News Briefs - March 11, 2026

Dems plan St. Paddy’s meal

The Brookings County Democrats will host their St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday, March 14, 5:30 pm, Methodist Community Life Center.

The keynote speaker will be gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers. Other speakers include Nikki Gronli, U.S. House candidate; Blake Stevens, District 7 House Candidate; and Terrance Davis, candidate for Secretary of State.

The meal will be catered by The Valley in Volga and the menu is: Mulligan stew, tomato soup, salad, breads (including gluten-free), coffee, punch, water and cupcakes

There will be a live auction.

Tickets are $30 per adult and $20 per student. The are available online https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saintpatricksbcd2026 or can make a local donation at the website if you can’t make it.

Or by contacting Lawrence 605-691-9129 for a paper ticket actup@brookings.net

Please reserve your ticket by March 12 or simply make a local donation if you can’t make it! Please contact Lawrence if you have any questions.

Elkton High plans blood drive

ELKTON — “As winter gives way to spring, Community Blood Bank, a joint cooperative of Sanford and Avera) face one of the most predictable, and preventable crises of the year: a dangerous shortage of donated blood, states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “March is historically one of the most challenging months for blood supply, as winter illnesses, post-holiday fatigue, and unpredictable weather combine to keep donors from giving. The need, however, never pauses.”

Elkton High School (58 Buffalo St., Elkton, SD will host a community blood drive on Monday, March 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. As a thank-you for their life-saving gift, every donor will receive a $15 Kwik Star gift card.

Donors can schedule a donation time by contacting the school office directly at 605-542-2541 ext. 232.

Community Blood Bank other blood organizations regularly report that blood supplies reach dangerously low levels each late winter and early spring. A single pint of donated blood can save up to three lives.

Nationwide, approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells, 5,000 units of platelets, and 6,500 units of plasma are needed every single day. Blood cannot be manufactured it can only come from volunteer donors.

Patients who rely on regular transfusions, include those battling cancer, undergoing surgery, or managing chronic illness cannot wait for supply to recover on its own.

Trauma victims and mothers experiencing complications during childbirth need blood immediately. When donations fall short, hospitals are forced to postpone elective surgeries.

Donors must be at least 16 years old or older. (16 years old may donate will a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. Donors should drink plenty of water prior ton donating, and eaten a good meal. A valid photo ID is required at check-in.

Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance to minimize wait times, though walk-ins are warmly welcome throughout both sessions.

Volunteer of month named

BROOKINGS — The Brookings Area United Way’s Volunteer United program congratulates Trish Greve on being named the February 2026 Volunteer of the Month, a program sponsored by First Bank & Trust.

In 2025 alone, Trish completed 95 volunteer drives, helping 95 individuals reach healthcare appointments that may have otherwise been difficult to attend without transportation support.

The Volunteer Service Bank connects volunteer drivers with community members who need
transportation to medical appointments and other essential services. Through volunteers like Trish, the program helps remove transportation barriers so individuals can receive the care they need.

“The strength of the Volunteer Service Bank lies in the dedication of volunteers like Trish, whose compassion and selflessness truly embody the spirit of service,” said Molly Perry, executive director of the Volunteer Service Bank.

Brookings Area United Way’s Volunteer United Program is accepting volunteer nominations for 2026 at Brookingsunitedway.org/VOM/.