News briefs - April 22, 2026

Flood of Jazz tickets on sale

Flood of Jazz 2026 is almost here, and this is your reminder to secure your seats before they’re gone for an unforgettable evening on May 2, 2026, themed “Down in New Orleans.”

This event is more than a concert. It is the primary fundraiser that sustains the entire Brookings High School music program. Every ticket purchased directly supports your student and their peers by helping provide instruments, instruction, travel opportunities, and meaningful performance experiences.

Seats are assigned and availability is limited.

Purchase your tickets here: https://sdstate.evenue.net

When you attend Flood of Jazz, you are not just watching a performance. You are investing in your student, supporting a tradition of excellence, and helping keep music thriving in our community.

Shop to support Dolly

BROOKINGS — The Brookings Area United Way is giving community members a chance to win $2,026 in Hy-Vee gift cards while supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

“We wanted to do something different to let people support such an important program, but in a fun way,” Brookings Area United Way’s Development Director Randy Grimsley said. “One lucky winner will walk away with enough grocery dollars to last a long time, and the young readers in Brookings County can benefit.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has provided free books to children up to age 5 in Brookings for the last 25 years. The national program grows a love of reading and support during early childhood development, leading to a more positive outcome once the student enters school.
Raffle tickets are $26 each and are available to purchase now thru April 30, with the drawing held May 1st.

One winner will receive $2,026 in Hy-Vee gift cards that can be used toward anything storewide – from grocery to pharmacy to gas, deli, or floral.

“The winner can stock their pantry, fill the freezer, or spend however they want at any Hy-Vee,” Grimsley said.

“And the youngest children get a leg up toward their education, something that helps everyone in the community in the long-term.”

Tickets can be purchased exclusively at the Hy-Vee Customer Service Desk in Brookings or anytime online at brookingsunitedway.org.

For more information, visit brookings
unitedway.org or call 605-692-4979.

Adventure passes on sale

The Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program (BCYMP)’s annual fundraiser is back, but with a new name: Adventure Passes! Formally known as, GAME, this fundraiser continues to support youth mentoring across Brookings County. First Bank & Trust serves as the 2026 Presenting Sponsor.

Adventure Passes are designed to bring together fun, connection, and community impact. Now through May, community members can purchase ticket sheets that provide access to four local activities, available for use from May through September 30th. These passes not only encourage families and youth to explore all that Brookings has to offer, but also directly support BCYMP’s mission of building strong, consistent mentoring relationships.

Each Adventure Pass includes one-time-use tickets for a variety of local experiences, including Brookings Cinema 8, rentals from Dakota Nature Park, nine holes at Meadow Creek Golf Course, bowling at The Lanes, and a treat from Cool as Ice (some restrictions apply; see website for full details).

Each Adventure Pass is made possible thanks to First Bank & Trust, Civil Design Inc., Banner Associates Inc., Valero Renewable Fuels, and two anonymous business donors.

“This fundraiser is made possible thanks to generosity from local businesses and sponsors,” said Ali Teesdale, Executive Director of BCYMP. “Mentoring is a valuable tool for a young person as they grow, and fundraisers like this are what help us continue that valuable work. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of youth mentoring and hope our community will join us by purchasing at least one Adventure Pass.”

Funds raised through Adventure Passes directly support BCYMP mentoring matches, program activities, and ongoing support for youth and volunteer mentors. Each purchase helps create meaningful mentoring moments that can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life.

Community Members can purchase Adventure Passes through BCYMP’s website, https://bcymentoring.org/bcymp-fundraiser/ or by emailing BCYMP directly at bcymp@bcymentoring.org

This initiative is made possible through the generosity of community partners who believe in the power of mentorship and the importance of investing in young people.

Essay contest winner

Olivia Shumaker was selected as the local winner of the Rotary District 5610 Four-Way Test Essay Contest.

She is a sixth grader at Mickelson Middle School. She shared her winning essay with members of the Brookings Rotary Club at their weekly meeting on April 7, 2026, and received a cash prize at the local level.

Her essay has now advanced to the Rotary District 5610 level of the competition, with district winners to be announced later this month.

Library offers QPR training
BROOKINGS — The Brookings Public Library will be offering a Question Persuade Refer training in partnership with SDSU Extension on Wednesday, April 29 at 6pm. This training teaches community members ways to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors. The hour and a half long session provides attendees with a simple three-step system that prepares them to be a source for suicide prevention in their families and communities. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

All are welcome to join in this learning opportunity, though spots are limited and registration is required. Register on the Library’s website or at bit.ly/regbpl starting April 22. If all spots are full, please join the waitlist and more spots may become available.

More information can be found on the Brookings Public Library website calendar (brookingslibrary.org) or on the Library’s Facebook page (@bkglib). The mission of Brookings Public Library is to provide materials and information contributing to the education, recreation, and quality of life for the Brookings community.

Vision Brookings funds

BROOKINGS — Vision Brookings has received a combined $245,000 in grant funding through the Member Impact Fund, a program of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, in partnership with local lending institutions First Bank & Trust, BankStar Financial, and Dakotaland Federal Credit Union.

The Member Impact Fund is a matching grant program designed to support affordable housing, economic development, and community-focused initiatives. By pairing local financial institution contributions with matching funds, the program expands the capacity of organizations working to strengthen their communities.

Through these partnerships, Vision Brookings received the following awards:

First Bank & Trust: $192,500

BankStar Financial: $35,000

Dakotaland Federal Credit Union: $17,500

Vision Brookings is a volunteer organization that enables private organizations and citizens to invest in initiatives.

Learn more about Vision Brookings at www.visionbrookings.com.