News Briefs - July 1, 2027

Post 74 to read Declaration on 8th
The Brookings American Legion Post 74 will host a reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 at 5 p.m. on the West steps of the Brookings County Courthouse. This will be a simultaneous reading along with many other organizations across the country as part of America 250.

The Declaration of Independence was first publicly read on July 8, 1776 to the people of Philadelphia. To honor this event, organizations across the country will join in a simultaneous reading of this famous document.

Brookings American Legion Post 74 will be hosting this reading. Please arrive prior to 5 on July 8, as the reading will begin on promptly on the hour.

Fireworks illegal inside city limits
BROOKINGS — With fireworks sales starting Saturday, June 27, the City of Brookings reminds the public that lighting fireworks within the city limits is illegal.

Brookings City Code Article IV, Section 34.121-125 states that it is unlawful for any person to use or explode any fireworks within the city limits. The ordinance defines fireworks as any combustible or explosive composition. This includes, but is not limited to, common fireworks such as firecrackers, sparklers, model (bottle) rockets, and Roman candles.

A public fireworks display will cap off the annual Uncle Sam Jam on Saturday, July 4. The Uncle Sam Jam will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Larson Ice Center, 924 32nd Ave. The fireworks display will start after sundown at approximately 10 p.m. in the field to the west of the Larson Ice Center.

The fireworks are sponsored by the city of Brookings; the Brookings Fire Department is responsible for the display.

Brookings to celebrate Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday with parade, Uncle Sam Jam, fireworks

Fourth of July events planned

BROOKINGS — The city of Brookings is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day in style as the community marks not only the Fourth of July, but also America’s 250th birthday.

The 43rd annual Fourth of July Parade will kick off Saturday’s festivities at 11 a.m. in downtown Brookings. The parade route is east on Third Street to Medary Avenue, north on Medary Avenue to Sixth Street, west on Sixth Street to Main Avenue, and south on Main Avenue to Third Street.

The parade is coordinated by Brookings Radio News and the Brookings Fire Department. Anyone interested in having a parade entry can email Brookings Radio General Manager Cami Powers at Cami.Powers@connmedia.com by

Wednesday, July 1.
This year’s Uncle Sam Jam and fireworks celebration will take place at a new location – outdoors at the Larson Ice Center at 924 32nd Ave. The City of Brookings is hosting the free, family-friendly event with South Dakota State University serving as the presenting sponsor.

Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with something for all ages. People can enjoy yard games, browse a few local art vendors, and take in live music from Sioux Falls rock band Minority Falls. The band’s set list promises a mix of original songs and rock favorites spanning five decades, from the 1970s through today.

SDSU will help guests beat the summer heat by serving free ice cream while supplies last, according to Josh Bauman, assistant director of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

Along with the university’s popular ice cream truck, several local food vendors will be on hand offering food and beverages for purchase. They include La petite Crepe, Shorty’s Hot Box and Small Town Soda.

The celebration will conclude with one of the community’s favorite traditions. At approximately 10 p.m., members of the Brookings Fire Department will launch a fireworks display from the field west of the Larson Ice Center. Organizers say this year’s show will be even more spectacular to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday.

“We encourage guests to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the evening’s entertainment,” Bauman said. “We also recommend people bring refillable water bottles. We will have access to a water refill station and vending machine inside the Larson Ice Center.”

Bauman also suggests people stay tuned to the City’s Facebook and Instagram accounts in case inclement weather impacts the day’s events.

With hot weather expected, organizers also encourage everyone to dress for the heat, stay hydrated and arrive ready to celebrate an evening of music, food, family fun and fireworks as Brookings joins communities across the nation in honoring 250 years of American independence.

Rotary hears about Zimbabwe trip
BROOKINGS — The Brookings Rotary Club learned about Zimbabwe wildlife conservation and street children support programs at its weekly meeting that featured a presentation by members Doug and Mary Malo. They discussed their recent humanitarian trip to Zimbabwe, highlighting both the country’s remarkable wildlife and critical social challenges.

The Malos presentation painted a vivid picture of Zimbabwe, a nation twice the size of South Dakota, which is facing significant economic challenges. With a GDP per capita of approximately $1,500 compared to nearly $60,000 in the United States, and healthcare spending of just $75 per person annually, the country’s needs are substantial.

Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe boasts extraordinary natural resources, with one-third of the country designated as national park.

The Malos shared accounts of their four-day safari, including close encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

A highlight of the presentation was information about the Wild Hope School for Street Children in Victoria Falls, which serves approximately 30 children ages 5-18. Founded by a former Montessori teacher and supported by a volunteer with United Nations experience, the program provides daily meals, hygiene education, showers, and basic literacy instruction to children living on the streets.

“These children have virtually nothing,” Mary explained. “Some don’t even have shoes. Wild Hope gives them a safe place, food, and the chance to learn basic skills.”

The club is exploring a potential joint project with the Victoria Falls Rotary Club to support a portable pharmacy initiative. Modeled after a successful program in South Africa, the initiative trains women to operate mini pharmacies in areas with limited healthcare access.

“This could be a transformative project that addresses critical healthcare gaps in Zimbabwe,” Doug noted. “We’re awaiting a formal proposal from our Rotary partners in Victoria Falls.”

One business fails alcohol check
The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office conducted alcohol checks on June 25. A total of 21 businesses were checked. 20 of the 21 businesses passed the compliance check and refused to serve alcohol to an underage buyer.

The business that failed the compliance check was The Ridge. During the previous compliance check in during March of 2026, all businesses passed the compliance check.

City begins battling mosquitoes
Recent wet and warm weather has provided perfect conditions for mosquitoes. To help mitigate the population, the City of Brookings Public Works began fogging on June 25.

Since April, the Street Division has been proactively treating ponds and wet areas throughout the city with mosquito larvicide to kill the larvae before they can become biting adult mosquitoes.

The City’s ground-fogging equipment is loud and travels between 10 and 15 mph. The mosquito-control pickups are identified and travel with flashing amber and white lights.

Although mosquito-control insecticides pose extremely low risks to humans and domestic pets, some people may prefer to minimize or avoid exposure to these chemicals. Some common-sense steps to help reduce exposure include staying indoors during the fogging activity and closing windows and doors.

Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in as little as a week, so regularly removing standing water is one of the most effective ways to reduce mosquito populations.

Weekly:
Empty water from buckets, flower pots, toys, wheelbarrows, and other containers.

Change water in birdbaths and pet dishes.

Clear clogged gutters and drainage areas.

Remove standing water from tarps, pool covers and outdoor equipment.
Dispose of or store items that collect rainwater.
— From staff reports