News Briefs - July 15, 2026

Rotary hears about science fair
BROOKINGS — Brookings High School junior Navneeth “Nav” Rao recently competed at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona, showcasing groundbreaking research on road durability and aging processes. Rao and his teacher, Laura Hummel, spoke to Brookings Rotary about the ISEF experience.

Rao was one of four was one of four South Dakota students selected to attend ISEF this year, with all four representatives coming from Brookings – a historic first for the state.

Rao’s award-winning project, “PG 58-28 Asphalt Binder: Chemical and Mechanical Performance Analysis,” examined how South Dakota roads age and deteriorate under extreme temperature variations. Working in SDSU’s civil engineering laboratories, Rao investigated the relationship between chemical structure changes and mechanical performance in road materials, specifically focusing on the asphalt binder used throughout the Midwest region.

“I love driving around South Dakota and seeing our farmlands,” Rao explained. “Understanding how roads work physically and structurally became my passion, and I wanted to find ways to make them last longer.”

His research revealed significant correlations between chemical aging processes and road durability, with implications for future bio-based road materials using locally grown crops like corn and soybeans.
ISEF brought together approximately 1,600 students from 84 countries, representing the world’s brightest young scientific minds. The competition featured over $8 million in prizes, scholarships, and internships, with top awards reaching $100,000.

Brian Blaha and SDSU have provided crucial support for the program, hosting the regional science fair that serves as the gateway to international competition.

“It’s not just about science,” Rao noted. “The biggest thing about ISEF is the connections you make. I made friends from Japan, China, India, Arkansas, New York – people from all over the world who share the same passion for discovery.”

Laura Hummel, part-time music teacher and science fair coordinator for Brookings School District, has been instrumental in expanding the program. What started with just two students has grown to 17 participants at the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair (ESDSEF) at SDSU.

“When I get to ISEF and see rows and rows of amazing projects from kids all over the world, I think we’re going to be okay,” Hummel said. “It’s my favorite week of the year. These students give me hope for the future.”

The program has produced remarkable results, with Hummel’s own four children attending ISEF a combined 10 times, leading to careers in material science, law, science curriculum development, and plant genomics.

Rao, who will be a senior this fall, plans to continue his research on bio-based road materials, exploring how South Dakota’s agricultural products could revolutionize infrastructure sustainability.

UTV raffle returns
BROOKINGS — Brookings Health System Foundation will hold the 17th annual Aiming to Inspire Health fundraiser, presented by First Bank & Trust, on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Brookings Gun Club. Proceeds from the 2026 sporting clay fundraiser and will support local healthcare initiatives.

With the help of premier sponsor Brookings Radio, families, businesses, youths and adults are encouraged to participate in this year’s fundraiser. Registration is $320 for adult four-person teams and $250 for four-person teams of youth under 18.

Adults and youth may also register individually. This year’s clay target tournament at the Brookings Gun Club will include a 50-round sporting clays course with ammo sponsored by Runnings of Brookings. Mulligans will be available for purchase. Additional outdoor games and activities will also be available.

Registration includes 12- or 20-gauge ammunition and a meal from Midwest Fresh Catering, sponsored by Sanford Health Brookings Clinic and Building Sprinkler, Inc. Over $2,000 in prizes will be awarded. To register for this year’s clay target tournament, please visit brookingshealth.org/AIH.

Registration deadline is Thursday, Aug. 6.

In conjunction with the tournament, Brookings Health System Foundation will also hold a raffle sponsored by Brookings Powersports and Runnings of Brookings. The raffle grand prize is a 2026 Polaris Ranger 1000 premium utility terrain vehicle from Brookings Powersports. Valued at $18,299, the UTV features a 61-horsepower engine, 2,500-lb. towing capacity and 1,000-lb. box capacity. It also includes a 4,500-lb. winch with synthetic rope and a factory-installed roof.

Raffle tickets cost $75 each. Multiple ticket bundle deals include 2 for $70 each or 3 for $65 each. The drawing will occur at the end of the clay target tournament and participants need not be present to win. Tickets may be purchased online at brookingshealth.org/Raffle or by calling Brookings Health System Foundation at (605) 696-8045.

For more information on event sponsorships, please contact Foundation Director Brittany Venekamp at (605) 696-8045 or foundation@brookingshealth.org.

For more information on the Foundation, please visit brookingshealth.org/Foundation.

Arlington Days set
ARLINGTON — This year’s Arlington Day’s celebration runs July 31 through Aug. 2 with an America 250 theme and three days of family activities, sports tournaments, vendors, food, live music, the parade and tractor show, a Main Street street dance, museum events, community worship and more.

The latest schedule, registrations, and event details are available at ArlingtonDays.com.

Pool tourney to benefit local man
The community is coming together in a big way with a special billiards tournament fundraiser to support Brookings-area resident Greg Begnaud who is currently undergoing treatment for throat cancer. The event will feature the friendly competition of a pool tournament among other activities, with all proceeds going toward medical expenses and family support.

The event, titled “Pool Together for Greg,” will take place at Rack City Billiards in Sioux Falls on Sat., July 18.

The tournament has a $20 entry fee and check-in begins at 11 a.m. with the tournament starting at noon. All tournament participants will be given the opportunity to play throughout the day, regardless of skill level.

“I have seen so many people fight the ugly ‘C’ and it just sucks,” said Glenda Haag, one of the benefit organizers and a friend of Begnaud’s. “Whether people play pool or not, people should come check out the baked goods, the auction and raffle items, and if nothing interests you, still come by and say hi! Just being present sometimes means more than anything.”

Begnaud, who lives in Volga with his wife Tori and stepson, was diagnosed with Stage 2 throat cancer two months ago. He had surgery at the end of May to remove a tumor in his neck and is currently attending speech and physical therapy to help him recover his ability to swallow and speak fully. In the next month he will begin both radiation and chemotherapy five days a week for seven weeks, a grueling treatment schedule that will put him out of work and away from his family.

In addition to the main pool tournament and side tournaments, a bake sale, door prizes, online and in-person silent auctions and a raffle, with all proceeds going directly toward Greg’s medical expenses and family support. Local businesses and volunteers have contributed items to support the family and help make the event a success. Raffle items include two pool cues and one firearm, tickets can be purchased all this week by contacting 60-655-4709 and the winner does not need to be present to win. In person and silent auctions have separate items that include health and beauty bundles, artwork from local artists, high-dollar gift certificates, trip packages, sports memorabilia and tickets and much more. The online auction is available now: https://www.32auctions.com/PoolTogetherforGregOnline

This isn’t the first time the pool community has come together to help one of their own through throat cancer.

“I officially met Greg after his cancer diagnosis, but we have both been a part of the same pool community for years,” said Ami McKenzie, an event organizer. “In 2025, our pool community was a huge support to me and my family. I was diagnosed with throat cancer, and my husband was in the hospital at the same time as my surgery recovery. With all the help and support we have received, I’m honored to help with Greg’s benefit and pay it forward.”

People interested in participating in the tournament can register online or by texting 973-222-7770. Pre-registration for the tournament is preferred, but walk-in participants are also welcome, pending space. All are welcome to join for the bake sale, raffle or auctions. Greg’s family and friends are incredibly appreciative of the community coming together to support them, and look forward to seeing people at the event.

— From staff reports