The Brookings Register

06/24/2026

A house fire northwest of Bruce on Monday morning brought out a massive response, drawing in nearly every single fire department in Brookings County.

Two residents escaped without injury. Read the full details on the response and how the Red Cross is stepping up to help:

BROOKINGS COUNTY — Two people escaped injury in a house fire northwest of Bruce on June 22 that brought a response from nearly every fire department in Brookings County.

06/24/2026

Four teenagers were injured — two with life-threatening injuries — following a head-on collision on state Highway 30 east of White on Tuesday afternoon.

Two medical helicopters were called to the scene to airlift victims to Sioux Falls.

Full details from the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office and state authorities:

WHITE — A head-on collision between two vehicles east of White on June 23 injured four teenagers, including two from Huron with life-threatening injuries who were airlifted to hospitals in Sioux Falls.

06/23/2026

“People want to help. They just don’t know what to do to help sometimes. Just giving them a reason to help is all they’re looking for.”

When Volga resident Sabrina Narveson put out a quiet online plea for help with her garage, she didn't expect much. But a new local group, Helping Hands of Brookings, answered the call.

This Saturday, June 27, volunteers and local businesses are teaming up to give her garage a new roof and a fresh coat of paint.

Read about this incredible display of community spirit:

BROOKINGS — It’s never easy to ask for help, but sometimes you just must — and that’s what Volga resident Sabrina Narveson did when a maintenance issue came up with her garage.

06/23/2026

A massive 1,000-megawatt solar project is being proposed for eastern Brookings County, but it’s already sparking a classic local debate: property rights vs. keeping agricultural land in production.

If approved, the Six Mile Solar Project proposed for Elkton and Richland townships could be online by 2031. Read about the project's timeline, the thousands of acres it could impact, and why at least one county official thinks our existing solar ordinances might need a second look:

BROOKINGS — It’s still in the earliest stages of planning, but if it bears fruit, a proposed 1,000-megawatt solar farm near Elkton could be producing electricity by late 2031 into early 2032.

06/23/2026

Welcome to the beat!

There’s a new face protecting the roads around Brookings. Meet Trooper Emery Aker, one of the newest graduates of the South Dakota Highway Patrol Academy.

From growing up on a Minnesota farm to patrolling Interstate 29, learn more about his journey and why he chose a career in law enforcement:

BROOKINGS — There’s a new officer on the beat in Brookings.

06/19/2026

"Honored. Blessed. It’s hard to put into words what they’ve done for our family."

When Brookings resident Emily Johnson found out her daughter Rinken would need a heart transplant, the world stood still. But they weren't alone.

Read this incredibly moving feature on how the Brookings-based Kelly McGeough Foundation stepped in to take the financial worry away — and the unforgettable moment Rinken met her donor's family with a very special gift:

BROOKINGS — Take a moment to find a quiet place. Hold your hand over the left side of your chest and just listen to it — really listen to it: your heartbeat. Cherish it, because it’s not a given for everyone, including 5-year-old Rinken Johnson.

06/19/2026

Looking to escape the city and welcome the official start of summer?

Good Roots Farm and Gardens is throwing a massive weekend bash to celebrate the first day of summer, Father's Day, and the 100th birthday of their historic barn!

From adult crafts and meeting the goats to a $5 pulled-pork supper, dancing under the stars, and Sunday Pizza Night, there is something for the whole family.

Get all the details and the full schedule here::

https://www.brookingsregister.com/2026/06/19/centennial-barn-bash-fathers-day-events-set-at-good-roots-farm/

06/19/2026

From Volga to the governor’s seat!

Sioux Valley High School’s Quynn Nielson was elected governor at this year's South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.

Find out how her experience as a legislative page, her time at McCrory Gardens, and her passion for politics helped her land the top spot — and what's next for this future attorney.

BROOKINGS — Quynn Nielson, a student at Sioux Valley High School and a resident of Volga, received a unique honor last month.

06/19/2026

For subscribers of The Brookings Register who get their newspaper in the mail, the Juneteenth federal holiday today means no mail service. The U.S. Postal Service will resume regular deliveries on June 20.

Today's edition of the Register will be available at retail locations in and around Brookings, and in newspaper boxes as well.

06/18/2026

Two men, including one with Brookings ties, are facing federal charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, whose body was discovered near Brookings in March.

Charges were filed in federal court in Iowa following a massive multi-state investigation. Get the full details on the charges:

Law enforcement representatives announced June 18 that charges were filed against two men in the death of McKenna Wendel, a 14-year-old from Sioux Falls whose body was discovered near Brookings on March 19.