News Briefs - September 16, 2026

Library pet parade set for next week
BROOKINGS — On Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m., the Brookings Public Library will host their annual Pet Parade along 6th Avenue in front of the Brookings County Courthouse.

Bring your pet and let them strut their stuff or just come to watch! Registered participants can dress up their pet, display a talent, or just let their fluffy friend shine as they stroll past a crowd and a panel of judges. Prizes will be awarded for best in show and community favorite.

Registration is required for participants wishing to enter their pets. Visit https://bit.ly/regbpl to register starting September 17. If you just want to watch, no registration is required. Just show up with a chair or blanket and get ready for an evening of cuteness. All ages are welcome!

Thanks to Zippity Do Dog and Walk ‘N Rohl Pet Hotel for supporting this event through prize donation. For additional information about the programs and services of the Brookings Public Library, visit our website at www.brookingslibrary.org and be sure to follow us on Facebook @bkglib. The mission of Brookings Public Library is to provide materials and information contributing to the education, recreation, and quality of life for the Brookings community.

Rotary hears from Dan Jackson
BROOKINGS — South Dakota State University head football coach Dan Jackson recently spoke to the Brookings Rotary Club, offering an in-depth look at the Jackrabbit football program, from team culture and player development to NIL partnerships, roster challenges, and the future of college athletics.

Jackson opened by reflecting on the previous season, acknowledging that after a strong undefeated start, the team was hit by injuries and did not do a good enough job having depth players ready, leading to some losses. Jackson highlighted the North Dakota game as a turning point, where the team was down but fought back to win, showing pride and resilience. Going into January, the coaching staff tore everything down and re-evaluated all systems — even teaching All-American offensive lineman Quenten Christensen fundamental stance and footwork again — emphasizing that mastery of basics is the foundation of success.

Jackson described the team’s identity as built around three pillars: being the most disciplined, the most physical, and the most connected team. Discipline means every player doing their specific job to the highest level. Physicality means running the ball, stopping the run, and being aggressive on special teams. Connection means playing unselfishly for one another; starters were observed coaching younger players from the sideline during blowout wins rather than chatting or watching the crowd.

Jackson provided an update on the current season, noting the team opened with a 70–7 win over Stenson, where every player who suited up got in the game and execution remained consistent throughout. 1The following week against Northwestern, which is a Big Ten team with back-to-back bowl appearances and superior facilities and resources, Jackson felt the Jackrabbits were more physical than their opponent and had a genuine opportunity to win. Jackson described the team’s mindset as one of expectation to win, not just compete.

Jackson was emphatic that the program has no desire to be like everyone else in college athletics.

While much of college football has become transactional, divisive, and money-driven, Jackson stated the focus at South Dakota State remains on developing 18-year-olds into successful adults, building team togetherness, and maintaining genuine character. 1The team achieved the highest team GPA in school history the previous year — nearly a 3.4 average across 120 players, 60 of whom were in their first year at the university.

Jackson explained how NIL works within the program, emphasizing that players are not looking for handouts but for mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses. Examples included gift cards to local restaurants, social media advocacy, and appearances in exchange for meals or modest compensation.

Jackson shared a story of a local butcher shop that partnered with players and saw significant business growth as a result. Jackson also noted that some community members have helped individual players with specific needs, such as a laptop for a freshman safety who then improved from B’s and C’s to straight A’s.

Jackson addressed roster limits, noting the NCAA reduced allowable roster sizes to 105 players, which has significantly reduced opportunities for walk-ons and high school recruits. On scholarships, Jackson explained how academic scholarships are stacked with athletic scholarships to maximize dollars, and he advocates extending academic aid eligibility to transfer students.

Regarding conference realignment, Jackson acknowledged North Dakota State University’s move up and discussed the likelihood that in the next two to three years, Power 4 schools will break off into their own championship structure, making it critical for South Dakota State to sell out its stadium, grow its budget, and position itself competitively in whatever new landscape emerges.

On the topic of player safety, Jackson described significant investments in nutrition, including daily protein shakes, collagen, vitamin D, magnesium, and creatine, as well as Axiom helmets at approximately $1,200 each, which use sensor technology to track the location and severity of head impacts during games and practices. However, SDSU currently does not have enough Axiom helmets for all players.

Jackson expressed that football has come a long way to reduce concussion risk through rule changes, player adaptation, and improved technology.

More crop damage in county
On Sept. 9, the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office took report of a damaged soybean field. When deputies met with the landowner, they found an unknown person had driven off the roadway and into a field on 466th Ave. near 203rd St. The suspect or suspects drove through the field for nearly half a mile before returning to the roadway.

The landowner estimated damage to the field to be approximately $800. After the vehicle drove through the field, tracks indicated it may have traveled north.

This incident remains under investigation by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with any information about this case can contact the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office at 605-696-8300 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by visiting www.brookingsareacrimestoppers.com or by calling 605-692-STOP (7867).

United Way begins fundraiser
Brookings Area United Way’s annual fundraising campaign, which supports nearly 50 local nonprofits, programs, and collaborations, will kick off with help from two local businesses.

Scooter’s Coffee will help launch the campaign by donating 100% of food and drink sales from 5:30 am to 8 pm on September 15, 2026.

Individuals, businesses, and large groups are encouraged to visit the 22nd Avenue location in Brookings to pick up food and drinks for friends and coworkers. Online and Doordash orders are included as well.

Sanderson Gardens in Aurora will continue the fundraising effort with another special day of giving. On October 1, 100% of proceeds from pick-your-own pumpkins and raspberries sold from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be donated to Brookings Area United Way. The public is encouraged to bring containers and fill up. Guests may also take a hayride to the pumpkin patch from 4 to 7 p.m. for a freewill donation.

“These are simple ways for people to support the community while enjoying activities they may already share with friends or family,” said Randy Grimsley, United Way Development Director. “Participants can feel good knowing their involvement benefits the community.”

Brookings Area United Way has served people throughout Brookings County for more than 70 years. This year, the organization expects to need $1.2 million to fulfill local requests.