News briefs - May 20, 2026

Students teach at water festival

In May, Brookings seventh-grade enrichment students were given the opportunity to volunteer for the Big Sioux Water Festival at SDSU. The students were in charge of stations all about WATER. Students chose a water station of interest, practiced the station on that day, then presented the station to fifth-grade students from the state. Most of these stations were hands-on where students had to teach the fifth-graders what to do and also tell them the science behind what they were doing. The students really enjoyed getting the opportunity to be involved in the Big Sioux Water Festival at SDSU.

Optimist Club gives law award

Officer Seith Bonnema of the Brookings Police Department was awarded this year’s Brookings Optimist’s Club Respect for Law Award during its annual breakfast on May 12. State’s Attorney Dan Nelson presented the award and remarked that Officer Bonnema demonstrates the passion and dedication required to keep our community safe. Officer Bonnema uses his skill and knowledge to thoroughly investigate illegal drugs during roadside stops, which have led to large drug busts in recent years. Officer Bonnema is a trained K9 handler and utilizes his furry companion in investigations.

Recently, Officer Bonnema testified at a jury trial. Officer Bonnema resides in Brookings with his wife and four children.

Rotary hears about Alzheimer’s

Members of the Brookings Rotary Club recently welcomed presenters from the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association for an educational program focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia awareness, caregiver support and ongoing research efforts.

Kris Ponto, a volunteer community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association and retired geriatric nurse, shared both professional and personal perspectives during the presentation.

“My mother and my grandmother both had Alzheimer’s, so it’s an area that I’m very passionate about,” Ponto said. “I just love to be able to educate people about the disease.”

During the presentation, attendees learned about the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, how Alzheimer’s affects the brain, known risk factors, stages of the disease and the latest developments in research and treatment.

Ponto emphasized that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.

“Alzheimer’s is a progressive and fatal disease,” she said. “It is a brain disease that causes memory loss and affects a person’s ability to remember, think, plan and ultimately function.”

The program also highlighted that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60–80% of dementia cases.

Speakers discussed risk factors associated with the disease, including age, family history and genetics. Ponto noted that age remains the greatest known risk factor.

“After age 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years,” she said. “For people age 85 and older, there is about a one-in-three chance of having the disease.”

Michelle Kutner, state program director for the Alzheimer’s Association in South Dakota, explained that diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease typically involves multiple evaluations rather than a single test. She encouraged individuals experiencing memory concerns to begin by consulting their primary care physician, who may then refer them to specialists such as neurologists or geriatricians for further assessment.

Kutner also highlighted recent advances in treatment options available in South Dakota, including newer medications that can slow the progression of the disease when diagnosed early.

“We’re really encouraging people to seek early detection,” Kutner said. “Some of the newer medications now available can actually slow disease progression, but individuals qualify for those treatments only in the early stages, such as mild cognitive impairment.”

The presentation also explored how Alzheimer’s progresses over time and included personal accounts from individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, helping attendees better understand the emotional and cognitive challenges patients face.

Despite the challenges surrounding Alzheimer’s disease, speakers shared optimism about current research efforts and advances in early detection and prevention strategies.

Among the resources highlighted were the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 and the organization’s website, ALZ.org, which offers educational materials, support services and community resource information.

The Brookings Rotary program underscored the importance of education, awareness and continued research in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease while providing attendees with practical tools and support resources for families affected by dementia.

Rotary member awarded

The Brookings Rotary Club recently honored longtime Rotarian Amy Pedersen with a posthumous Paul Harris Fellow award in recognition of her years of service, generosity and commitment to Rotary’s mission of goodwill and peace.

Amy’s husband, Bryan Pedersen, accepted the award on her behalf during a special presentation before Brookings Rotarians.

During the ceremony, club leaders reflected on Amy’s dedication to Rotary’s educational and humanitarian efforts and the lasting impact of her service both locally and globally.

“Amy’s commitment and gifts to the Rotary Foundation’s educational and humanitarian programs reflected a dedication to peace and to a better life for people around the world whom she may never have met,” stated interim club president Brian Gatzke. “This is a truly selfless action and demonstrates a commitment to our common goals of mutual understanding and peace.”

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is one of Rotary’s highest honors and acknowledges individuals whose contributions support the work of the Rotary Foundation. Funds raised through the projects focus on improving living conditions, increasing access to education and healthcare, supporting rehabilitation services and advancing international understanding and peace.

Club members shared their gratitude for Amy’s many years of involvement and leadership within Brookings Rotary, noting that her legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire others.

“It gives us great pleasure to present this emblem in memory of Amy as a symbol of appreciation and to say thank you for making a difference in our community and in the lives of less fortunate people around the world,” said Gatzke.

Amy joins more than 950,000 Paul Harris Fellows worldwide who have been recognized for their commitment to service above self and humanitarian causes.

The recognition served as both a celebration of Amy Pedersen’s life of service and a reminder of Rotary’s ongoing mission to promote goodwill, peace and positive change.
— From staff reports