Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on the Beacon Substack on Nov. 12, 2025, when this paper was still a dream. We reproduce it here in print faithfully, direct language included. It is now dedicated to the memory of a man so many of us loved so much. May that memory be a blessing, may we all accept some of the wisdom he tried to share — and may we care for each other as fiercely as he always did.

The Brookings track & field teams finished the season with 13 top-10 finishes at the State Track & Field Meet at Howard Wood Field over the weekend.

The Brookings Bandits opened their senior legion season with a doubleheader sweep over Pierre on May 29.

The Brookings girls’ golf team finished in ninth place at the Class AA State Tournament at Cattail Crossing Golf Course on Monday and Tuesday.

The Sioux Valley softball team will be playing in the Class A State Tournament for the second-straight season this weekend in Aberdeen as the Cossacks clinched a spot in the tournament with a walk-off win over Sioux Falls Christian in the SoDak 16 on May 26.