Rethinking reading: Program brings positive results to Brookings

Students in Carter Holm’s third grade class at Dakota Prairie Elementary spend time absorbed in their books. The Brookings School District now uses a teaching method called the science of reading. Among other things, it emphasizes phonics, early detection of problems and weekly assessments to ensure students make progress.

BROOKINGS — When Summer Schultz was hired as Brookings School District superintendent in June 2023, she brought with her a teaching philosophy called the science of reading. Two years …

On the road, again: Long drive leaves time for thoughts of past adventures

Just prior to and during a just-returned automobile trip to Waco, Texas, I’d been reading Mark Twain and Paul Theroux, two nonpareil travel writers. Travel is a genre I have never wandered into …

Yes, South Dakota is losing in-home daycares

Since 2015, South Dakota has lost half of its in-home day cares, with around 350 registered with the state in 2024. The lack of staff has repeatedly plagued the child care industry. With an …

RFK Jr.'s MAHA report raises concerns about vaccines, American foods and prescription drugs

President Donald Trump, left, speaks as Education Secretary Linda McMahon, right, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listen at a Make America Healthy Again commission event in the East Room of the White House on May 22 in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — A government report released on Thursday covering wide swaths of American health and wellness reflects some of the most contentious views on vaccines, the nation's food …

South Dakota officials seeking bigger role for state in immigration enforcement

A section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall near El Paso, Texas, on June 6, 2024.

South Dakota’s governor and attorney general separately visited the U.S.-Mexico border this week and announced efforts to involve the state in federal immigration enforcement. During a …

2025

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Visitor's Guide 2025

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Legion hosting breakfast in Brookings on May 24

BROOKINGS — Brookings American Legion Post No. 74 will serve a pancake, scrambled eggs, and sausage breakfast on May 24. Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, orange juice, coffee, and milk …

Love in action makes a difference

Last week I was talking with a colleague when they made a comment about how everything we ever needed to learn, we probably learned in kindergarten. Clearly, that’s an exaggeration, but …

Brookings-area calendar for May 24-30, 2025

Read all about what activities Brookings-area groups have planned in the days ahead.

Twenty young women to compete for Miss South Dakota title in Brookings

BROOKINGS — Twenty young women from across the state will showcase their talents, public speaking skills, fitness, poise and stage presence in the 78th annual Miss South Dakota competition, …

Little Leprechauns honor mothers with flowers, decorated pots

The Little Leprechaun 4-H club met May 11 at the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center. The meeting was called to order by Kate Gayne. The flag salute and 4-H pledge were led by Conrad. …

Chuck Cecil is a former Brookings Register columnist and a current member of the Brookings County Historical Society.

A rail line from Brookings to Sioux Falls?

BROOKINGS — All that remains of an early 1900s plan for a railway from Brookings to Sioux Falls is a pleasant half-mile Brookings walkway bordering Medary Avenue South. It extends …

Ryan Bauer, Matt Thomas to be inducted to South Dakota High School Baseball Association Hall of Fame

Eight South Dakota high school players, two coaches and three contributors along with the 2012 Vermillion Tanager team will be inducted into the South Dakota High School Baseball Association Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class.

Sioux Valley dominates Colman-Egan on the diamond

The Sioux Valley softball team extended its win streak to seven on Wednesday afternoon as the Cossacks beat Colman-Egan 21-4 in three innings.

Brookings Cubs hope talented roster can bring them a state title

The Brookings Cubs have played two games in the amateur baseball season and have already seen the construction of their roster pay dividends.

South Dakota State to play Gonzaga in Sioux Falls

South Dakota State Center Brooklyn Meyer attempts a shot during an exhibition game against St. Cloud State at First Bank & Trust Arena in Brookings on Oct. 30. SDSU announced Monday that it will be playing Gonzaga this upcoming season in Sioux Falls on Nov. 20.

The South Dakota State women’s basketball team will take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a nonconference contest November 20 at the Sanford Pentagon. The on-sale date for tickets will be announced later.

Jackrabbits lose opening tournament game

South Dakota State opened the Summit League Baseball Tournament on Wednesday with an 11-2 loss to Oral Roberts.

Carter Sintek named Wallace Award semifinalist

South Dakota State's Carter Sintek was named Wednesday as one of 30 semifinalists for the Brooks Wallace Award, which is presented annually by the College Baseball Foundation to the top shortstop in college baseball.

South Dakota State wins fifth-straight Commissioner's Cup

SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota State earned its fifth straight Summit League Commissioner's Cup and set a new league record with its 10th overall, the conference office announced this week. …

Seven Jacks honored on All-Summit squad

SIOUX FALLS — Led by first-team selections Bryce Ronken and Owen Siegert, seven South Dakota State student-athletes were honored Tuesday as members of the 2025 All-Summit League Baseball Team. …

Bryan Petersen hires Jamal Nixon to finalize staff

South Dakota State men's basketball head coach Bryan Petersen completed his inaugural season staff on Tuesday as he announced the hiring of Jamal Nixon as an assistant coach.

More SDSU Jackrabbits

Police report

Brookings-area court report published 05-22-25

Read all about recent cases handled by circuit and magistrate courts in Brookings County.

Brookings-area court report published 05-21-25

Read all about recent cases handled by circuit and magistrate courts in Brookings County.

United Way has 70 years of impact on Brookings

As the executive director of Brookings Area United Way, it is with deep gratitude and joy that I share an incredible milestone — our 70th year of serving and strengthening the Brookings …

Race for South Dakota governor could be a race for Trump’s favor

It may seem a little early to start wondering about who’s likely to be elected governor of South Dakota in November of 2026. However, November is not the date that’s important. Just more …

We need to build bridges, not walls

Sometimes The Christian Century will run a series of essays by their readers. The topics are given a few months in advance and readers are invited to submit their essays for publication. The June …

Made in South Dakota is a very real thing worth celebrating

Made in South Dakota With President Trump back in the White House, there’s been a lot of talk about making sure that more products are made in America. Manufacturing has been …

More opinion

Preventing Shingles: A Local Pharmacist on the Importance of Getting Vaccinated

(BPT) - When individuals reach age 50, their risk of developing shingles increases, making it more important than ever to understand this painful condition and how to help prevent. …

AI plus HI (human intelligence) equals improved outcomes. It’s not just technology for its own sake.

Real Educational Advantages of Artificial Intelligence

by Nick Gaehde (NAPSI)—Artificial Intelligence (AI) has arrived in the classroom, and it’s here to stay. Surprising as it may seem to some parents and teachers, that’s good news. AI can …

The most popular junk food by state

Hims presents a regional guide to the junk food people in your state crave the most.

Rescuers need to know ASAP where they're needed in disasters.

AI can scan vast numbers of social media posts during disasters to guide first responders

Natural disasters prompt a flood of social media posts. AI can help sift the wheat of helpful information from the chaff of chitchat and misinformation.

What's that racket? 4 car noises you shouldn't ignore

CheapInsurance.com encourages drivers to listen for car noises that can help diagnose a potential problem before it becomes a serious emergency situation.

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