Christopher L. Jones, the man responsible for three violent sexual assaults, was sentenced on Nov. 9 to 80 concurrent years in state penitentiary for three second-degree rapes and one kidnapping that occurred in Brookings last spring.

The 202 days Jones served in the Brookings County Jail will count toward his sentence. He will be eligible for parole in approximately 51 years.

“He is a narcissistic, violent animal who has no remorse for what he has done,” said Clyde Calhoon, Brookings County states attorney, at the sentencing. “A violent animal like that needs to be put in a cage; the defendant needs to be put in a cage.”

Jones’ attorney Rick Ribstein said he disagreed with Calhoon’s statement, and that Jones was not the “animal” Calhoon portrayed him to be.

“[Jones] is remorseful and feels bad about what he has done … he asks these young women for their forgiveness,” Ribstein said.

Jones later stood and apologized to the courtroom.

“In the past several months, I have had a lot of time to sit and think about my decisions… I would like to apologize for showing a lack of respect to [the victims], and invading their personal space both physically and emotionally,” Jones said in his apology. “… I have younger sisters, and I am ashamed and embarrassed of what I did.”

In Jones’ final statement he said he “sincerely apologized,” and he knew “words don’t heal all wounds” but he hopes that one day they could forgive him.

The first victim will receive $872.41 in restitution, the second will receive $829.19, and the third will receive $1,043.60. He will also pay $104 in court fees for each count.

According to Ribstein, Jones wrote letters of apology to each of the three women he attacked.

Ribstein also made other arguments in the defense’s favor.

“[Jones] did cooperate from the beginning, and I think the court should take that into consideration,” Ribstein said. “He is a bright, young individual and has caused no problems since his arrest and has had no prior convictions.”

Jones was ordered to undergo a psychosexual evaluation and was not found to have any redeeming qualities or characteristics, according to Calhoon.

The evaluation found Jones to be in the 95th percentile of being at the risk of re-offending and in the 81st percentile in regards to having violent characteristics. He is also a borderline schizophrenic and a psychopath, Calhoon said.

“Put that together with a man that is the 95th percentile of committing a crime again and you have an individual that is very, very dangerous,” Calhoon said in court. “In my 36 years as a prosecutor … I can’t remember any investigation that left me as cold as this one did. I don’t believe the defendant has any compassion or remorse whatsoever … .”

The crimes Jones committed were spread out over three weeks last spring. The first two occurred on campus near Hilton M. Briggs Library and in the residence hall parking lot near Young and Caldwell residence halls on March 29 and April 7, respectively. The third and final incident, which involved the kidnapping, happened off campus early morning April 20. Jones was arrested later that same day. During all three assaults, Jones was armed with a knife and demanded money from the women.

“What he did to these three young ladies will affect them for the rest of their lives,” Calhoon said as he asked the court to take that into consideration when sentencing.

“This man put the community of Brookings in fear and continued to do so until he was apprehended,” Calhoon said. “The continuum of crimes became more and more violent on the ladies assaulted, and this defendant did not stop. We stopped it.”

Jones pleaded guilty to the rapes and kidnapping on Sept. 30. In exchange for Jones’ four guilty pleas, the two counts of first-degree robbery and one count of attempted robbery, as well as the additional rape charges that were originally brought against him were dismissed.

Jones has no connection to the university and had recently moved from Omaha, Neb., to Brookings at the time of his arrest, living with his girlfriend.

Brookings made history in 2010 with the wettest year on record.

“Total [rainfall] for the year is 36.80 inches,” said Dennis Todey, assistant professor at SDSU and state climatologist for South Dakota. “That is the highest annual total for Brookings ever recorded. The previous total was 33.12 inches in 2005.”

Todey said Brookings is in a trend of wetter conditions that have been building since the 1930s.

Climatologists use different equipment to measure rainfall that varies between downfalls.

“The official measurement (of rain) uses a large metal canister about eight inches in diameter and several feet tall,” said Todey. “This captures the rain inside a smaller inner tube and larger outer tube. The different size increases the depth of the water to make measuring hundredths of inches easier.”

While this type of measurement requires human involvement, Todey said it is still quite accurate.

It can be difficult to understand what exactly caused this heavy influx of rain the past year, he said.

“This season it has to do somewhat with a large area of high pressure over the southeastern U.S.,” said Todey. “The clockwise circulation around the edge of the high brought ample moisture from the Gulf of Mexico into the Midwest this summer.”

This means the warm air current brought the rain north towards South Dakota.

To help determine when the weather will strike, Todey uses models from a computer that are continually being refined to help make forecasts more precise.

“Radar is used to indicate where rainfall is and when and if it will reach certain areas,” said Todey.

The rainfall during the summer and continuing into the fall season was heavy enough at times to cause flooding.

“We had four substantial events of rainfall; one in June, two in July and one in October,” said Jeff Weldon, city manager of Brookings.

“The more water during a shorter period of time presents a higher probability of flooding. Two inches of rainfall during one half hour is much worse than four inches of rainfall over 12 hours,” Weldon said.

Majority of the flooding in Brookings was in low areas and previous wetlands. Some traffic intersections flooded and created problems for students.

“One of my routes to campus was flooded,” said Jeremy Klinger, a psychology major from Sioux Falls. “I had to take a much longer route to campus and I was very late for a class since a lot of other people were being directed around the flooding too.”

The city’s drainage is designed to handle a five-year storm, which is expected to occur once every five years. The storm’s severity causes it to typically occur less frequently.

“Our problem is that this year’s storms have exceeded those five-year events,” said Weldon. “The City of Brookings has started this year on the first two of eight projects we are constructing to improve storm water management and reduce flooding. The total cost of these projects is about $12 million.”

The plan’s time span for completion is expected to be between seven to 10 years, Weldon said.

However, with the last downpour in early October, the community quickly came together to help with sandbagging as some residents in low lying areas needed to be evacuated from their homes.

“Sandbagging for this last storm was organized by the County Emergency Management department,” said Weldon.

Concern now arises regarding if the coming winter will be as snowy as the summer was rainy.

#1.1669073:375242514.jpg:Wettest-1-Color-Mackenzie-Clayton.jpg:The majority of the flooding in Brookings took place in low areas and previous wet lands. Due to the high summer rain totals, this is the wettest year in history that Brookings has ever seen. Concern now arises for the coming winter.:Collegian Photo by Mackenzie Clayton

A recent addition to Brookings dining, Taste of Europe, opened April 30, introducing the community to a variety of cultural experiences.

The manager of the new restaurant is Susanne Nuemann, originally from Munich, Germany and is a former recipient of the “5-Star-Diamond Award” from the Donald Trump Academy of Hospitality. She works with SDSU students and offers authentic cuisine created by chefs Matthew Reif, Mitch Miller and Adam Wehrkamp.

Sophomore global studies major, Daniel Howard, said he thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience at Taste of Europe.

“It’s probably one of the best meals I’ve had in South Dakota for sure. It’s very authentic and just good,” Howard said. “These people obviously know what they’re doing.”

Chef and senior hospitality management major, Matthew Reif prepares and creates dishes from scratch to satisfy personal cravings.

Taste of Europe offers a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, as well as gluten-free options. Imported beer and fine wine are available as well. The restaurant has a fine-dining atmosphere inspired by creative artwork, though Nueman emphasizes that “[We] welcome everyone … no suit or tie is required.”

Taste of Europe creates an environment to take time and enjoy conversation over several hours, without feeling overwhelmed by expensive prices.

Reif said, “[People] have the perception that it’s expensive, but it’s not.”

Dinner menu prices range from $5 for a bowl of Oma’s Huehnertopf, which is a white chicken vegetable medley noodle soup, to a more expensive option of Filet Mignon, $24. Appetizers, specialty platters, sides, desserts and drinks are also features on the menu.

Not only is it a place to eat, but Taste of Europe incorporates entertainment into the dining experience by hosting live music every Friday and Saturday night; typically Jazz. Nuemann encourages and welcomes all styles of musicians to come entertain. Any level of musical talent is welcome.

Nuemann hopes to incorporate an SDSU open-mic night once a month to all students. A grand piano is furnished in the restaurant and is available to use, though Nuemann encourages musicians to bring personal instruments.

Taste of Europe provides free birthday desserts and reservation rooms for special occasions.

SDSU students receive 10 percent off of all menu items with their student ID.

The restaurant is located at the entrance of Indian Hills Galleria Plaza, south on Main Avenue. It prepares European-style food from Italy, France, Germany and England. The restaurant is open daily except for Mondays, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (605) 691-0866 or email at taste.of.europe@hotmail.com. The restaurant is also on Facebook.

#1.1655422:2187411948.jpg:The new restaurant in town, Taste of Europe, brings the culture of Europe to the Brookings community:The new restaurant in town, Taste of Europe, brings the culture of Europe to the Brookings community with the atmosphere of fine dining and European music, all without having to wear formalwear.:Collegian Photo by Brittany Canales

Don Kasak, former Brookings Food Pantry manager, passed away at the age of 75. Since then, the food pantry is trying to get back to its normal routine.

“Kasak worked at the food pantry for five years,” said Elva Gonzales, assistant manager at the food pantry.

During his five years at the food pantry, Kasak was able to make a difference.

“Don had an impact on so many people in Brookings, and on the whole Brookings County,” said Kathy Heylens, the food pantry’s co-chair for the board of directors.

Despite the loss of Kasak, there is still faith the food pantry will be able to overcome the obstacle.

“Even though the food pantry suffered a huge loss, I think they will still do a tremendous job,” said Curt Osmanski, HyVee Store Director.

He said he thinks the food pantry will carry on in Kasak’s memory.

The food pantry helped 797 families in 2008, 810 families in 2009 and 761 families from January to August this year, said Amy Lacek, the new food pantry manager.

“Amy is a great replacement,” Heylens said. “She brings new, positive things to the food pantry.”

Lacek said she thinks they will surpass 2009′s total by the end of September.

She said that while some people think the food pantry only gives unappealing and outdated food to low-income families, none of this is true.

“Nothing goes through that is outdated8212;unless it somehow slips through,” Lacek said. “We check every item . . . if we are not sure, we set it aside for someone else to double check.”

Lacek said HyVee, Boss’ Pizza and Chicken, Nick’s Hamburger Shop, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar and other businesses donate food to the food pantry.

“It is a shame to throw away a product that can be used by someone,” Osmanski said.

Gonzales and Lacek said families that come in for assistance leave with roughly $300 worth of groceries, but they can only come for assistance four times a year. The amount of groceries given to families is supposed to last them three weeks, Heylens said.

Anyone can volunteer, but Lacek said they encourage people who are physically able to stock shelves and/or are comfortable with people.

Last year, the SDSU Student Association and Aramark teamed up with the food pantry to create “Food Pantry Fridays.” Students with left over money on their meal plans at the end of the school year can donate money or food to the food pantry.

Heylens said it was a great program and she hopes it runs again this year.

Kate Wegehaupt, administrative assistant of the Students’ Association, said she hopes the program continues this year as well.

“We started it with the idea that it would be an annual occurrence,” Wegehaupt said.

To volunteer or make a donation, call 605-692-5007, or visit the food pantry at 217 1/2 Fourth Street.

Heylens said they are more than willing to accept monetary and food donations.

The Brookings Food Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-5 p.m.

#1.1641427:2397257032.jpg:The Brookings Area Food Pantry, located at 217 1/2 Fourth Street.:The Brookings Area Food Pantry, located at 217 1/2 Fourth Street, looks forward to helping families through the tough economic times. The Pantry?s operation relies on volunteer service and monetary donations from the community, including leftover SDSU meal plan dollars donated by students.:Collegian Photo by Corey Morrow
#1.1641428:3376629656.jpg:A staple of the Brookings community, the Food Pantry assisting families since its origination.:A staple of the Brookings community, the Food Pantry has been assisting families in need since its origination. :Collegian Photo by Corey Morrow

If you find yourself traveling down Fifth Street through Brookings’ historic district, chances are you will see something that causes a double take. Outside the recently opened Children’s Museum of South Dakota stands Brookings’ very own “mama T-Rex” and her baby dino. It’s not quite like a Jurassic Park thrill ride, but spectators and drivers who are just passing by will look eye-to-eye with a 25-foot-tall replica tyrannosaurus and her 10-foot tall baby. As spectacular as the inanimate carnivores look, these are just part of the museum’s components.

The Larson Family Foundation is a non-profit organization in Brookings that helped build the groundwork to get the museum started. Maree Larson, the foundation’s executive director, said the children’s museum is a hands-on museum where visitors can learn through interaction.

“The museum is a welcoming, fun and entertaining environment which helps spark learning through imagination, creativity and discovery,” Larson said. “Exhibits, both inside and outside, are broad-based to include subjects in science, engineering, art, literature, culture, geography and history.”

Larson said the regional and community ties can be found in several of the museum’s exhibits.

One example is the museum’s music room. Here children have the chance to play alongside with SDSU’s marching band, the Pride of the Dakotas. The exhibit also features a mural of the band.

Another community tie is the museum’s partnership with the Northern Plains Institute for Informal Learning. The NPIIL is comprised of SDSU researchers who strive to improve their knowledge of informal learning environments and equip people to work in an informal learning field.

Many SDSU students work at the children’s museum.

Liesabeth Stiegelmeier is a sophomore social entrepreneurial studies major and part-time worker at the museum. She has lived in Brookings her whole life and said she is excited to be able to give back to the community she grew up in.

“I am a waitress at the museum and have just signed up to volunteer in the arts and crafts center,” Stiegelmeier said. “I am really stoked to start volunteering because it offers a chance for me to explore the museum more in-depth and play around in the studios.”

Court Clay is a sophomore undeclared major who works as a cook at the museum’s café. Clay said this job will allow her to fulfill her passions of cooking and interacting with people.

“I think the thing that I look forward to the most is the reaction of people when they see the museum,” Clay said. “It’s a great place, and it is amazing to see what they have created and how they turned an old school into a great museum.”

The renovated building was once an elementary school. It will continue to be a place of learning for young minds.

There are many things to do and see at the Children’s Museum. An extensive outdoor section comes complete with a mud kitchen, climbing hills and logs, different native plants and grass, underground tunnels and a dinosaur bone excavation pit.

Inside, the “KidStreet” exhibit features a number of role-playing activities. Kids can do activities from practicing grocery shopping, to reporting the news in front of an actual green screen. Other exhibits found throughout the museum include an art studio, a construction area and an extensive prairie exhibit.

“Imagine a House” is a real-world exhibit that invites children to explore the mechanism of house construction. It features “kid-sized” homes from different countries and other construction activities. Larson said exhibits like this are important for Brookings children.

“A children’s museum stimulates curiosity and creativity by providing children with opportunities for hands-on learning, key to their cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being,” Larson said. “Children’s museums are committed to serving the unique needs and interests of children by providing exhibits and programs that create a spark for discovery and lifelong learning.”

The Children’s Museum celebrated its grand opening last Sunday, Sept. 12 after four years of deliberating and constructing.

#1.1602882:2911126331.jpg:One of the first sights seen upon arriving at the children?s museum is the life-like Tyrannosaurus.:One of the first sights seen upon arriving at the children?s museum is the life-like Tyrannosaurus Rex. The dinosaur is one of many exhibits designed to allow children to participate in hands-on learning.:Collegian photo by Brigitte Norby
#1.1602886:783212172.jpg:The new children?s museum mascot ?Kidoodle? eagerly greets children on opening day.:The new children?s museum mascot ?Kidoodle? eagerly greets children on opening day.:Collegian Photo by Aaron Stoneberger