As The Brookings Register continues moving into the future, under new ownership and with a new publisher at the helm, consider the words of classic American folk singer, and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Bob Dylan: “… the times they are a changing.” And the feedback we’re getting is that our readers like the changing the Register is undertaking. Let’s begin with the basics.
We’re in a new location: 756 22nd Ave. S., Brookings SD 57006. If you want to drop in for a visit, the crew will be happy to see you. Our offices are in Eastside Commons, just to the north of Hy-Vee, the Brookings Municipal Liquor Store, and Danger Von Dempsey’s Pizza & Brewhaus. For other particulars, check out “Contact Us” on page A2.
While we’ve experienced a few gremlins and glitches tied to the new move, they’re being worked out and we won’t stop until they’re gone. Meanwhile our mission and reason for being is news: first and foremost is a focus on all things local. The Register won’t ignore news on the state, national and occasionally on the internation scene; but even then it will be news that will interest and impact Register readers. The same approach applies to sports.
While we’re here for you, readers, we’d like you to be here for us. Let us hear from you: page A4 is the Register’s Opinion page. We have regular columnists and contributors. But words from regular subscribers are welcome. A letter to the editor should be about 300 words, give or take a few –– longer or shorter. If you need more words to address an issue in depth, consider a Speakout, which can be about 600 words, give or take a few. Check out the Opinion pages in the June 2 and June 9 issues.
As a writer to the Register, you’re pretty much got carte blanche to voice your opinion. However, a couple of alhaigian caveats here: no anonymous letters; you must identify yourself and say where you can be reached; and no personally disparaging remarks about anyone.
Small-town celebrations are special
Volga is kicking off the small-town celebration schedule this weekend with its annual Old Timers Day celebration.
Arlington Days, White’s Pioneer Days, the Elkton Harvest Days, Bruce Honey Days and Aurora’s Gala Days will follow as the summer progresses.
These celebrations provide something that is important in today’s digitalized society — a chance for community members to connect with friends and neighbors. In a day of viral videos and social media groups these connections are more important than ever
These festivals serve as annual homecomings for many and provide a time for family members to reconnect with their roots and high school alums to cross paths with old classmates and recount old times.
These celebrations help build a sense of community that is very important to maintain.
Hats off to the organizers — many of them volunteers — who put hours of work into the planning and organization for these events.
We should not take these annual traditions for granted, assuming they always be there.
These events provide more than a chance to eat fried food, watch tractors roll by and catch candy at a parade. They are celebrations that help anchor people — young and old — to the community.
These festivals help preserve rural communities.
And it’s always good to have a little fun these days,
Leave a Reply