The first half of the 2026 campaign season mostly wrapped up on June 2 with local Republican primary victories for Brookings County sheriff candidate Dave Biteler and District 7 House incumbents Mellissa Heermann and Roger DeGroot.
While Brookings County voters might enjoy a brief summer break from local campaigning, November will be here before we know it. The Nov. 3 general election will pit Biteler against Manny Langstraat for sheriff — both colleagues in that office, by the way — and see Heermann and DeGroot facing off against Democrat Blake Stevens for District 7’s two seats in the South Dakota House. It’s our sincerest wish that the candidates run a clean-cut campaign in the months ahead, and that voters choose the best leaders to guide the sheriff’s office and represent us in Pierre.
All that said, the statewide primary season isn’t entirely done, and what’s left of it could get nasty. GOP governor hopefuls Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden are heading toward a July 28 runoff election, which promises to be a battle as both men court primary voters who initially sided with losing candidates Dusty Johnson and Jon Hansen.
While the July 28 runoff won’t technically decide the governor’s race—Democrat Dan Ahlers will be waiting for the victor in November—political reality says the heavy lifting will be done. Democrats have struggled statewide in recent decades and, frankly, we don’t see that equation changing anytime soon.
Who knows? Maybe we’re just a bit too ornery and crusty and it’s affecting our prognostication skills. We’ll find out on Nov. 3.
Patriotic mural a great addition to the community
Hats off to the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance and the Brookings Public Arts Commission for their efforts to bring about the America’s 250th community mural.
An unveiling ceremony was held for the artwork on Thursday at the VFW. The project is part of nation’s America’s 250th celebration.
The mosaic mural features more than 950 hand-painted tiles designed by Brookings-area residents.
The mosaic’s theme is “Americana.” A main feature of the artwork is a flag with an eagle on it. The theme is very fitting for the VFW building.
Together these individual pieces formed a unique artwork that pays tribute to the community’s creativity, history and spirit.
The special art project was a great way to bring community members together to work toward a common goal.
The mural is more than paint on brick. It is a shared statement about who we are.
Lisa Schoen Carbonneau, Visit Brookings destination development director, said “It’s been a real growth project. It’s definitely the kind of project that reflects the Brookings community.”
The mural — part of the 250th anniversary of the United States — invites us to consider the journey that brought then nation to this moment.
At a time when differences dominate the public conversation, this community art project provides something different — a chance to pause, reflect and find common ground.
For years to come, the mural will serve a reminder of who we are and what we can accomplish together.
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