Local News Briefs

Two arrested for felony animal cruelty
BROOKINGS — Two Brookings men were arrested for felony cruelty to animals on Feb. 1.

Billy Bamsey, 49, and Tyshawn Mott, 19, were arrested by the Brookings Police Department on Sunday on charges of: 3 counts of felony cruelty to animals, three counts of humane care of animals and a misdemeanor charge of sanitary condition required.

According to a release from the City of Brookings, the arrests followed an investigation that resulted in three pitbull-mix dogs being seized from a residence located in the 500 block of Fourth Street South.

Bamsey and Mott were both remanded to the custody of the Brookings County Detention Facility and are awaiting court proceedings.

Common-Sense parenting classes return
BROOKINGS — The Child and Family Resource Network at South Dakota State University is hosting its next “Common-Sense Parenting” class series starting Feb. 17.

The free, six-class series is designed for parents and individuals who engage with school-age children, kindergarten through 12th grade.

Classes will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays at the Pugsley Center on the SDSU campus. Sessions are planned from mid-February to late March:

Session 1: Feb. 17
Session 2: Feb. 24
Session 3: March 3
Session 4: March 10
Session 5: March 17
Session 6: March 24

Parents who have accurate information about development, temperament and social and emotional growth are more likely to experience increased satisfaction and enjoyment in parenting their school-age children.

Class participants will learn how to reduce family stress, support success in school, diminish yelling and fighting, and reduce problem behavior. Parents can also enrich their relationship with their child and increase their and their child’s confidence.

Course materials are also available in Spanish upon request for those who feel more comfortable reading and learning in that language.

Registration is required for the free classes and can be done online at https://www.sdstate.edu/child-family-resource-network/common-sense-parenting-classes#Registration or by calling 1-800-354-8238 or 605-688-5730, or emailing sdsu.frn@sdstate.edu. Parking is available in the lot north of Pugsley.

Art Museums plan Valentine’s celebration
BROOKINGS — Families are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the South Dakota Art Museum’s Family Fun Day on Friday, February 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event is presented in partnership with the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum and features Valentine’s Day–themed crafts, activities, and live entertainment.

Activities will take place at both the South Dakota Art Museum, located at 1036 Medary Avenue, and the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, located at 977 11th Street in Brookings. Guests are welcome to park at either location and walk between the two museums. Parking is free in nearby campus lots on weekends.

The morning will include a special live performance by children’s entertainer Mr. Bacon (Jon Bakken) at 11 a.m. at the South Dakota Art Museum.

Family Fun Day is free and open to the public, offering a welcoming opportunity for families to enjoy creative, hands-on activities in a fun and festive setting.

For more information, contact the South Dakota Art Museum at (605) 688-5423.

SDAM members event
BROOKINGS The South Dakota Art Museum invites its members to a special Members Celebration on Feb. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening is dedicated to thanking members for their continued support and involvement with the museum.

The celebration will feature live music by Kerry Grombacher, along with charcuterie, refreshments, and a variety of art-inspired activities designed for an enjoyable and creative evening.

All museum members are welcome to attend. Each South Dakota Art Museum membership admits two guests, and members are encouraged to bring a friend, family member, or attend on their own.
Reservations are required. Members are asked to RSVP by calling the South Dakota Art Museum at (605) 688-5423.

— From staff reports

— Send news briefs to
BrookingsBeacon@gmail.com