and a new community program to assist with hearing healthcare.

Signs point to more serious legislative action on water quality in South Dakota. A recent update to the legislature's executive board highlighted that nearly 80% of evaluated river and stream stretches in the state fail to support beneficial uses like swimming or fishing, largely due to agricultural runoff, including fertilizers and farm pollution.

The discussion is moving beyond just incentives, with key lawmakers suggesting stricter regulations may be necessary. This potential shift has conservationists hopeful, but it also signals a difficult political road ahead, particularly amid opposition from farming circles and criticism from the Governor, a rancher. A tight state budget forecast and a grim outlook for additional federal support may limit any new efforts.

To promote safe driving during the holiday season, the South Dakota Highway Patrol has announced it will be conducting sobriety checkpoints throughout December. These monthly checkpoints are a proactive strategy to discourage impaired driving and enhance public safety. The checkpoints will be conducted across 15 counties, including Codington, Custer, Day, Hughes, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Moody, Pennington, Walworth, and Yankton.

The Glacial Lakes Humane Society is moving forward with plans for a new facility in Watertown. On Thursday, November 20th, the Watertown Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a conditional use permit (CUP).

The CUP allows for a commercial kennel in the I-1 Light Industrial District.

The proposed site is located just south of the Walmart property along 29th Street Southeast.

The property is approximately 2.77 acres.

The new shelter, similar to the current one, will feature indoor and outdoor kennels, office space, storage, and an outdoor animal play area.

The current shelter has operated on city-leased property since 1977.

The Watertown Lions Club has partnered with Professional Hearing Services to establish SD Hears, a new program dedicated to providing hearing assistance to local and area residents facing financial barriers. The initiative aims to expand access to comprehensive hearing health care, including:

Testing

Services and support

Hearing aids for those who cannot afford them.

The program will be funded by the proceeds from the Lions Club's weekly Progressive Pot Blackout Bingo Nights, held every Tuesday at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. Dr. Todd Decker, audiologist and owner of Professional Hearing Services, expressed his excitement for the collaboration, which will ensure hearing care is available regardless of financial situation.

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Northeast Radio SD's Steve Jurrens interviews Sam Froehlke (fro-ell-kee), an Independent candidate running for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 4 for the 2026 election.

Froehlke shares his background as a conservative from the Toronto area who is running independently to ensure the voices of "normal people" are heard in Pierre. He explains his decision to avoid traditional party politics to present an honest platform that doesn't fully align with either major party.

Key Topics Covered:

Property Tax Reform: Froehlke champions clear, common-sense property tax assessments, proposing they be based on the last sale price adjusted for inflation, not speculative value. He advocates for increased local control, allowing people to vote on county and school district budgets.

Prioritizing Fire and EMS: He addresses the crisis in volunteer emergency services, suggesting that budgets for Fire and EMS may need to be prioritized ahead of school budgets to ensure these critical, life-saving services remain viable and adequately staffed.

Independent Healthcare: To combat unmanageable healthcare costs, Froehlke suggests non-traditional solutions, including encouraging independent clinics and requiring employers to offer the cash equivalent of insurance to employees who opt out.

Data Centers and Corporate Land Ownership: Froehlke aligns with local constituent sentiment against large projects like the data center near Toronto, questioning why corporations seeking public tax exemptions should not be subject to public input. He also supports limits on out-of-state and corporate land ownership, an issue highly important to residents in the area.

Clarity in Legislation: He touches upon complex issues like marijuana legislation, advocating for clear compromise, and reaffirms his pro-life stance that life begins at conception.

Listen to Sam Froehlke's call for South Dakota to focus on local solutions and policies that directly benefit its residents.

Connect with Sam Froehlke:

Website: https://www.samfroehlkeforsd.com/meet_sam 

Sam Froehlke is collecting signatures starting in January 2026 to qualify as an Independent candidate for the District 4 House of Representatives race.

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Join Northeast Radio SD's Steve Jurrens as he welcomes special guest Shawn Lenning (shawn)—entrepreneur, lifelong musician, and the man behind Watertown's new music shop, The Groove Shop.

In this detailed interview, Shawn shares his passion for making music happen and discusses his four decades of teaching guitar lessons to hundreds of students, from young children to those in their seventies. He reflects on his extensive career playing in various bands and the memorable moments he wishes he had documented.

The conversation pivots to the resurgence of physical music, specifically vinyl records. Shawn delves into the nostalgic appeal of LPs, noting that people appreciate owning a piece of history with artwork and liner notes, a feature missing from streaming. He also touches on the surprising comeback of CDs and even 8-tracks!

Shawn details the services available at his new location, The Groove Shop (formerly Riffs and Repairs):

Retail: Selling a curated collection of used vinyl, CDs, and tapes, emphasizing classic rock.

Repair: Continuing to offer guitar and amp repairs.

Instruction: Providing private guitar lessons.

Shawn shares that every record is meticulously cleaned and sleeved, ensuring high quality for collectors. He also discusses his weekly "Flip Sessions" on The Groove Shop's Facebook page every Thursday night (including tonight, Thanksgiving eve), where he previews new inventory.

Where to Find The Groove Shop:

Location: Johnson Appraisal Building, 20 1st Avenue Northwest (across from the Guesthouse parking lot).

Hours: Friday (Black Friday) 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday (Small Business Saturday) 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Special Offer: Get 10% off when paying with cash. Gift certificates are also available!

Finally, Shawn invites everyone to catch his acoustic performance tonight with Gina Schultz Irving at the Watertown Brewing Company from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Tune in to hear how Shawn Lenning is helping to close the generational gap in music appreciation and bring the joy of physical media back to Watertown.

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Northeast Radio SD brings you the latest local headlines in this comprehensive news broadcast recap. This episode covers a serious emergency incident, a regional celebration, and important community and development updates.

Headlines:

Emergency Rescue in Watertown: Full details on the Monday morning incident where emergency crews responded to and successfully extricated a driver from a vehicle fully submerged in a pond on Challenger Way SE.

2026 Snow Queen Coronation: Emily Jensen of Castlewood High School is crowned the new Watertown Area Senior Snow Queen at the Goss Opera House. We recap the theme, all the royalty, scholarship awards, and inspirational words from the outgoing queen and State Snow Queen, Katie Leadabrand.

Area Traffic Incidents: Reports on a two-vehicle collision on 15th Avenue SE and a single-vehicle crash in rural Hamlin County involving two juveniles and livestock fencing.

Community & Development Updates:

Codington County Services: Director Sara Foust reports on the rising intensity of client needs, ongoing funeral assistance, and the expansion of the vital Community Health Worker program, funded by increased opioid grant funding.

Housing and Childcare Initiatives: Updates on the housing group's efforts to secure federal funding for transitional housing and the upcoming community survey to assess childcare needs (availability, affordability, and quality).

Watertown Zoning Review: The Planning Commission is moving forward with modernizing the zoning ordinance to allow service stations (gas stations/C-stores) as a permitted use in the I-1 Light Industrial District.

Grant County Capital Campaign: The Grant County Development Corporation (GCDC) launches its first-ever $1.5 million capital campaign to fund affordable housing, childcare, and industrial land preparation, led by Executive Director Tracy Stein.

Tune in for all the details on the news affecting Watertown and the surrounding area.

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Community Transit Faces $106K Cut & Hikes Fares: An Interview with Co-Directors Terry Hoffman and Cathy Holman

Community Transit of Watertown, Sisseton (CTWS) is navigating a challenging year. Host Steve Jurans sits down with Co-Directors Terry Hoffman and Cathy Holman (55 years of combined experience!) to discuss the critical services they provide and the financial hurdles they are facing.

The directors detail the $106,000 cut in federal operating funds that has forced them to implement a necessary fare increase beginning January 1st (Watertown city fares rise from $3 to $4). They explain their intensive lobbying efforts to secure a dedicated state funding source to support their mission.

Despite the challenges, CTWS is making a huge economic impact:

They provided over 190,000 rides last year.

Employment has become the #1 purpose for rides in Watertown, proving their essential role in getting the community to work.

They’ve secured funding for three new hybrid (gas/electric) SUVs.

Their highly-trained drivers recently dominated the Dakota Transit Association Bus Rodeo, taking home 1st, 2nd, and 5th place!

Learn more about their essential, door-to-door service, their partnerships (including the medical contract with Prairie Lakes), and what it takes to manage public transit in Northeast South Dakota.

Guests:

Terry Hoffman, Co-Director, Community Transit of Watertown, Sisseton

Cathy Holman, Co-Director, Community Transit of Watertown, Sisseton

Key Topics:

Federal funding cuts and rate increases

Lobbying for a dedicated state funding source

Employment is the #1 reason for ridership

New hybrid vehicles and extensive driver training

Driver success at the annual Bus Rodeo

https://www.facebook.com/communitytransitws

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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Watertown's 'Woo Girl' Ambassador: Home Builders EO Julie Kneeland & Chamber CEO Tim Sheehan

Description:

The studio is buzzing with community leaders! Host Steve Jurans sits down with two key figures: Tim Sheehan, President/CEO of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, and Julie Kneeland, Executive Officer of the Watertown Area Home Builders Association.

Julie gives us an inside look at the Home Builders Association, detailing its work across seven counties and its vital role in state and national advocacy to keep housing affordable.

We also celebrate Julie’s recent and well-deserved honor as the 2025 Chamber Ambassador of the Year! Tim shares why Julie is the ultimate community "cheerleader," always promoting local businesses and events.

Plus, get the scoop on the upcoming Watertown Home Show (March 14th & 15th), discover how Julie’s background at Lake Area Tech led her to the construction industry (and meeting her husband, Tony Kneeland!), and stick around for some fun facts, including her dedication to the Dallas Cowboys (even while facing down the Vikings!) and the legendary story behind her "Woo Girl Stomp" at country concerts. Don't miss this energetic conversation!

Guests:

Tim Sheehan, President/CEO, Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce

Julie Kneeland, Executive Officer, Watertown Area Home Builders Association (WAHBA)

Key Topics:

WAHBA's 7-County Service Area

2025 Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award

The importance of the Annual Home Show

Advocacy for affordable housing

Football, concerts, and community spirit

https://www.facebook.com/WatertownChamber

https://www.facebook.com/watertownhomebuilders

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 LIVE365 app, search Northeast Radio SD, & stream all day, every day! 

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