City Council Finalizes Road Agreements with Lake and Pelican Townships. The Watertown City Council unanimously approved two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on Monday with Lake Township and Pelican Township. These agreements formalize the maintenance and financial responsibilities for roads along the city's expanding boundaries, primarily documenting existing duties, according to City Engineer Justin Peterson. The Lake Township agreement covers maintenance on portions of roads, including Golf Course Road, South Lake Drive, 3rd Avenue, and a segment of 33rd Street West. The MOU with Pelican Township includes a cost-sharing provision for crack and chip seal repairs on 42nd Street, necessitated by increased traffic from new city developments. The city's estimated financial obligation under this two-year agreement is approximately $15,000.

Landowners Seek Resolution on 2012 Sewer Line Damage. A local landowner and his tenant, Jim Orris and Nathan Reichling, presented a long-standing issue to the City Council regarding the non-productive state of the farmland following the 2012 Northeast Interceptor sanitary sewer line installation. Orris, who donated the easement with the understanding that the actively farmed land would be "restored to its original condition," stated that the deep excavation resulted in clay and subsoil being placed on the surface instead of the original black topsoil. This condition has led to a significant loss of crop production over the last 12 to 13 years. The residents requested two specific actions: the placement of blacktop soil over the non-productive area to restore the land's viability, potentially using city stockpiles, and the placement of fiberglass flags near the eight maintenance holes on the property's west side to aid farming operations. Orris noted he was advised to bring the issue to the council for a final resolution after multiple attempts to resolve it with city engineering staff.

Mount Marty University Hosts Free Youth Faith Event Mount Marty University – Watertown is inviting all area youth in grades 7 through 12 to a free event focused on faith exploration and fellowship called "Magnify at the Mount." The event will take place on Wednesday, October 29th, at the Watertown campus, located at 1201 Arrow Avenue. Starting at 6:15 p.m., the evening will include a free meal provided by the university, followed by interactive breakout sessions from 7 to 8 p.m. These sessions will be led by the university's Mission Scholars, who will share their personal faith journeys and engage students in conversations about life, purpose, and spirituality in a welcoming environment.

South Lake Drive Construction Project Begins Next Week. The City of Watertown Public Works Department has announced a lift station improvement project along South Lake Drive, with construction scheduled to begin on Monday, October 27th. The work will focus on the area between 522 Southlake Drive and 532 Southlake Drive and is expected to be completed by Friday, November 27th. During construction, traffic on South Lake Drive near the project site will be reduced to one lane. While local businesses and residences will remain accessible for most of the duration, the Public Works Department advises that access to driveways may be limited at times.

Representative Johnson Urges President Trump to Prioritize American Beef. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson of South Dakota has joined seven House Republican colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald Trump, urging the administration to prioritize American beef producers over potential imports from Argentina. The lawmakers stressed that the U.S. beef industry operates under the "gold standard" for food safety and animal health, and they voiced concerns about imports that may not meet these rigorous standards. Representative Johnson stated that American ranchers deserve a fair opportunity to compete, and any import policy must hold foreign suppliers to the same high standards as those followed by domestic producers. The group is seeking transparency from the administration on its long-term plans, noting the significant economic contribution of the U.S. cattle industry, which supports thousands of jobs and contributes $112 billion to rural economies nationwide.

Bramble Park Zoo Relocates Tiger for Major Upgrades Bramble Park Zoo is set to relocate its resident Amur Tiger, Ursula, to another facility to allow for essential habitat improvements. The move is a critical step in the zoo's five-year plan to achieve full accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Ursula, who will not be returning due to her age, is being moved because her exhibit is closely connected to the black bear area, which is slated for modernization. Zoo Superintendent Stacy Placker confirmed the decision was made with the animal's well-being as the primary focus. The need for these upgrades, particularly in the carnivore and wolf areas, was a contributing factor in the zoo's denial of AZA re-accreditation last year. The zoo remains open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Senator Rounds Voices Rancher Concerns on Beef Imports South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds has met with President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to discuss the widespread concerns among ranchers following the President's suggestion to import Argentinian beef to lower consumer prices. After the meeting, Senator Rounds stated he was "encouraged by the desire" of the administration to "do right by the American producer," emphasizing the need for an "America first game plan." The Senator urged policymakers to focus on "creating better conditions for American farmers and ranchers" to increase domestic supply and naturally drive down prices, rather than importing beef. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association and other groups have been critical of the import suggestion, calling on the administration to let the market work. The average price of ground chuck is currently over a dollar per pound higher than it was in January.

Microplastics Confirmed Across Northern Plains New research has confirmed that microplastics are now an environmental baseline across the Northern Plains, with fragments being detected in local South Dakota waters, including Lake Herman, Lake Madison, and Lake Thompson. The particles, which are smaller than 5 millimeters, are largely linked to microfibers from clothing and plastic packaging. A review by Harvard researchers, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, connects the rising exposure to plastic particles with potential human health effects, such as systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease. As global plastic production is projected to grow by 70% by 2040, researchers are urging for international collaboration to find environmentally safe plastic alternatives.

Major Energy Storage Project Near Watertown Moves Ahead A significant clean energy project proposed near Watertown is proceeding after the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) ruled that it requires a state permit. Crown Ridge Energy Storage, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, has signaled its intent to apply for the permit following a two-to-one vote by the PUC. If approved, the $174 million facility would be the state's first standalone battery storage project of its kind. The plan involves constructing a 120-megawatt lithium-ion battery system across about 15 acres in Codington County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Watertown. The facility will store excess electricity, mainly from wind farms, and release it to the grid during peak demand. The company anticipates a final decision from the PUC by April 2027, with construction projected to create about 180 temporary jobs and commercial operation targeted for early 2028.

www.northeastradiosd.com 

This podcast features an interview with Jodi Driscoll, DeDe Gilbertson, and Gerry Likness of the Make-A-Wish Northeast South Dakota chapter, focusing on their upcoming 33rd annual Dinner and Auction fundraiser.

Event: 33rd Annual Northeast South Dakota Make-A-Wish Dinner and Auction.

Date: Thursday, November 7th.

Location: Watertown Event Center.

Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for a social hour.

Tickets: Currently priced at $75 per person, a table of eight for $600, or a table of 12 for $900.

Price Increase: Ticket prices will increase starting Monday, October 27th.

Purchase: Tickets can be bought locally at Culligan or by scanning the QR code on event posters, which links to the online bidding site.

Core Purpose: The event is the chapter's sole annual fundraiser, designed to raise money to cover the cost of wishes for children in Northeast South Dakota living with critical illnesses.

Wishes Granted: The chapter is celebrating eight wishes granted this past year and currently has five to six pending wishes for the new 2026 year.

Average Wish Cost: The current average cost to grant a single wish is $10,000.

Wish Referrals: Wish recipients can be referred by parents, family members, school contacts, or physicians.

Wish Types: The most popular wish is a trip to Walt Disney World, but wishes can also include travel to destinations like Hawaii or Australia, or items like technology (laptops, gaming systems) or backyard playhouses. Wishes for cash or firearms are not accepted.

Community Impact: Speakers emphasized the emotional impact of the event, noting how witnessing the celebration of the wish kids and their families underscores the blessing of good health and the value of community support. Donations can be made anonymously.

Live Artist Performance: This year features a new entertainment addition: David Garibaldi, a canvas artist known for his live painting performances at major events like NBA games. He will create three surprise paintings live at the event, which will then be auctioned off. This entertainment is sponsored by Watertown Ford.

Social Hour Feature: The social hour, sponsored by Glacial Lakes Vet Clinic, will include a "sweet treats table" featuring the favorite sweets of the current wish kids.

Auction Items: The event will feature about 55 silent auction packages and close to 10 live auction packages.

Silent Auction Bidding: Bidding on the silent auction items will open online on October 27th, and attendees do not need to be present to bid.

Live Auction Highlights: Items include a customized playhouse from South 40 Specialties and a large wood carving of a yellow lab flushing pheasants by local artist Ed Halbert.

Online Preview: Photos and teasers of auction packages, as well as the link to buy tickets and bid, are available on the event's Facebook page and the One Cause online bidding site. https://www.facebook.com/makeawishsouthdakotamontana 

Podcast Upload Summary: Watertown Council Approves Dakota Commons Housing, Infrastructure Fee Set, and NWS Releases Cold/Wet Winter Forecast

Watertown City Council Greenlights Dakota Commons Development The Watertown City Council approved the final annexation and rezoning measures for the Dakota Commons project on a 5-to-1 vote, a step intended to address the city's severe housing shortage. The approval rezones 3.7 acres for C2 commercial and R3 multi-family residential use. The decision followed a public hearing where seven residents spoke against the proposal, citing concerns about increased traffic and the size of the proposed three-story buildings. Ultimately, the council prioritized the need for housing and future growth. Councilman Mohrmann cast the lone dissenting vote. The developer, Mills Development, confirmed the multi-family buildings are comparable to existing twin homes and will include extensive landscaping to help them blend in.

Watertown Driver Injured in Deer Collision A driver was transported to Prairie Lakes Hospital on Monday, October 20, following a collision with a deer on US Highway 212 near mile marker 369 at approximately 12:30 p.m. Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) responded, finding a sedan with significant front-end damage. WFR personnel assisted with traffic control and patient assessment before the driver was transported for further evaluation of their injuries. WFR is reminding motorists to exercise extreme caution as deer activity increases during the late fall, particularly at dawn and dusk.

City Council Finalizes Northeast Interceptor Sewer Fee In a unanimous vote, the Watertown City Council approved a resolution establishing a public infrastructure cost recovery fee for the Northeast Interceptor sanitary sewer line. The fee is a fixed cost collected only when a property is annexed into the city and connects to the line, benefiting future growth in the area. Following strong opposition, the council voted to exclude the entire Northwoods development from the fee map, creating a $15,000 shortfall. To avoid delays, the council agreed to absorb this cost rather than redistribute it. This action officially sets the fixed recovery rate for the remaining properties, providing a clear framework for future sewer connections in the city's Northeast Corridor.

Northern Plains Winter Outlook Favors Colder, Wetter Conditions The National Weather Service (NWS) in Aberdeen has issued its Winter Outlook (December 2025 – February 2026), advising the Northern Plains, including central and northeast South Dakota, to prepare for a higher likelihood of below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation. The forecast is attributed to La Niña conditions, which are expected to persist throughout the winter. Historically, this pattern favors a cooler and wetter winter for the region, continuing a wet trend from the summer where local sites like Watertown, Milbank, Sisseton, and Wilmot reported their wettest summer on record. The NWS urges residents and businesses to use October 22nd, South Dakota's designated Winter Weather Preparedness Day, as a reminder to review safety plans and stock up on emergency supplies.

Northeast Radio SD News for Monday, October 13, 2025

News Broadcast Summary: Local Accident, Social Media Safety for Teens, and Environmental Concerns in the Black Hills

Local Traffic Accident in Watertown

Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of 1st Avenue North and Broadway Street at approximately 11:45 a.m. Monday morning.1 Both vehicles sustained significant front-end damage and were disabled in the roadway.2 Emergency crews transported two individuals to Prairie Lakes Hospital for evaluation; their conditions have not been released. Watertown Police and Active Towing assisted Fire Rescue in securing the scene, clearing debris, and removing the vehicles, with the cause of the accident currently under investigation.3

South Dakota Health Leaders Address Teen Social Media Use

Health leaders in South Dakota are initiating discussions regarding social media, teens, and the challenges for parents setting safeguards.4 Researchers, focusing on the developing brains of young adults, continue to examine the harms of excessive screen time.5 The South Dakota Foundation of Medical Care collaborated with University of Michigan's Jane Harness to provide guidance. Harness recommends creating a household media plan, emphasizing making bedrooms and mealtimes screen-free to promote mental health and family communication.6 She also encourages parents to learn about app settings and filters.7 Experts advocate for a balanced approach, allowing teens to utilize social media benefits while teaching them to avoid basing self-worth on likes and to mute negative accounts.8 Harness noted that some teens attempt to disconnect but find it difficult to stay away.

AAA Warns of Peak Deer Collision Season

AAA is urging South Dakota drivers to be vigilant from October through December, the peak mating season when deer are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.9 Due to high-tech vehicle components, the average cost of a deer-related crash claim in 2024 rose to over 10$\$7,700$, a 40% increase in five years.11 Nationwide, deer collisions cause 440 deaths and 59,000 injuries annually, with 17 South Dakotans having died in animal-related crashes over the last decade.12 AAA advises drivers to scan the road, use high beams when safe, not swerve for deer, stay in their lane, and always wear a seatbelt.

Controversy Surrounds Black Hills Uranium Mining Proposals

A renewed interest in mining has spurred proposals in South Dakota's Black Hills, prompting conservation groups to issue warnings.13 One project seeks approval for exploration drilling for uranium near Craven Canyon.14 Dakota Rural Action, supporting a coalition of interveners, opposes the project, citing threats to water supplies, endangered species, agricultural production, and cultural sites significant to the Lakota Sioux people.15 Group organizer Rebecca Turk challenged the pro-mining argument that uranium aids low-carbon energy sources, arguing that the mining process itself is "incredibly dangerous."16 Opponents and supporters are preparing for public hearings led by the State Board of Minerals and Environment, even as a separate uranium project near the southern Black Hills National Forest awaits state and federal approval.17