Northeast Radio SD: On-Demand Local Listen

🎤 Get Ready for the 2nd Annual Party at the Plaza! 🎶

🎤 Get Ready for the 2nd Annual Party at the Plaza! 🎶 Watertown, it’s time to turn up! We recently sat down with local artist and event organizer Xavier (aka Boo Boo) on Northeast Radio SD to get all the details on this year’s massive Party at the Plaza. It’s back, bigger than ever, and transitioning from a small concert into a full all-day festival! Event Details: * Date: Saturday, August 8th * Time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (11 solid hours of live music!) * Location: Foundation Plaza Park (Downtown Watertown) * Admission: 100% FREE! 🎵 What to Expect Get ready for an epic lineup featuring 25+ artists from across the region—including talents from Missouri, Oklahoma, and right here in the Dakotas! The stage will showcase a huge spectrum of hip-hop styles, alongside exciting EDM sets. * Live Cypher: Don't miss the open freestyle session where artists jump on a beat and showcase their raw skills! * Food & Fun: Enjoy local food trucks, browse artist merch tables, and enter the raffle. * Stream it Live: Can't make it in person? The entire event will be livestreamed on YouTube and the "Party at the Plaza" Facebook page so you won't miss a beat. ❤️ Party with a Purpose While the event is entirely free to attend, it is being driven by an incredibly important cause. "We partnered with Operation Combating Veteran Suicide based out of Box Elder, South Dakota... I really believe in their cause and helping stop what’s going on there." – Xavier (Boo Boo) Free-will donations and raffle proceeds will be collected throughout the day to directly support Operation Combating Veteran Suicide. ⛺ Calling All Vendors! Want to showcase your business or sell your goods to a massive crowd? Vendor spots are currently available! Booth fees are incredibly affordable (around $100), and you can secure your spot by reaching out to the organizers directly. How to Connect, Sponsor, or Become a Vendor: * Facebook: Search and follow the "Party at the Plaza" page * Email: RealBooBoo420@gmail.com or PartyAtThePlaza605@gmail.com * Instagram: @RealBooBoo420 Mark your calendars, bring a comfy chair, and let’s make this a festival to remember. See you at the Plaza! 🎉

Northeast Radio SD News Recap for Monday, June 22, 2026

Tragic Weekend update from Hamlin County 💔 A tragic updating involving Sunday evening's water rescue at the Lake Mary outlet near Lake Norden: authorities have identified the 43-year-old local man who passed away as Levi Graffin. According to the Hamlin County Sheriff's Office, a family was fishing when a juvenile fell into the water near the outlet and was caught in a powerful current. Graffin courageously entered the water in an attempt to rescue the juvenile. Responding crews from multiple agencies—including the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Norden Police and Fire Departments, SD Highway Patrol, and Lake Norden Ambulance—rushed to the scene. Both individuals were swept roughly 50 to 75 yards downstream before emergency personnel could reach them in the water. The juvenile was conscious when rescued and transported by personal vehicle to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Tragically, Graffin was found unresponsive, and despite immediate life-saving efforts by Lake Norden Ambulance personnel, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the entire Lake Norden community during this incredibly difficult time. 🙏 ⚾ Post 17 Closes Out Tourney with History-Making Win! Watertown Post 17 wrapped up the Crayon Prep Tournament in Papillion, NE, with a dominant 11-4 statement win over the Rocky Mountain Lobos! 🎉 The offense exploded for 15 hits, led by Jonathan Lake’s 3 RBIs, alongside multi-hit games from Cole Hansen, Jackson Feylik, Marcus Pitkin, and Kai Paulson. On the mound, Caisen Jensen allowed just two runs over three innings, Caden Iverson earned the win in relief, and Pitkin threw a scoreless final frame to shut it down. History Made: This marks the first time Watertown has ever posted a winning record at the prestigious Omaha tournament, finishing 7th out of 28 elite teams! Coach Ryan Neale praised the squad's depth, resilience, and stellar pitching. Post 17 (28-16) now heads to Dell Rapids for a doubleheader on June 23rd! ⚖️ Federal Case Against Coystenen Delayed for 10th Time The federal child pornography and coercion case against Jeffrey Allen Coystenen has been pushed back once again as the court sorts through ongoing disputes regarding evidence. The defense requested additional time due to two pending suppression motions—specifically challenging whether the seizure of data from a blue iPhone was lawful. The government did not oppose the extension. Judge Angela Martinez has set the new plea deadline for September 4th, with a jury trial scheduled for September 23rd. Coystenen has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody. 👨‍🚒 2026 South Dakota State Fire School a Major Success Watertown played host to over 550 firefighters last week for the 2026 South Dakota State Fire School at Lake Area Technical College! The three-day intensive event featured hands-on training in updated techniques, modern technology, and critical safety practices. The event kicked off with a "Fireground Blueprint" course led by nationally recognized instructor Christopher Naum, which included a walking tour of downtown Watertown to study local building construction. Watertown Fire Rescue extended a huge thank you to the SDFA, LATC, and local businesses for making the massive event a success! 📚 Watertown Resident Lois Hart Named Author of the Year A massive congratulations to Watertown native and retired professor Lois Hart, who has been named the South Dakota Council of Teachers of English (SDCTE) Author of the Year! Hart, who grew up in Watertown in the 1950s, draws heavily on her early local memories in her writing. Her sister, Jane Miner, accepted the award on her behalf at the USD conference in Sioux Falls. 🍎 Summit High's Victoria Gleeson Named Teacher of the Year In more education news, Summit High School English teacher Victoria "Vicky" Gleeson has been honored as the 2026 SDCTE Teacher of the Year! Gleeson transitioned from teaching 3rd grade to high school English in 2020 to meet a critical district need. Colleagues praised her exceptional skill in boosting student confidence, expanding the oral interpretation and play programs, and strengthening connections among educators statewide. 📻 Stay informed with your latest local news from the Northeast Radio SD Studios in Watertown.

Northeast Radio News Recap for Wednesday, June 17, 2026

📻 Northeast Radio SD News Update: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Good morning! Here is your daily local and state news recap from Northeast Radio SD News, anchored by Steve Jurrens. 🏊‍♂️ Summer Fun at the Pool * The second annual community swim night is taking place this Friday, June 19th. * The event runs from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Watertown Family Aquatic Center. * Sponsored by Midco and the Watertown Parks and Recreation Department, guests can expect completely free access to all pool amenities, including the lazy river, water slides, and a ninja cross. 🚓 Regional Law Enforcement Operations * A new joint initiative called "Operation Ballistic Backlog" has been launched by the FBI and ATF on the Pine Ridge Reservation. * In partnership with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the operation aims to test over 500 firearms currently held in evidence using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to accelerate violent crime investigations. 🗳️ Codington County Voting Reminders * Absentee voting is officially open in Codington County for the 2026 South Dakota Republican Governor runoff election. * The runoff is scheduled for July 28th and will determine the nominee between incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden. ⚾ Local Sports Recap * Watertown Post 17 baseball delivered a dominant performance on Monday night, securing a double-header sweep over Groton Post 39 at Watertown Stadium. * Watertown ended both games early due to the run rule, winning with final scores of 11-1 and 13-3. 📊 State Education & Child Well-being * The latest Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlights early childhood education challenges, noting that 64% of three- and four-year-olds in South Dakota are not enrolled in school. * While South Dakota ranked 38th nationally in education, the state climbed three spots to rank 22nd in overall child well-being. 🚜 SDSU Extension Agriculture Training * South Dakota State University Extension is hosting an environmental training session for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). * The session will take place next Tuesday, June 23rd, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron. Today's broadcast was brought to you by the Watertown Development Corporation, creator of Pheasant Ridge, the Calvin Trade Center, and Mallard Point.

🎙️ Community Spotlight: Head Start & Codington Connects!

🎙️ Community Spotlight: Head Start & Codington Connects! We recently had a fantastic time on Northeast Radio SD discussing the vital early childhood resources available right here in our community. Sara Foust, President of the Codington Connects Board, was joined in the studio by Head Start Family Service Specialists Alana Huck and T’ana Novy to break down everything families need to know. Parenting is hard work, and you don’t know what you don’t know—but you don't have to navigate it alone. Here are the major takeaways from our chat: How Head Start Supports Families: Comprehensive Help: Family Service Specialists assist with much more than enrollment; they help connect families to food resources, housing assistance, energy assistance, and SNAP applications. Early Head Start (Pregnancy to Age 3): This is a home-based program where specialists support parents in their homes, helping children reach milestones like walking, crawling, and recognizing patterns. Preschool (Ages 3 to 5): The center-based preschool operates Monday through Thursday, from approximately 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Completely Free: Head Start is an income-qualifying program based on federal poverty guidelines, and there is absolutely no cost to families who qualify. Everything is Provided: The program provides breakfast, lunch, and a snack, along with all necessary school supplies like paper, crayons, and markers. Classroom Support: The program also assists children dealing with trauma or those who need extra referrals to the school district for speech or occupational therapy. Get Involved & Get Connected: Waitlists Move Fast: If a spot opens up, the program only has 30 days to fill it, so getting on the waitlist is highly encouraged. Summer of Fun: Keep the kids engaged this summer with the "Summer of Fun" Parks Challenge and Bingo Card! All activities are free and can be found on the Codington Connects Facebook page or website. How to Apply: You can apply online by visiting the ICAP website or by checking out the resources at codingtonconnects.com. If you need help navigating the application, the team is happy to assist you in person at the ICAP office (7th Ave SE). @🎙️ Community Spotlight: Head Start & Codington Connects! We recently had a fantastic time on Northeast Radio SD discussing the vital early childhood resources available right here in our community. Sara Foust, President of the Codington Connects Board, was joined in the studio by Head Start Family Service Specialists Alana Huck and T'ana Novy to break down everything families need to know. Parenting is hard work, and you don't know what you don't know—but you don't have to navigate it alone. Here are the major takeaways from our chat: How Head Start Supports Families: Comprehensive Help: Family Service Specialists assist with much more than enrollment; they help connect families to food resources, housing assistance, energy assistance, and SNAP applications. Early Head Start (Pregnancy to Age 3): This is a home-based program where specialists support parents in their homes, helping children reach milestones like walking, crawling, and recognizing patterns. Preschool (Ages 3 to 5): The center-based preschool operates Monday through Thursday, from approximately 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Completely Free: Head Start is an income-qualifying program based on federal poverty guidelines, and there is absolutely no cost to families who qualify. Everything is Provided: The program provides breakfast, lunch, and a snack, along with all necessary school supplies like paper, crayons, and markers. Classroom Support: The program also assists children dealing with trauma or those who need extra referrals to the school district for speech or occupational therapy. Get Involved & Get Connected: Waitlists Move Fast: If a spot opens up, the program only has 30 days to fill it, so getting on the waitlist is highly encouraged. Summer of Fun: Keep the kids engaged this summer with the "Summer of Fun" Parks Challenge and Bingo Card! All activities are free and can be found on the Codington Connects Facebook page or website. How to Apply: You can apply online by visiting the ICAP website or by checking out the resources at codingtonconnects.com. If you need help navigating the application, the team is happy to assist you in person at the ICAP office (7th Ave SE). Let’s ensure every child in our community gets a "head start" on a bright future! 💙 Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership #WatertownSD #HeadStart #CodingtonConnects #CommunitySupport #EarlyChildhoodEducation #familyresources Let’s ensure every child in our community gets a "head start" on a bright future! 💙 #WatertownSD #HeadStart #CodingtonConnects #CommunitySupport #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FamilyResources

🐞 Join Us for a Special "Little Bug Earns Her Spots" Event! 🐞

🐞 Join Us for a Special "Little Bug Earns Her Spots" Event! 🐞 We recently had a wonderful conversation on Northeast Radio SD with Julianne Endres, Rebecca Hall, and Julie Ranum about an incredible book and an even more amazing cause! The Story Behind the Spots Little Bug Earns Her Spots is a children's book that grew from a touching friendship with a little girl named Emily Holt. Emily loved ladybugs and sadly passed away in 2002. Emily was a Make-A-Wish child. In her honor, all book royalties for the year 2026 will go directly to Make-A-Wish South Dakota and Montana! Rebecca Hall, the digital and watercolor illustrator, helped bring this beautiful vision to life alongside Julianne Endres. Celebrate with Us at the Redlin Art Center To celebrate the book's success and support this incredible kindness campaign, the Redlin Art Center is hosting a special family-friendly event! * Date: The event will take place on Saturday, June 20th. * Time: The fun will run from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. * Location: The event is being hosted at the Redlin Art Center in Watertown. * Book Reading: Julianne and Rebecca will be doing a special joint book reading for attendees. * Fun Activities: Kids can enjoy four different hands-on activity stations. These stations will feature postcard coloring, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and washable ladybug tattoos. * Gallery Bingo: The art center is offering a free picture bingo game. Kids can use their game cards to match pictures to Terry Redlin's original artwork in the gallery. Where to Find the Book Can't make it to the event? You can still support the cause! You can pick up your copy locally in Watertown at DDR Books, Blessings Big and Small, and Timber Bloom. The book is also available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Help us spread kindness and support Make-A-Wish!