Celebrating service to the City of Brookings

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BROOKINGS – Deputy Mayor Patty Bacon presented retiring Mayor Keith Corbett with a flag, the gavel that he has used, and a plaque in recognition of his service last Tuesday, as his wife, Roxie, and fellow council members applaud. The Brookings City Council meeting on April 27 was Corbett’s last as mayor.

“Keith Corbett began his professional life in service to his country, and then he returned to the state of South Dakota and spent at least a few decades in service to his state,” Bacon said. “In particular the last 11 years, he’s committed himself to service to the city of Brookings.”

“We’d like to recognize him for all of the roles that he has played during his time as mayor,” Bacon said.

Corbett was a city council member from May 2010 until May 2017, served on the Brookings Health System Board of Trustees from June 2013 to June 2018, the Joint Powers Board from May 2015 to May 2016, Brookings Municipal Utilities Board from July 2010 to June 2012, the Brookings Economic Development Corporation Leaders Round Table, the Communities of Excellence, “and has served as our mayor from May 2017 until May of 2021,” Bacon said.

She mentioned a number of notable projects had been initiated under Corbett’s tenure on council: the recruitment of Bel Brands, the design and building of the City & County Government Center, the passage and plan for the Interstate 29 interchange, the Dakota Nature Park, SDSU Performing Arts Center, the Larson Center, the 22nd Avenue project, the Brookings Regional Airport runway reconstruction, “and (he) helped provide leadership during navigation of COVID-19,” Bacon said.

Corbett said a lot had happened in the past several years and “I’m thankful for it. I can’t tell you how honored I am to be on the city council.”

“We’ve had some tough days, but you know what? People in Brookings are right there behind you. That’s what makes it so great,” Corbett said.

He and Roxie are going to celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary this summer. 

“Couldn’t do it without her,” Corbett said.

He also tipped his hat to “all these great people” including “two outstanding city managers I’ve been fortunate to work with” and numerous city council members over the years.

“Thank you to the people of Brookings and keep supporting your council and all our great employees. Thank you,” Corbett said.

Corbett has a long history at South Dakota State University, as student, ROTC cadet, educator, professor of military science, assistant college dean and then college dean. He served the country with a 35-year military career that culminated in promotion to brigadier general and assignment as the assistant adjutant general, South Dakota Army National Guard.