Eminent Homemaker
County: Brookings
Barbara Telkamp has always been known for her community involvement. Telkamp has been involved with Extension Homemakers Club, University Week for Women, 4-H Club leader and member of the South Dakota Extension Advisory Board. Not only does Telkamp support many clubs, she has also served on the governing boards of ADVANCE, Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter, East Central Mental Health Center, Inter-Lakes Community Action (ICAP) and 12 years as a Brookings County Commissioner.
Barb graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls and received an associate degree in Secretarial Science from South Dakota State University. Telkamp served several years as Medary Township Assessor and also worked part-time in the Brookings County Director of Equalization Office. She currently serves as a board member on the Swiftel Center Advisory Committee.
In 1996, Barbara received SD Volunteer of the Year for work setting up the juvenile holdover site in Brookings and work in the regional effort to consolidate shelter care and detention for juveniles. Telkamp is also recognized as the first woman chairman of the Brookings Planning Board.