Top Stories

New taqueria offers authentic Mexican selections

Mary Machado, the manager at Taqueria El Jarocho on 605 Main Ave., helps fill a customer’s order on Wednesday in Brookings.
BROOKINGS — Taqueria El Jarocho is providing a new option for authentic Mexican food in Brookings, and its menu includes items such as tripas, tongues, quesabirrias, empanadas, stomachs and, …

US Postal Service to downgrade South Dakota mail operations

In a statement dated April 30, the USPS said that the Sioux Falls facility would remain open as a local processing center and will receive “up to $12.75 million in upgrades,” including upgraded sorting equipment, new lighting and renovated bathrooms and breakrooms.
SIOUX FALLS — The U.S. Postal Service has finalized its plan to downgrade the downtown Sioux Falls post office to a local processing center, shifting non-local mail operations to a facility in …

Abortion rights measure headed to South Dakota ballot

Protesters hold signs as Barbara DeVane of the Tallahassee National Organization for Women speaks outside the Florida Historic Capitol on June 24, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla., during a rally protesting the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.
PIERRE (AP) — Supporters of a South Dakota abortion rights initiative submitted far more signatures than required Wednesday to make the ballot this fall. But its outcome is unclear in the …

Company behind proposed Lake Preston jet fuel plant buoyed by federal carbon credit ruling

The company that aims to place a massive jet fuel plant in Lake Preston told investors Thursday that updated guidance from the federal government on biofuel carbon credits could be a boon to its …

Pennsylvania nurse who gave patients lethal or possibly lethal insulin doses gets life in prison

This image provided by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office shows Heather Pressdee.
A Pennsylvania nurse who administered lethal or potentially lethal doses of insulin to numerous patients pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and other charges Thursday and was sentenced to life …
More local news

Boost the beauty and comfort of your outdoor living spaces

Add some comfort and beauty to your outdoor spaces this year. Look for options that fit your lifestyle, budget, and schedule. Even simple changes can make a positive impact on the time you spend …

60s Plus Dining menus for May 6-11, 2024

Read all about what's on the menu in Brookings, Bruce and Elkton in the days ahead.

Brookings-area agendas for the week starting May 5, 2024

Read all about what Brookings-area governing agencies have planned in the week ahead.

May is historic preservation month in South Dakota

BROOKINGS — South Dakota’s Historic Preservation Month has been observed since it was established at the national level in May, 1973. In 2005, the state added archaeology to the …
National qualifier Kerrick Zhang, left, with coach Shannon Renkly. Zhang will compete at the National MathCounts Competition in Washington, D.C., on May 11-14.

These kids know math: Mickelson Middle School team does well at state competition

The Mickelson Middle School MathCounts team had a successful season again as they competed in the various levels of competition throughout the school year. MathCounts is a national program for …

Coffeehouse tips going to Brookings Backpack Project

BROOKINGS — The Mission of the Month at the Mission Coffeehouse at First Lutheran Church for May is Brookings Backpack Project. The Brookings Backpack Project was founded in 2009 by the …
Obituaries
Virginia Hoffman
Virginia Hoffman
Virgina Hoffman, 96, of Brookings died Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at The Neighborhoods at Brookview. Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, at Peace Lutheran Church in Brookings. A …
Julie Pederson
Julie Pederson
Julie Pederson, 43, of Brookings, SD, passed away on April 28,2024, peacefully at her home after battling her long-time medical issues. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, …
Myrna Merrill
Myrna Grace Merrill, 83, of Brookings, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her family. There are currently no funeral services planned. Myrna is survived by her …
Russell Lokken
Russell O. Lokken
Russell O. Lokken, age 70, of Brookings, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the Brookings Emergency Room. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Eidsness Funeral …
Earl Rue
Earl Rue
Earl Richard Rue, 90 of Brookings, SD, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Neighborhoods at Brookview, Brookings, SD. Funeral services have been set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at …
Local sports

Bobcats’ win over Huron builds momentum for busy weekend

Bobcats first baseman Addison Ronning leaps for a high throw during a game against Huron at Bob Shelden Field in Brookings on Thursday afternoon. The Bobcats won the game 11-1.
The Brookings Bobcats got back in the win column, defeating the Huron Tigers 11-1 at Bob Shelden Field on Thursday night.
The Brookings Bobcats finished in fourth place as they took part in the Huron Invitational at the Broadland Creek Golf Course on Thursday morning.
Read more.
When the May 12, 2022, derecho roared through Brookings and forced postponement of the Brookings Marathon until October, Steve Schroeder and his nieces found an alternative. On the scheduled race day, May 14, Schroeder, Vicky Rohl and Neili Folken (on bike) logged a half marathon through Oakwood State Park near Bruce. Schroeder and Rohl are both running the half marathon at this year’s event on May 11.
Loyalty is a strong point for River Falls, Wisconsin, runner Steve Schroeder. That partially explains why he has run the Brookings Marathon 12 times and will back in town May 11 to run the Brookings Half Marathon at age 81.
Read more.
Guy English began learning martial arts in 2003 in his hometown of Detroit. Now, almost 21 years later, he’s been teaching martial arts out of his basement in White while also competing in tournaments.
The Brookings Bobcats dropped both games of a doubleheader with the Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots at Bob Shelden Field on Tuesday night. Brookings lost the first game 10-0 before losing the nightcap 18-6.
Every year since 2017, Tim Fryer of Hendricks, Minn., has claimed the Arbor Day 5K, which is sponsored by Prairie Striders Running Club. This year was no exception, even though he ran almost 121 miles the weekend before.
A world-class jockey, the father of AAU boxing and a groundbreaking female coach highlight the class of 19 inductees that will be honored at a banquet in Sioux Falls in September.
SDSU Jackrabbits Athletics

Mark Gronowski’s return gives South Dakota State its stabilizer

South Dakota State’s Mark Gronowski surveys down field during a game against Mercer on Dec. 5 in Brookings. Gronowski announced Tuesday that he will be returning to SDSU in 2024.
In the months following South Dakota State’s second straight national championship, there was one question on the mind of every Jackrabbits fan.

Gronowski announces he's officially coming back to SDSU

South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski announced on Tuesday night that he will officially be returning for his senior season.

SDSU finishes as runner-up at Summit Championships

The South Dakota State men’s golf team finished runner-up at the Summit League Championships Tuesday at Covered Bridge Golf Club. Luke Honner tied for third overall to pace the Jackrabbits.

Blasius signs with Jackrabbits

Four-time South Dakota high school state champion Burk Blasius has signed a national letter of intent, indicating he will continue his wrestling and academic pursuits at South Dakota State University in the fall.

Lasey, Osmundson sweep weekly Summit League awards

South Dakota State's Emma Osmundson heads towards home plate after hitting a two-run home during a 5-2 win over St. Thomas on Saturday. Osmundson was named the Summit League Peak Performer of the Week on Monday.

South Dakota State softball’s Shannon Lasey and Emma Osmundson were recognized by The Summit League on Monday. Lasey was tabbed as the TicketSmarter co-Peak Pitcher of the Week and Osmundson was named the TicketSmarter Peak Performer of the week by the conference office.

Jackrabbits co-lead Summit Championships

The South Dakota State men’s golf team is tied for the lead at the Summit League Championships with 18 holes left to play at Covered Bridge Golf Club.

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

Wisdom always remains bargain

Life just never stops throwing you lessons out of nowhere. Sometimes a half-beat too late. I say this because I got engaged last weekend. And I solicited and received a lot of advice in the …

Tourism once again demonstrated its value to South Dakota last year, and the local economy also benefited, which was no surprise. A story in the April 30 edition of the Press & Dakotan …
A good response to the troubling trend of restricting access to books is making its way through the 2024 Minnesota Legislature. Now part of the education policy conference committee bill, the smart …
“Happy May Day!” said Delbert McLain, our self-appointed, undisputed, and unpaid head of our non-existent chamber of commerce. He wears a tie. Here, in this town. ‘Nuf said. …
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