News briefs - June 24, 2026

Rotary hears from BATA’s Bortnem
The Rotary Club of Brookings featured a presentation by Travis Bortnem, Director of BATA at a recent meeting.

Bortnem provided an in-depth look at BATA’s services and impact across Brookings County and surrounding communities. Bortnem explained that BATA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing curb-to-curb public transit within a 50-mile radius of Brookings. The organization operates 29 vehicles and provides an average of 500–700 rides per day, serving more than 2,500 individual clients annually.

Bortnem shared several key facts:
BATA transported more than 159,000 passengers last year, logging over 550,000 miles.

Nearly all vehicles are ADA-accessible, and the agency partners with Medicaid and local organizations to offer affordable transportation options.

BATA’s funding comes from federal and state sources, local contracts, bus fares, and support from organizations including the City and County of Brookings and United Way.
Innovative programs such as summer ride passes for youth and affordable church vehicle leases help extend mobility access to the broader community.

Bortnem emphasized BATA’s mission “to make public transportation the first choice, not the last resort.” He welcomed Rotarians to tour the facility and spread awareness of BATA’s role in the community.

Baszler promoted

BROOKINGS — Ashley Baszler, RN, has been promoted and named the new emergency department nursing director.

In her new role, Baszler is responsible for the day-to-day, 24/7 operations and professional nursing practice in the ED. She will work closely with medical staff, nursing team members and ancillary departments within the health system to improve the quality and efficiency of care delivered to patients. In addition, she will assume supervisory responsibilities for the emergency department staff.
Baszler holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from South Dakota State and became a registered nurse in 2007.

She has worked at Brookings Health for 12 years, most recently serving as an emergency department nurse with house supervisor and clinical coordinator responsibilities. She also has experience as an obstetrics, neonatal intensive care unit and flight nurse.

Brookings Health’s workforce embodies the spirit of teamwork, working together across disciplines to care for local patients and residents. Individuals who want to join Brookings Health System’s Top 20 Rural Community Hospital team can find a position right for them at brookingshealth.org/Careers.

Extension hosts writing workshop

BROOKINGS —South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the next offering of the Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop in July.

The upcoming session is July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon CDT. To register or learn more, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search for “wisdom writing”.

This free, two-hour session includes short writing activities, group discussion and time for personal reflection. The online format brings the transformative experience of wisdom writing directly to participants across South Dakota and beyond, expanding access to lifelong learning opportunities.

Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist, said many participants leave feeling validated, more connected and encouraged about later stages of life, recognizing the value of the life they’ve lived and the stories they carry.

“Life in South Dakota shapes people through family, work, community, and resilience. The Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop offers a welcoming space to reflect on those experiences and the wisdom gained over time,” Brown said.

Participants will explore how their perspectives have evolved with age and consider what matters most now through simple writing prompts and guided conversation. No writing experience is needed, only a willingness to reflect and share, if desired.

Guided by Brown and South Dakota Humanities Scholar Molly Barari, the workshop blends engaging education with creative practice in a supportive and welcoming environment. Together, participants will explore meaningful questions about aging, identity and personal growth, and discover how writing can serve as a powerful tool for insight, healing and connection.

The Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop is the result of a partnership between SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Humanities Council. Since 2022, the program has expanded from two initial in-person offerings to a statewide initiative, reaching more than 200 participants through in-person, virtual and roadshow formats.

For more information about bringing the Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop to your community in 2026, contact Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist, at Leacey.Brown@sdstate.edu or 605-394-1722.

United Way hosts mobile dentist
Brookings Area United Way extends its gratitude to the Delta Dental Mobile Program team and local Brookings Area United Way donors for providing free dental care to children and young adults ages 0–21 in Brookings County from June 1–5.
Access to dental care is an important part of a child’s overall health and well-being.

Through the Delta Dental Mobile Program, local youth received essential services that help them stay healthy, confident, and ready to succeed in school and daily life.

During the five-day visit, 44 children received preventive, restorative, and diagnostic dental services through the mobile clinic. The BAUW sponsors the mobile program for $3,000 a week, and in return, $36,138 worth of dental care was provided at no cost to families.

Heidi Gullickson, Executive Director of BAUW highlights this impact, stating, “The Delta Dental Mobile Program is one of the most powerful examples of what happens when we remove barriers to care. By brining dental services directly to children, we are helping improve health, confidence, and academic success while easing the burden on families who may otherwise struggle to access care.”

The Delta Dental Mobile Program returns to Brookings Area United Way December 7–8.

More information on this program or other Brookings Area United Way offerings can be found at www.brookingsunitedway.org.

Bigelow honored at SDSU
BROOKINGS — Tom Bigelow, senior building maintenance worker for South Dakota State University Athletics, has been named SDSU’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for June.

He was honored at a reception held from 2:15-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, in the Coughlin Alumni Lounge on the third floor of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.

Bigelow’s dedication, resourcefulness and dependability have all been praised by his colleagues. His commitment to every aspect of his work has set him apart as an outstanding employee.

Bigelow has been a member of the Athletics Department since 2013. Over the years, his responsibilities have evolved from groundskeeper to senior building maintenance worker.

He is responsible for keeping all competition and practice areas in safe and sustainable condition to match the ever-competitive environment of college sports.

“Tom has been a steadfast component of SDSU Athletics for 13 years. He is a tremendous team player, and the work he does is vital to our university and our Athletics Department,” said Jeff Holm, senior associate athletic director — facilities and operations. “His behind-the-scenes work has contributed greatly to our success, and we are appreciative of Tom’s unwavering dedication.”

Bigelow takes pride in his position at SDSU and goes above and beyond to ensure that venues look and operate their best for events. He understands the importance of his role and excels at handling preparations for multiple events at the same time.

Bigelow has helped the department transition to several new facilities, including the Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex, Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium and First Bank & Trust Arena. He also has a lead role in maintaining any outdoor spaces, including snow removal, for athletics buildings.

“Tom approaches every day with a good attitude. When working together on projects, he is always pleasant to work with and goes about his work with a smile,” said Ryan Hoffman, grounds supervisor for Facilities and Services. “There are a lot of tasks that happen behind the scenes to make these events successful, and Tom continues to have a large role in completing these.”

Bigelow is passionate about the athletic teams, student-athletes, coaches and fans, and his work reflects that. His work directly impacts the teams’ preparation, the safety of the student-athletes, experience for the fans and the ability to recruit future Jackrabbits.

“Most successful teams have people behind the scenes helping in ways many people don’t see, and that’s Tom,” said Brock Thompson, SDSU women’s soccer coach. “It’s not just the work he does but how he does it that makes a true impact for us at South Dakota State University and our Athletics Department.”

Former Jackrabbits head football coach John Stiegelmeier also praised Bigelow’s dedication, proactive nature and high-quality work.

“When I think about Tom’s responsibilities and the huge area he takes care of, I consider it almost an impossible job. Yet, he gets it done with great work ethic and an unbelievable attitude,” Stiegelmeier said. “What always amazes me about Tom is the way he consistently chooses a great attitude. He is a servant to many, and his efforts truly make a difference.”

Bigelow graduated from Arlington High in 2011 and attended Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls for sports turf management. He and his wife, Jenny, have two sons. He enjoys fishing and attending his son’s sporting activities.

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Services Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation.

The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.

— From staff reports