News Briefs - March 18, 2026

FB&T awards local grants

BROOKINGS — Five Brookings organizations have received grant funding from First Bank & Trust and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) through the Member Impact Fund. The grants are part of $12.9 million in funding awarded by FHLB Des Moines through a matching grant program designed to support affordable housing and community development across South Dakota.

The organizations receiving funding support a range of needs in the Brookings community, from affordable housing to youth development, mentorship, and community engagement. Grant recipients include:

— Vision Brookings
— SDSU Fellowship of Christian Athletes
— SoDak Spurs Soccer Club
—GROW South Dakota
— Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity

“Brookings is stronger because of these organizations and the work they do every day, and that matters deeply to us,” said Kevin Tetzlaff, President and CEO of First Bank & Trust. “We’re grateful to partner with FHLB Des Moines to support programs that make a real difference in our community.”

First Bank & Trust, in partnership with FHLB Des Moines, awarded a total of $700,000 to 15 organizations across eastern South Dakota that are dedicated to meeting the needs of their communities.

FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development, and affordable housing in the communities they serve. The Member Impact Fund provides FHLB Des Moines members with matching grant donations to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits and government entities to support the needs of their communities.

“The Member Impact Fund is designed to help our members champion the organizations that make a real difference in their communities,” said Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “By partnering with First Bank & Trust, we’re able to multiply resources and support their vital work as they continue to strengthen opportunities for the people they serve.”

BankStar donates to group

BROOKINGS — BankStar Financial in partnership with Federal Home
Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that Sleep in Heavenly Peace, SD-Brookings chapter, will receive a $52,500 grant from the Member Impact Fund.

This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding over $12.9 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Alaska, South Dakota, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“We are so pleased we could partner with FHLB to expand our reach with this financial gift to Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” said Julie Puetz, BankStar’s Brookings Market President, “It is especially meaningful during our 100th Anniversary year, we are grateful.”

BankStar plans to build 100 beds in October, in honor of its 100th Anniversary. Leading up to the event, the bank will collect twin bedding, pillows, books, and huggable stuffed animals to donate to Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) and will accept donations from the public to assist these efforts.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering hand-made, fully furnished beds to children in need. SHP’s mission is to tackle childhood bedlessness, which they estimate to affect nearly 3% of the population.

The charity’s 380 acive chapters across the U.S. deliver beds to children age 3-17 complete with sheets, pillows, blankets, toys and books.

Through the Member Impact Fund, BankStar’s $15,000 contribution is matched with $37,500 from FHLB Des Moines to provide a combined $52,500 gift which will be the largest one-time donation received to date by SHP-Brookings.

According to Dave Miller, the chapter president of SHP-Brookings, this donation will make a significant impact for hundreds of children. The funding allows them to purchase a truckload of mattresses to achieve a volume pricing discount, allowing them to build more beds and reach more families than they otherwise would have. They will deliver 400+ beds this calendar year, and this donation will supply the mattresses for the entire year.

Local blood drive planned

BROOKINGS— “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, according to 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.”

Community Blood Bank will host a community blood drive at Brookings Health System on Tuesday, March 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. As a thank-you gift, every donor will receive a $20 Hy-Vee gift card. Donors can schedule a donation by logging into www.cbblifeblood.org , selecting “Donate Now”, “Blood Drive Calendar”, and choosing March 24.

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.

Community Blood Bank is the only provider of blood to Brookings Health System, and 42 other local area hospitals. When you donate with Community Blood Bank your blood stays local for local patients.