Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Wednesday, July 1, 2026

🎙️ ICYMI: Celebrating 40 Years of Better Hearing with Dr. Todd Decker!

🎙️ ICYMI: Celebrating 40 Years of Better Hearing with Dr. Todd Decker! Did you catch our live stream with Dr. Todd Decker from Professional Hearing Services? We dove deep into the world of audiology, exploring everything from global health missions to how new technology like AI is changing how we hear. Whether you’re experiencing subtle changes in your hearing or just want to protect the hearing you have, Dr. Decker’s insights are a must-read. 💡 Key Takeaways from the Interview: * A Lifelong Passion: Dr. Decker originally planned on becoming a physical therapist. However, inspired by a close friend who was deaf, he took an undergraduate course in speech and hearing sciences—and completely fell in love with audiology. * The Power of Connection: Hearing loss isn't just about missing sounds; it's about a loss of connection with family, work, and community. Dr. Decker notes that untreated hearing loss often causes individuals to retract from active life due to embarrassment. * Medical Focus First: Professional Hearing Services focuses on a comprehensive medical model. An audiologist doesn't just sell you a device; they medically assess the root cause of hearing loss to ensure there aren't underlying conditions requiring a specialist. * The 7-Year Delay: On average, it takes individuals 7 years from the time they notice a hearing challenge to actually seek professional help. * Hearing and Cognitive Health: New research shows a stark link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. Even mild hearing loss can triple the risk of developing dementia. * Customization is Key: Unlike over-the-counter "one-size-fits-all" devices, professional care utilizes real-ear verification. By using tiny microphones near the eardrum, the clinic builds a customized 3-to-6-month gradual adjustment plan tailored entirely to your unique ear canal. * Protect What You Have: If you have to shout over an environment (lawnmowers, chainsaws, target shooting), it's too loud! Dr. Decker strongly recommends high-fidelity earplugs with built-in acoustic filters that attenuate dangerous decibels while still letting you safely enjoy concerts and crowds. 🎉 You're Invited: 40th Anniversary Open House! Professional Hearing Services is celebrating 40 years of service in Northeast South Dakota! * 📅 When: Thursday, July 30th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM * 📍 Where: The Life Significant Event Center (Right behind the clinic on North Highway 81) * 🍔 What: Free open house featuring pulled pork sandwiches, community fun, and raffle giveaways! It’s our way of saying thank you to Watertown, Milbank, and Brookings. 👉 Want to take control of your hearing health? Most insurance plans cover preventative screenings. Baseline hearing exams are recommended for everyone starting around ages 40–45. 🔗 Visit 2ears.com [http://www.2ears.com] to learn more or follow the team on Facebook at Professional Hearing Services. #WatertownSD #HearingHealth #Audiology #PHS40 #NortheastRadioSD #CommunityHealth #SaveYourHearing

🎙️ LIVE on Northeast Radio SD: Celebrating South Dakota’s English Educators! 📚

🎙️ LIVE on Northeast Radio SD: Celebrating South Dakota’s English Educators! 📚 We had an absolutely fantastic time in the studio sitting down with three incredible leaders from the South Dakota Council of Teachers of English (SDCTE)! South Dakota Council of Teachers of English (SDCTE) Our guests included Vicky Gleason (2026 SDCTE Teacher of the Year!), Corrine Kallemeyn (SDCTE President), and Susan Farrell-Poncelet (SDCTE Treasurer). This insightful, two-hour conversation dove deep into the realities of modern teaching, the evolution of the English language, and the profound impact educators have on our students' lives. Here are some of the incredible highlights from our chat: 🏆 Spotlight on the Teacher of the Year: We unpacked Vicky Gleason's unique journey to the classroom. From starting in the banking industry at Codington County to finding her true calling in education, Vicky’s story proves that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Now in her 12th year, she teaches 9-12 ELA and career exploration at Summit High School, bringing her real-world experience and heart to her students every single day. 🤝 Connecting "Islands" of Teachers: Corrine and Susan broke down the incredible work the SDCTE does across the state. Founded back in the 1940s, the organization serves to connect English teachers who are often the only ELA educators in their respective rural districts. Through Summer University programs, curriculum sharing, and mentorship, SDCTE ensures no teacher has to navigate the classroom alone. 📝 The Evolution of the English Language: Is texting ruining grammar? We had a candid discussion about how digital communication has changed student writing—including the infamous refusal to capitalize the letter "I"! The panel also discussed the realities of navigating AI and tools like Grammarly, emphasizing that while they are great tools, students still need to learn the foundational rules of why a comma belongs where it does. 📖 Making Literature Relevant: The teachers shared how they bring classic texts to life for modern students. Whether it’s using Arthur Miller's The Crucible to examine mass hysteria (connecting it to modern events like the COVID-19 pandemic) or using Romeo & Juliet to teach teenagers how to identify toxic vs. healthy relationships, these educators are proving that the "canon" is still deeply relevant. ✍️ Honoring Lois Harp: The group also highlighted the 2026 SDCTE Author of the Year, Lois Harp! A retired Mount Marty professor of 40 years, Lois was celebrated for her Gingerbread Gang books, which beautifully incorporate local historical markers right here in Watertown. A massive thank you to Vicky, Corrine, and Susan for dedicating their time, energy, and hearts to the students of South Dakota. You are truly shaping the future! Have you had a teacher who changed your life? Give them a shoutout in the comments below! 👇 🎧 Missed the live broadcast? Catch the full interview and stream Northeast Radio SD 24/7 by downloading our free app on Apple or Google Play, or visit northeastratiosd.com! #TeacherOfTheYear #SDCTE #SouthDakotaTeachers #EnglishTeachers #Education #ScienceOfReading #NortheastRadioSD #WatertownSD #ThankATeacher #Literature

Building Community: Introducing the Harmony View Development! 🏡

We recently had a great conversation with Seth Fryer from Seppanen Contracting Inc. on Northeast Radio SD to discuss their exciting new residential housing project, Harmony View. After over a year of careful planning and collaborating with local partners like Plains Commerce Bank, Haugen Nelson Realty, and the city, Seppanen Contracting is bringing a fresh approach to local housing. Their goal is to provide high-quality, affordable homes that give buyers a true sense of community, intentionally avoiding a "cookie-cutter" neighborhood where every house looks identical. Here is what future homeowners can expect from the Harmony View development: * Diverse Layouts: Buyers can choose from five different floor plans ranging from 800 to 1,400 square feet. * Flexible Sizing: Options range from 2-bedroom/1-bathroom starter homes up to 4-bedroom/2-bathroom layouts for growing families. * Customization: Homeowners can personalize their space by selecting from "base" or "better" interior packages. * Design Choices: Buyers get to pick their flooring colors, cabinet styles, countertops, interior paint (up to three colors), trim (painted or stained), and door styles (two-panel or three-panel). * Exterior Options: You can customize the outside of your home by selecting your preferred shingle color, siding color, and front stone accents. * Peace of Mind: Every home comes backed by Seppanen Contracting's 5-year workmanship warranty. Looking for something different? If a traditional home isn't what you need, Seth also mentioned their expertise in designing and building custom "shouses" (shop-houses). These structures are a highly cost-effective and durable option, featuring customizable living spaces seamlessly attached to large shops, all backed by a 30-year building warranty and their 5-year workmanship guarantee. Next Steps & Groundbreaking 🚜 The official groundbreaking ceremony for Harmony View takes place tomorrow (Friday) at 1:00 PM, located right across from the new apartment building. Dirt work and site preparation will begin next week! If you are interested in exploring lot options or floor plans, reach out to Joy or Nash at Haugen Nelson Realty to get started. Once you purchase your home, Seppanen Contracting's active project managers will guide you through the entire build with scheduled walkthroughs at framing, electrical/drywall, and final completion to ensure your home is exactly what you envisioned. To learn more about Seppanen Contracting Inc. and their residential and commercial services, visit their website at www.seppanencontractinginc.com [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seppanencontractinginc.com] or find them on Facebook.

🎶 Get ready for an evening of incredible harmonies, uplifting music, and plenty of laughs! 🎶

🎶 Get ready for an evening of incredible harmonies, uplifting music, and plenty of laughs! 🎶 In this fun interview, Julie Miller and Lori Fox stop by the studio to share the heartwarming story of how a winter trip led to bringing the award-winning Common Bond Quartet all the way from Ashland, Kentucky, right here to Watertown! Whether you love classic southern gospel, country gospel, or just enjoy great family-friendly entertainment and tight vocal harmonies, you won't want to miss this! Here is everything you need to know: 📅 When: Friday, July 22 at 7:00 PM 📍 Where: Mt. Olive Lutheran Church (715 2nd Ave NE, Watertown, SD) 🎟️ Cost: Absolutely FREE! (A free-will love offering will be taken to support the quartet's ministry). ☕ Bonus: Stick around after the concert for delicious homemade treats, refreshments, and wonderful community fellowship! Hit play to watch the interview and hear what makes this group so special—then tag who you’re bringing with you in the comments below! 👇✨https://www.mtolivewatertownsd.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmxPTDB5aHlMNmFWQXpzeHZIbUR6eDZOZlJOd3xBQ3Jtc0trTzRQN29zUUp3cDVRT3hReTJQRDJhLWZoSW10SDhUaElESTlPS0s5YWhMVkN2dVM5dW5QUkRkNjlfSXVjM2hpNG5HUVNQY285alRtR3N3QkEzV19TaF9md0ZvcTZaMkpXRng5d183aVFkTXh3azktbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtolivewatertownsd.org%2F&v=fv4S5vlQkZE]

LIVE w/ Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce - 7/14/26- www.watertownsd.com 🎉 Big News from the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce! 🎉

LIVE w/ Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce - 7/14/26- www.watertownsd.com [https://www.watertownsd.com] 🎉 Big News from the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce! 🎉 Catch this week's live interview on Northeast Radio SD with Ashley Johnson, the Chamber's Director of Community Engagement! 🎙️ Ashley dropped some major details about two incredible upcoming events you won’t want to miss: 🍷 12th Annual Wine Walk (Thursday, July 23rd) Sip, stroll, and discover! Sample from over 20+ wines at businesses across downtown Watertown. Grab your tickets now and get ready for a fun evening. 🥂 ✨ 2nd Annual Limitless Women’s Conference (Friday, August 4th) Calling all women ready to be inspired! Held at Lake Area Tech, this event is packed with incredible speakers, a panel of local experts, headshot sessions, and an amazing keynote from Lisa Brower—"What if you're already limitless?" 💫 Don't miss these amazing community events! Listen to the full interview for all the details on what's to come! #WatertownSD #WatertownChamber #CommunityEvents #WineWalk #LimitlessConference #WomenInBusiness #LocalFun