Local appraiser earns recognition

GLENDALE, CO – Brian J. Gatzke, ARA, founder of Northern Plains Appraisal, LLC in Brookings, has been presented with the H.E. Stalcup Excellence in Education (Appraisal) Award from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA).

The H.E. Stalcup Excellence in Education Award is one of the most prestigious awards that ASFMRA bestows. The award recognizes individuals who have contributed knowledge and countless hours toward the advancement of ASFMRA educational offerings.

“We are delighted to confer this award on Brian. Brian has a commitment to professionalism and has been an outstanding member of this organization for over 18 years. He has helped develop education, taught ASFMRA courses and seminars, as well as been very involved in our Appraisal Education and Accreditation Committee, which he currently chairs. He is also the president of our South Dakota Chapter,” stated Doug Hodge, ARA, and President of the ASFMRA. “By receiving this award, clients, associates and industry peers can easily recognize Brian’s personal investment and dedication to ASFMRA, as well as readily acknowledge the wealth of experience and expertise that he has.”

The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers is the largest professional society for rural property land experts, boasting over 2100 members in 31 chapters throughout the United States.

Boggs gets SDSU employee honor

BROOKINGS – In recognition of her dedication to the South Dakota State University Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jane Boggs has been named the November Civil Service Employee of the Month.

Her reception will be start at 1 p.m. Nov. 30 in room 205 in Crothers Engineering Hall.

Starting her position in January 1989, Boggs has been responsible for daily operations in the department for over 30 years. Boggs will retire in December.

“Jane is the sole person responsible for one of the largest departments on campus,” said Stephen Gent, professor and director of the North Central Regional Sun Grant Center at SDSU. “She has an innate ability to balance competing priorities and to keep the department’s daily operations running smoothly.”

Throughout her time at SDSU, Boggs has adapted to changes in technology and enrollment, while performing a wide range of work including purchasing, communications, record-keeping and interacting with the public. 

 “During her time of service, the department’s undergraduate enrollment has grown to be one of the largest at the university, the number of faculty members has nearly doubled and new graduate programs have been added,” said Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering Kurt Bassett. “Jane has admirably adapted to all of that growth while remaining the sole office support staff person for the department.”

 “The scope of her work has been very broad and quite challenging,” said Yucheng Liu, the Duane Sander Endowed Professor in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship and head of the mechanical engineering department. “Our faculty and students especially appreciate the supporting role she assumed when they struggled with direction and the allocation of resources.”

 Known by many as the face of the department, Boggs works well with a variety of people, including visitors, students and faculty. When meeting department visitors, taking calls and answering questions, Boggs makes everyone feel welcome.

Boggs, who has two adult sons, Chris and Jesse, appreciates working with the mechanical engineering department’s faculty and staff.

“I have truly enjoyed getting to know and working with the department, college and the SDSU family,” Boggs said.

United Way receives 3M products

BROOKINGS – Brookings Area United Way was able to receive 3M products which were shared with 30 different nonprofits within Brookings County.

These products allow Brookings Area United Way to provide necessary supplies to other nonprofits on behalf of 3M. 

Some of the supplies include Post-It notes, duct tape, packing tape, sponges, bandages and much more. 

The 3M products provide an opportunity for Brookings Area United Way and their funded partners to focus on serving the community.

Without the 3M products Brookings Area United Way would not be able to supply these organizations with the necessary supplies. 

3M is a strong supporter of Brookings Area United Way and helps enable Brookings Area United Way to continue uniting people, sharing resources, inspiring hope and enriching lives.