The following is a detailed summary of the Northeast Radio SD newscast for Monday, May 4, 2026.

Watertown’s "Demo-to-Build" Incentive Program The Watertown City Council is set to review Resolution 24-17, a proposed "Demo-to-Build" incentive program.

Purpose: The initiative aims to encourage redevelopment by making it more affordable to demolish blighted homes.

Incentive Details: Property owners who demolish a blighted structure and build a new home on the same parcel within 18 months would receive a credit for 50% of the verified landfill disposal costs.

Limitations: The credit is capped at $5,000 and cannot exceed the total cost of the building permit. It stays with the specific parcel of land and has no cash value.

Timeline: If approved, this pilot program will remain in effect through the end of 2026.

Regional News and Safety Reports

False Report Arrest: A 26-year-old man from White, SD, was arrested after fabricating a report of being shot at while driving. Investigators determined he had accidentally fired a handgun himself and panicked, making up the story to explain the damage to his vehicle.

Highway 28 Crash: One person was hospitalized following a two-vehicle collision near Bryant, SD. A juvenile driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, causing their Dodge RAM to cross the center line and strike a Nissan Kicks.

Surplus Property: The City Council is considering declaring the inactive Lake Kampeska phosphorus filtration plant as surplus property, which would allow the city to prepare the site for a future public sale.

Fire Department Grants: Glacial Lakes Energy awarded over $371,000 in grants to 34 regional fire departments. The funding is designated for essential life-saving equipment, including rescue tools, water tanks, and personal protective equipment. The Hayti Fire Department received the largest individual grant of more than $57,000.

Sports: Watertown Arrows Baseball The Yankton Bucks swept the Watertown Arrows in a Sunday doubleheader with scores of 2-0 and 4-1.

Game One: Yankton's Beck Ryking pitched a complete-game shutout, striking out five batters.

Arrows Highlights: Watertown's only run of the day occurred when Marcus Bitkin tripled and was subsequently driven in by a Jonathan Lake single.

Current Standings: Watertown currently holds a 7-7 record and is scheduled to close the regular season at home this weekend against O’Gorman and Sioux Falls Washington.

From Soviet Officer to Frontline Chaplain: The Unshakable Faith of Vasyl Khimich

“Exhaustion, but not defeat.”

In a moving interview, Lee Gabel sits down with Vasyl Khimich, a retired Lt. Colonel who spent 23 years in the Soviet and Ukrainian militaries before finding a higher calling. Today, Vasyl and his wife Valentina lead the Organization of Military Christians of Ukraine (OMCU), providing a lifeline of spiritual support to those bearing the heaviest burdens of war.

Key Takeaways from the Interview:

• A Life Transformed: Once a member of a “big atheistic country,” Vasyl became a Christian in 1991 and has since dedicated his life to bringing “Bible values” to the military community.
• The Widow’s Candle: Even during the brutal blackouts in Kyiv, military widows traverse dark streets and climb ten flights of stairs just to gather for prayer and “craft therapy” by candlelight.
• Frontline Grace: Vasyl serves as a volunteer chaplain, rotating into combat zones to provide “The Lord’s Supper,” perform funerals for fallen heroes, and bring coffee and hope to wounded soldiers in field hospitals.

How You Can Help: The OMCU relies on the support of those who understand the weight of military service. Donations can be made through Military Vision in Watertown, SD, to help continue this critical mission of spiritual reconstruction.

#UkraineStrong #MilitaryChaplaincy #FaithOnTheFrontline #SpiritualReadiness #OrganizationOfMilitaryChristians

🌭 Making the Sausage: The Future of Watertown Development

Ever wonder how Watertown transforms from a “bean field” into a bustling industrial center? Chris Clifton, Executive Director of the Watertown Development Corporation, joined Northeast Radio SD to pull back the curtain on the WDC’s “sausage-making” process.

Key Highlights from the Interview:

• 🚜 53-Acre Expansion: WDC has approved the development of the Kingsland property south of Calvin Trade Center—a $4M+ investment!
• ⏱️ Speed to Market: Learn how WDC helped a company go from “non-existent” to “under construction” in just 63 days.
• 🏠 The Housing Pivot: WDC is tackling the “Missing Middle” housing market to bring more homes to Watertown under the $275k price point.
• 👶 Daycare Solutions: Addressing the 400-500 slot shortage to help get more parents back into the workforce.

“We’re not a for-profit company; we’re a community investment.”

📺 WATCH the full deep-dive interview below to see what’s coming next!

#WatertownSD #EconomicDevelopment #WDC #ShovelReady #HubCity #WatertownProud #WorkforceHousing

Watertown Fire Rescue responded to an oven fire on the 3400 block of 16th Avenue Southwest on Wednesday evening.

• Response: Crews arrived at 7:45 PM to find the home filling with smoke and an active fire inside the oven.

• Action: The fire was quickly extinguished using a portable fire extinguisher, and a ventilation fan was used to clear the smoke.

• Safety Discovery: During a routine check, responders found the home had no functioning smoke detectors. Before leaving, the crew installed two new detectors for the family.

• Outcome: No injuries were reported.

A new report from Creighton University analyzed the relationship between state taxation and population migration.

• The Trend: While Americans historically move to lower-tax states, data from 2023–2024 shows South Dakota lost residents despite its low-tax reputation.

• The Analysis: The study found that "net attractor" states often have lower income and property taxes but higher sales taxes.

• Recommendation: Analysts suggest states could improve resident retention and GDP growth by shifting the tax burden away from individual and corporate income toward sales tax.

The Watertown Arrows baseball team earned a road split in a doubleheader against Aberdeen at Fossum Field.

• Game 1: The Arrows won 7–5. Pitcher Bastian Raybine struck out eight batters, and Marcus Pitkin led the offense with three runs.

• Game 2: Aberdeen surged with a six-run third inning, leading to an 8–5 loss for the Arrows.

• Season Standing: The Arrows are now 6–4 and return home this Saturday for Hall of Fame weekend against Brandon Valley.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a massive $100 million settlement with The Kroger Company over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.

• The Issue: Kroger allegedly failed to manage and repair leaks of ozone-depleting refrigerants between 2014 and 2023.

• The Penalty: Kroger will pay a $2.5 million civil penalty and spend an estimated $100 million over the next three years to repair, retrofit, or replace 600 large commercial refrigeration systems.

Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against three individuals—Christopher Dayana and Paige Astroyushko—for the assault of journalist Savanna Hernandez.

• The Incident: The assault occurred during an anti-ICE protest at a federal building in St. Paul on April 11.

• Charges: The defendants are accused of willfully injuring and intimidating Hernandez, a contributor for Turning Point USA.

• Investigation: The case involved the FBI, DHS, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

🚀 Are you an entrepreneur in South Dakota? You need to know the “4 Cs of Credit!”

We recently sat down with Dr. Melissa Meidinger (SBDC) and Mark Nelson (GrowSD) for an in-depth look at how local businesses can secure funding and thrive in today’s economy. 📈

Whether you’re a startup or looking to expand, understanding these four pillars is the key to turning a “No” into a “YES”:

🔹 CAPACITY: Can your business actually repay the debt? Don’t just look at profit—focus on your cash flow and break-even point!

🔹 CHARACTER: Your credit score tells a story. “Life happens,” but having a plan to correct past hiccups is what lenders really want to see.

🔹 COLLATERAL: What assets can you pledge? Lenders prefer cash flow, but they need to know there’s a safety net.

🔹 CAPITAL: Do you have “skin in the game?” Most lenders look for a 20% injection of your own equity. 💰

Key Takeaway: Don’t spend all your personal cash before visiting the bank! Keep your reserves for the first 6–9 months of operation. 🛡️

Dr. Meidinger and Mark Nelson are here to help you through the SBDC and GrowSD. From cybersecurity training to QuickBooks help, the support doesn’t stop once your doors open!

Need help with your business plan? 📍 Visit the SBDC office on North 81 in Watertown. 📞 Reach out to GrowSD for lending opportunities.

#SmallBusinessSD #WatertownSD #Entrepreneurship #FinancialLiteracy #GrowSD #SBDC #SouthDakotaBusiness #BusinessFunding #The4CsOfCredit

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The heart of Watertown is beating faster as the Downtown Watertown Collective gears up for a series of events designed to bring art, music, and community spirit to the streets. Michael Heuer and Jill Makepeace sat down with Northeast Radio SD to give a preview of what’s in store, starting with the much-anticipated “Art of Downtown” this weekend.

Art of Downtown: A Celebration of Local Talent

Kicking off this Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the “Art of Downtown” artwalk will feature at least 16 participating businesses. Each location will host a local artist, offering residents a chance to meet the creators behind the works and explore a variety of styles, from photography and watercolor to acrylic painting and chalk art.

“We have so much wonderful local talent,” said Michael Heuer during the interview. “Sometimes they just don’t get a spotlight, and this is a wonderful opportunity to get introduced to some of those things.”

Jill Makepeace noted that the event is held in collaboration with the Watertown Community Foundation and marks the unveiling of brand-new sculptures throughout downtown. “If you haven’t driven through downtown lately, there are some really beautiful ones this year,” Makepeace said.

A new highlight this year is “Art Alley,” a previously empty corridor between Maverick’s and Mod’s. The space has been transformed into a rotating art feature to keep the downtown experience fresh and engaging for visitors.

Running for a Cause: Dash Around Kampeska

The momentum continues on May 15th and 16th with the “Dash Around Kampeska” series. Friday night features a 5K sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, marking a milestone for the “Girls on the Run” program. Approximately 30 fifth-grade girls from the Boys and Girls Club will be completing their first 5K as part of a program designed to boost self-esteem and fitness.

“They love cheerleaders,” Makepeace encouraged community members to come out and support the runners. “Even random strangers that come out and cheer for you, it makes you feel better.”

Saturday morning will see runners tackle the 13.1-mile half-marathon around Lake Kampeska, concluding with a celebration on the boardwalk at City Park.

Summer Concerts and the “Kemp Passport”

Looking ahead to the summer months, the “Concerts on Kemp” series returns on the first Wednesday of June, July, and August. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year’s concerts will feature a patriotic “Red, White, and Blue” theme.

To encourage residents to explore more of what the city has to offer, the collective is launching a “Downtown Passport.” Residents can collect stamps at various downtown locations—including the Heritage Museum and the summer concerts—for a chance to win prizes.

How to Get Involved

The Downtown Watertown Collective emphasizes that most of these events are free and designed for all ages. Beyond art and music, the community can also look forward to “Foundations of Fitness” on Saturday mornings, featuring yoga and kickboxing in Foundation Plaza.

“Downtown’s always changing... you never have the excuse there’s nothing to do in Watertown,” Heuer concluded. “Become a part of the community, not just a bystander.”

For a full list of participating businesses and event updates, residents are encouraged to follow the Downtown Watertown Collective on Facebook or visit the Watertown community calendar.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As the June primary approaches, Gary Hudiburgh, a candidate for South Dakota House District 4, joined Northeast Radio SD to discuss his unique background and his plans to “reclaim communities at risk.”

With a background spanning the nuclear energy industry, labor unions, and emergency medical services, Hudiburg is positioning himself as a candidate with a “well-blended capability” to address South Dakota’s economic and social challenges.

From DC to SD: A Background in Service

Hudiburgh, who has lived in South Dakota for five years, grew up in the Washington D.C. area, where politics was a “regular dinner table conversation.” However, his professional path led him away from law and toward the trades. Working as a millwright in the nuclear energy industry, Hudiburgh traveled the region, gaining technical skills and an appreciation for the labor force.

Investing in the Next Generation

A centerpiece of Hudiburgh’s platform is workforce development, driven by his nonprofit organization, SotaSodak. The organization focuses on teaching 14- to 18-year-olds trade skills and faith-based excellence.

“I asked a young man across the street what he was doing all summer, and he said he was going to play video games,” Hudiburgh shared. “We need to do something. I asked him if he knew how to weld... it takes one adult that cares to change a life trajectory completely.”

Hudiburgh emphasized the need to expand access to technical colleges like Lake Area Tech and Mitchell Tech, suggesting that South Dakota needs to find ways to bring five-week “pre-apprenticeship” programs directly into local and tribal communities.

Mental Health and Resilience

Hudiburg spoke candidly about his 11.5 years of sobriety, citing it as a major factor in his focus on mental health. He has partnered with the nonprofit Lost & Found to deliver QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide-prevention training to local fire departments in Gary and Clear Lake.

“A lot of my value proposition is about lived experience,” said Hudiburgh. “I understand where the gaps are and how we can build that generosity and mastery that these kids really crave.”

Economic Development and “Asset-Based” Growth

Addressing complex issues like wind energy and proposed data centers, Hudiburg advocated for “asset-based community development.” He expressed frustration with “extractive” development—projects that bring in out-of-state workers and offer little long-term benefit to local taxpayers.

“South Dakota is a precious place,” Hudiburg noted. “We need to look for ways to make these assets serve our communities—both through jobs and tax revenue—rather than just being extractive.” He cited his experience in the energy sector as key to understanding which projects work and which do not.

Faith and Core Values

Hudiburg closed the interview by highlighting his faith as his central pillar, describing himself as pro-life and a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment.

“We really want to love our neighbor the way we want to love ourselves,” Hudiburg said. “That is a reflection of what our true character is.”

Gary Hudiburg is one of five candidates vying for two available House seats in District 4. The primary election is scheduled for June 2, with the general election following on November 3. Voters can find more information at www.GaryforSD.com.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Navigating the journey of motherhood for the first time can be as daunting as it is rewarding. To bridge the gap between pregnancy and early childhood development, Bright Start, a program under the South Dakota Department of Health, is offering a lifeline to families across the state.

In a recent live interview on Northeast Radio SD, Amy Mattke, Team Lead for the North Central Region, and Jane Koehn, a dedicated home visit nurse, joined Krista Ateyo-Gortmaker of Codington Connects to discuss the program’s vital role in the community.

A Compass for the First-Time Journey

Bright Start is specifically designed for first-time mothers. Unlike traditional clinic visits, this program pairs expectant moms with a personal registered nurse who provides one-on-one support from early pregnancy until the child’s second birthday.

“Babies and moms are our jam,” said Amy Mattke during the interview. “Our nurses have extensive training in OB care, breastfeeding, mental health, and attachment theory to ensure moms feel confident and supported every step of the way.”

Breaking Down the Barriers: Cost and Eligibility

One of the most significant highlights of the program is its accessibility. Bright Start is completely free of charge for those who qualify. Funding is provided through the South Dakota Department of Health via state and federal grants, ensuring that financial status never stands in the way of a healthy beginning.

Eligibility is primarily income-based. Generally, if a mother qualifies for Medicaid or WIC, she is eligible for Bright Start. The program aims to support families who may have limited resources or face risk factors that could affect pregnancy or early childhood outcomes.

Comprehensive Care Beyond the Clinic

Nurse Jane Koehn, who covers five counties including Codington, Clark, and Grant, emphasized that the program is about meeting moms exactly where they are—literally and figuratively.

“Our visits are very conversational. It’s not like a sterile doctor’s office visit,” Koehn explained. “I meet families at their homes, at the park, or even at a local coffee shop. We cover everything from labor and delivery prep and breastfeeding to safe sleep, vaccinations, and postpartum recovery.”

The relationship often becomes a cornerstone of the mother’s support system. Koehn shared that she currently manages 14 “kiddos” and has seen seven families through to “graduation” at age 2. “It’s bittersweet to see them go because you get very attached,” she added.

Connecting the Community

The program is a key partner of Codington Connects, a local initiative that serves as a centralized hub for over 45 agencies in the Watertown and Codington County area. By working together, these organizations ensure that if a mother needs more than just nursing care—such as housing assistance or mental health counseling—she is referred to the right place immediately.

“We break down the silos,” said Ateyo-Gortmaker. “If you’re a partner with Codington Connects, you’re part of a resource network that provides 360-degree care for the family.”

How to Get Started

Bright Start is a voluntary program, and referrals can come from anywhere—doctors, WIC offices, or even mothers themselves.

For those in the Watertown area looking for more information or to see if they qualify:

• Direct Contact: Call Jane Koehn at 605-501-9386.
• Online: Visit com or the South Dakota Department of Health website.
• Social Media: Follow Codington Connects on Facebook for updates and resources.

As Mattke noted in her closing remarks, “Everyone who sees us wants to see us.” For first-time moms in South Dakota, that support can make all the difference in the world.