SD Retail Optimism, Watertown’s Decade-Long Financial Roadmap, and an Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

In this episode of Northeast Radio SD News, we cover major updates affecting local commerce, community infrastructure, and public safety across the region.

South Dakota's Strong Holiday Retail Forecast: The South Dakota Retailers Association reports overwhelmingly strong holiday sales optimism, with 93% of businesses meeting or exceeding expectations. Hear from Executive Director Nathan Sanderson and local retailers on a key shift in consumer habits: shoppers are prioritizing high-quality, durable goods like non-plastic toys and lasting home products, moving away from disposable trends.

Watertown City Council Approves 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): City Manager Alan Stager and the City Council unanimously approved the 2027–2036 Capital Improvement Plan, laying out a financial roadmap for future infrastructure and equipment needs. We detail the plan’s key takeaways:

Primary Financial Pressure: Street maintenance and the rising cost of large capital equipment.

Community Improvements: Councilman Hoyer expresses enthusiasm for upcoming park equipment replacements in older neighborhoods (including Mallard Cove, Morningside, and Northridge Parks).

Major Investments: Allocations are set for future projects, including a $998,000 fire engine replacement in 2029, new zoo exhibits (kangaroo and ringtail lemur holding areas), and a federally funded reconstruction of Taxiway A at the airport.

Public Safety and Healthcare News: The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has launched an impartial investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Beresford on November 21st that resulted in the death of 36-year-old Christopher John Pearson of Aurora. Plus, hear how Prairie Lakes Healthcare System was honored with a 2025 Performance Leadership Award for outstanding performance in patient outcomes.

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

Deck the Downtown: Holiday Magic, New Traditions & Watertown's Community Christmas Tree

Host Steve Jurrens welcomes downtown Watertown business leaders, Jill Makepeace (Makepeace Jewelers) and Michael Heuer (Watertown Brewing Company), to discuss the new, collaborative holiday event series, Deck the Downtown.

Learn all about the exciting new traditions being launched, including the inaugural Community Christmas Tree Lighting at Foundation Plaza (part of the H2O 2050 vision). Jill and Hoyer break down the full schedule of festivities, including:

The family-friendly Santa Run.

The Live Windows event, featuring live actors.

The highly anticipated Cookie Crawl (featuring over a baker's dozen of cookies!).

The Sounds of the Season live music nights.

Discover the "labor of love" behind this community effort to create a magical downtown experience, encourage local shopping, and build lasting memories for Watertown families.

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

This episode of Northeast Radio SD brings you key coverage from the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Farm Business Banquet and the latest Watertown City Council meeting, focusing on political priorities and city finances.

Hear excerpts from Governor Larry Rhoden's address to over 1,000 farmers and ranchers, where he officially discussed his decision to seek re-election in 2026.

Ag is King: Rhoden stressed the economic dominance of agriculture in South Dakota, stating it outpaces the state's second-largest industry by "six or seven times."

Property Tax Defense: The Governor passionately defended the agricultural production tax system against legislative criticism, highlighting his role in passing the tax and affirming that the system is now "very viable, reasonable, [and] supportable."

Homesteader Heritage: Rhoden connected the state's strength and culture to the resilience of its original homesteaders.

The Watertown City Council unanimously approved the 2026 budget appropriation, totaling $65.4 million.

Budget Reduction: City Manager Alan Stager noted the budget represents a significant $10 million decrease from the 2025 fiscal year, primarily due to the completion of major wastewater projects.

Key Allocations: The budget allocates funds for critical areas, including $5.57 million for public safety and $4.02 million for street system improvements.

Rollover Crash: Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a single-vehicle rollover on South Lake Drive, transporting two individuals to Prairie Lakes Hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

Youth Philanthropy: The Watertown Area Community Foundation Youth Council has convened for its 25th year, with six high school students set to guide local funding priorities.

"Crue's Christmas": Details on a holiday fundraiser in Clear Lake dedicated to supporting research for eight-year-old Crue Bucknell, who was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition Sanfilippo syndrome.

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

This episode covers the key actions from the latest Watertown City Council meeting and an exclusive interview with a candidate for the State House.

The Watertown City Council voted unanimously to enter into a new, anonymous professional services agreement with NAVEX (also known as EthicsPoint), a risk and compliance management company. This platform will provide an anonymous reporting system for city employees, a move City Manager Alan Stager stated is intended to improve transparency in a culture he noted previously discouraged it. The contract is valued at $4,108.39.

The decision was highlighted by Councilman Brent Mohrmann reading a letter from former employee Devin Kwasniewski detailing allegations of "corrupt leadership" and strong-arm tactics within the City Engineering and HR departments. Mayor Holien encouraged the public to view the new system as a positive "information helpline" for all employees and city decisions.

The Council also unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance amendment that prohibits the sale, purchase, and possession of hemp-derived products to individuals under the age of 21.

The legislation, championed by city staff and council members, including Dan Schutte and Mohrmann, aims to close loopholes in current state law and promote public safety for youth.

Mayor Holien noted the city's proactive stance on regulating these products, which preceded recent federal attention on hemp-infused beverages.

In a separate segment, Northeast Radio SD features an exclusive interview with former State Representative Byron Callies, who officially announced his candidacy for the District 5 House of Representatives in the 2026 election cycle.

Economic Development Focus: Callies, a retired Lieutenant Colonel with the South Dakota National Guard, expressed concern over a perceived "anti-economic growth sentiment" in the State Capitol. He cited the withdrawal of the Gevo plant near Lake Preston and opposition to a data center near Clear Lake as missed opportunities.

Property Tax: He advocates a balanced approach to property tax relief, warning that excessive cuts could compromise funding for essential services such as fire, police, and schools.

Public Safety: Callies reaffirmed his commitment to public safety, citing his prior legislative work to support 911 services.

Callies will face voters in the Republican primary on June 2, 2026.

The episode also includes a call for prayers and support for Watertown natives Michael and Emily Koska, whose six-year-old daughter, Miriam, was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that has metastasized. Miriam faces an 18-month treatment protocol including chemotherapy, surgery, and stem cell transplants.

To assist the family with mounting medical and travel expenses (while Emily is 25 weeks pregnant), a fundraising page has been established through Lend A Hand Up, ensuring 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Koska family.

Check the links attached to the article on NortheastRadioSD.com for the fundraising page.

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

In this episode, Northeast Radio SD's Steve Jurrens and Dorene Foster welcome Rich Ohm of Fallout Shelter Ministries to discuss their impressive annual community Thanksgiving dinner and the comprehensive work the ministry conducts year-round in Watertown and internationally.

Ohm details the upcoming community Thanksgiving meal, which is now in its fourth year under the ministry's leadership (and continuously funded by the Driscoll family at Watertown Ford). The event has consistently fed over 1,000 people each year, offering both dine-in and delivery options.

Key Thanksgiving Details:

Location: Fallout Shelter Ministries Center, 10 2nd Street Southeast (one block south of County Fair).

Time: Doors open at 11:00 AM, and they serve until the food runs out.

Deliveries: Listeners are encouraged to call now to schedule deliveries, as the coordination cut-off is approaching (around Monday/Tuesday of the week of Thanksgiving).

Volunteers: The ministry is fully staffed with volunteers for the Thanksgiving meal this year.

Beyond the dinner, Ohm describes the ministry's broad "shotgun approach" to serving the community, emphasizing that their mission is to remind people they are "priceless" and prepare them for the unexpected. Their activities include:

International & Local Outreach: Teaching martial arts and self-defense (using this medium to share the Gospel) to people worldwide, with over 37,000 trained since 2014. Locally, this includes working with youth and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Ministry Center Services: The center at 10 2nd Street Southeast hosts martial arts, Friday night church services, a small emergency food bank, and is building two emergency housing rooms.

Transportation Assistance: They provide crucial transportation to get people who are homeless, recently released from jail, or victims of crime safely home, sometimes driving as far as Southern Arizona or Utah.

Other Events: They host youth dances and are looking to expand community-focused events through the winter.

How to Support: Fallout Shelter Ministries is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit that relies on the goodwill of donors. They are currently seeking financial support to replace their ministry car, which was recently stolen and recovered in a damaged state. Donations can be designated for local or international outreach or for the building fund. They also have a unique need for volunteers skilled in high-up manual labor for building restoration.

Please find out more about their mission and how to donate at their website, falloutshelterministries.com, or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/Falloutshelterministries 

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

In this episode of Northeast Radio SD News, we cover major updates affecting South Dakota, from military deployments and local public safety recognition to critical federal legislative priorities and winter weather preparedness.

National Guard Deployment: More than 130 soldiers from the South Dakota Army National Guard's 660th Support Maintenance Company (based in Mitchell) have been activated for federal service. The unit is deploying to the Grafenwöhr (pronounced: GRAF-en-wohr) Training Area in Europe for a year-long mission to conduct essential maintenance operations for U.S., NATO, and partner nation forces. (Note: Transcript mentions 660th, search results indicate 665th. We are using the name from the transcript for the podcast notes.)

Senator Rounds on Federal Funding: Following the recent government shutdown, Senator Mike Rounds detailed significant legislative achievements in an exclusive interview with Northeast Radio SD.

Watertown Funding Secured: The continuing resolution included full-year funding for the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriation Bill (MILCON-VA). This includes $28 million earmarked specifically for the Watertown Army National Guard vehicle maintenance shop.

B-21 Bomber Support: The MILCON bill provides substantial funding to support the B-21 bomber bed-down at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Congressional Directed Spending: Rounds confirmed the package included nearly $21.9 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (earmarks) for South Dakota projects, including the maintenance hangar at Joe Foss Field.

Veterans Affairs Transparency: Rounds discussed a new bill focused on enhancing transparency and reducing national wait times (currently up to 30 days in some areas) for burial scheduling within the National Cemetery Administration.

Legislative Focus: The Senate is now focused on passing remaining appropriations bills, health care affordability, and the five-year Farm Bill authorization (which may slide into January).

Watertown Firefighter Paramedic Achieves Full Status: Watertown Fire Rescue officially recognized Firefighter Paramedic Ryley Serreyn for completing his rigorous probationary period. Fire Chief Don Rowland (pronounced: ROW-land) presented Sarin with his traditional black helmet, signifying his achievement of full operational status. The department emphasizes that every crew member serves as both a full firefighter and a paramedic, enhancing their ability to handle simultaneous calls.

Pre-Winter Travel Webinar: The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the National Weather Service are hosting a public webinar on Thursday, November 20th, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM CST via Zoom.

Experts will provide the official 2025-2026 winter weather outlook.

The session will highlight the new Variable Speed Limit (VSL) system installed on I-29 between Flandreau and Brookings, which adjusts speeds based on real-time road conditions to improve safety.

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

You're listening to Northeast Radio SD! In this episode, we were joined by Republican candidate for District 5 of the House of Representatives, Byron Callies, for a detailed discussion of his background, motivations for running, and legislative priorities for South Dakota.

Callies, a former legislator, brings a wealth of experience, including 41 years of service in the South Dakota National Guard (retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel) and a long career in the electrical and power industry, having worked for Northwestern Public Service and Western Area Power.

Motivation to Run: Callies highlighted his successful two-year legislative session, emphasizing collaborative work that led to bills being passed and supported.

Controversial Policies: He reflected on the highly debated CO2 pipeline bill (which became Senate Bill 201 during his term), noting that while the bill was designed to provide benefits and compensation (including a dollar-per-foot payment) to landowners in cases where eminent domain was used, the bill was ultimately referred and defeated, causing landowners to lose those potential benefits.

Property Tax Relief: Callies weighed in on the contentious property tax debate, acknowledging that high valuations in areas like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Watertown are causing concern. He stressed the need for balance, noting that substantial cuts to property taxes would negatively impact essential services such as fire, police, and schools.

Public Safety and Healthcare: He mentioned past legislation he supported that increased the 911 surcharge to address operating deficits in the service. He reaffirmed his commitment to public safety, rooted in his utility background, and his willingness to review future safety-related bills.

Pro-Growth Economy: A primary concern for Callies is what he perceives as an "anti-economic growth" attitude in the legislature, citing the pull-out of the Gevo plant near Lake Preston, opposition to the Clear Lake data center, and the fight against the new Sioux Falls prison. He advocates for a return to a "positive growth South Dakota" that welcomes outside business and investment.

Political Inspiration: Calise shared a personal connection to state politics, mentioning that he encouraged his daughter, Melissa Magstadt, to enter politics, and she is now the South Dakota Secretary of Health.

Byron Callies is a Republican candidate for the District 5 House of Representatives. While the June 2026 primary is still ahead, Callies encourages anyone with questions to reach out to him via his Facebook page.

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

Funding Secured for Watertown Guard & Ellsworth AFB: Sen. Rounds on Post-Shutdown Wins and VA Transparency

News Broadcaster Steve Jurrens sits down for an exclusive interview with U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) to discuss critical legislative movements impacting South Dakota following the recent government shutdown.

Senator Rounds details major funding wins secured for the state's military infrastructure, his immediate priorities for passing the remaining appropriations bills, and a successful legislative effort for veterans' families.

In this episode, find out:

$28 Million for Watertown: Senator Rounds confirms the allocation of $28 million for the Watertown Army National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop as part of the full-year MILCON-VA appropriation.

B-21 Bomber Bed Down: Updates on the secured funding for military construction at Ellsworth Air Force Base in preparation for the B-21 bomber.

Legislative Focus: Rounds discusses the bipartisan commitment to passing the remaining federal appropriation bills, including those for Defense, Transportation, and Health and Human Services, immediately.

Farming & Health Care: The Senator touches on the status of the Farm Bill and the push to address the rising cost of health care affordability in the coming weeks.

Veterans' Families Win: The successful passage of the HONOR Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring families can quickly schedule burials for loved ones in national cemeteries nationwide.

Rounds encourages listeners with federal agency issues (such as Social Security, Medicare, and passports) to contact his office for assistance.

Guests: U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

Keywords/Tags: #MikeRounds #SouthDakota #WatertownSD #EllsworthAFB #NationalGuard #GovernmentFunding #VeteransAffairs #HONORAct #NortheastRadioSD

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

DCI Investigates 7th Inmate Death; Watertown Seeks $500K Grant for Calvin Park Infrastructure; Major Volga Shop Fire

Your daily news digest from Northeast Radio SD, covering key developments in regional public safety, local government, and economic development.

This episode features reports on:

DCI Investigates Prison Inmate Death: The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is looking into the suspected drug overdose death of inmate Timothy Tyree (46) at Mike Durfee State Prison. This marks the seventh such investigation since February, with Attorney General Marty Jackley emphasizing the severity and noting two previous cases have led to criminal felony charges.

Watertown Infrastructure Grant Vote: The City Council is set to vote on applying for a $500,000 Local Infrastructure Improvement Program (LIIP) grant for the new $3.67 million lift station and sewer line at Calvin Industrial Park, Second Edition. This major project, which will facilitate continued economic growth, is a joint endeavor involving the City, Codington County, Watertown Development Company, and Municipal Utilities.

Volga Truck Shop Fire: Details on the massive early Sunday morning fire in Volga that completely destroyed a large truck shop, including four semi-trucks and equipment. The intensity of the blaze required a seven-hour, multi-agency mutual aid response from fire departments across Brookings County.

City Council Zoning and Boundaries: Also on the Council agenda: the final reading for a rezone on West Camp Avenue to facilitate a business expansion, a final change order for the Park Sign Project (which expanded to 23 parks and remained under budget), and the first reading of an ordinance to streamline city corporate boundary maintenance, reducing future survey costs.

Stay informed with the clear, concise news you need from 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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play

Santa Land Returns! 5th Annual Gingerbread Contest, Plus Mobility Equipment Fundraiser with Ashley Johnson and Sheila Moehring

Join Steve and Northeast Radio SD for a festive and insightful conversation with two key community leaders: Ashley Johnson of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and Sheila Moehring of the Northeastern General Auxiliary.

This episode gives you all the details on two major holiday happenings in Watertown:

Santa Land is Back! Learn about the return of Santa Land at the Watertown Mall, including new hours (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 28th to December 21st) and how you can volunteer to make the magic happen.

The 5th Annual Gingerbread House Competition: Get the rules, registration details, and categories (from children to professionals!) for this creative and edible competition, held right inside Santa Land. Entries are $5 and must be dropped off on December 5th (5-7 PM), with an awards ceremony on December 10th.

The Power of the Northeastern General Auxiliary: Sheila provides powerful insights into the Auxiliary's work, which funds specialized wheelchairs and mobility equipment for children across five states. She shares staggering figures—the auxiliary paid nearly $290,000 for equipment in 2024, compared to just $31,000 paid by insurance—highlighting the critical need for their work and how listeners can contribute through dances, can recycling, and more.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Aqa3TsxNp/ (Gingerbread Event link)

A great conversation that blends holiday cheer with vital community service.

#WatertownSD #SantaLand #GingerbreadHouse #WatertownChamber #ShrinersAuxiliary #MobilityEquipment #NortheastRadioSD #CommunityConnection #HolidayEvent 

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! 

Please LIKE, Subscribe, and Share with all your cool friends!

Northeast Radio SD - HTML5 PLAYER (Direct link to START streaming NOW)

Apple link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk on the App Store

Android link: Live365 Radio - Music & Talk - Apps on Google Play