Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Tuesday, 6/16/26

🎙️ 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

Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Monday, July 14, 2026

Key Regional News Stories Covered 1. Watertown "Rally Rush" Kickoff Watertown is preparing to welcome an influx of motorcycle riders traveling through eastern South Dakota along US Highway 212 and Interstate 29 heading toward the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The city is kicking off its seasonal "Rally Rush" hospitality initiatives to accommodate and welcome visiting bikers. 2. Hamlin County DUI Crash & Deputy Assault Law enforcement responded to a weekend incident near Lake Poinsett that resulted in the arrest of a woman from Hazel, SD. Following a vehicle crash involving driving under the influence, an altercation occurred where a Hamlin County Sheriff's deputy was injured while taking the suspect into custody. 3. Bluepeak Fiber Network Upgrades Telecommunications provider Bluepeak is beginning a major infrastructure upgrade across Watertown. The project involves expanding high-speed fiber internet access to additional residential and commercial neighborhoods, which may cause minor, localized utility work and traffic disruptions. 4. Downtown Road Closure for Hotel Construction City officials announced a temporary road closure along 2nd Street NE in Watertown. The closure is required to facilitate ongoing construction and essential utility tie-ins for the new downtown Airstay hotel project. 5. Super 8 Expansion Approved A local zoning and planning board officially approved conditional use permits for the Super 8 motel property in Watertown, clearing the way for planned building renovations and property expansion. 6. Brookings Hit-and-Run Investigation Police in Brookings are seeking information regarding a weekend hit-and-run property damage accident. A vehicle left the roadway and struck a neighborhood electrical utility box—causing localized damage and brief power interruptions—before fleeing the scene. 7. Major Hamlin County Poaching Case Concludes Five individuals have formally pleaded guilty in court regarding a major wildlife poaching investigation in Hamlin County. The case involved the illegal harvesting of game wildlife, with the defendants facing substantial court fines, civil restitution, and the revocation of their hunting privileges.