Brandon Valley Journal

Showplace Cabinetry is sharing the wealth with one of Brandon’s newest businesses, Buddies & Company. Last week, Buddies & Co.’s Kristi Christensen, Krista Halseth, Steeven Christensen and Anna Halseth, accepted $5,000 from Wade Christensen of Showplace Cabinetry.

Submitted photo

The daylong Holidazzle cheer and dance competition on Saturday brought hundreds of youth cheer teams and dance programs to Brandon. Among the mmany students representing Dynamic Dance in the solo competitions are: (Top, left) Jayla Thompson; (Top, right)  Hayden Poppe; (Bottom, left) Ever Spencer. (Bottom, right) Riley Tripp and Harper Dixon. For more photos from Holidazzale, visit the photo gallery at brandonvalleyjournal.com.

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

Submitted photo 

In her first varsity event, Brandon Valley seventh-grader Gracie Peters had a strong showing at the Okoboji-HMS Girls Invitational on Saturday.

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

Coty McGuire encourages the Lady Lynx during play at the Class AA State Tourament

Dave Baumeister/For the BV Journal 

At the end of the year, Minnehaha County Commissioner Jean Bender, who did not run for re-election, will be stepping down from the position she has held for the past 10 years.

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

The Lady Lynx have nearly tripled the number of wrestlers on their roster this season. Representing Brandon Valley on the mat in 2024-25 are, from left, row one: Evelyn Van Den Oever, Brynn Engelking, Allison Munger, Gracie Peters, Leah Nelson, Shaylee Arredondo’ row two: Grace Carson, Kaylee Solum, Ashton Grimmius, Brenna Reker, Avery Bowers, Lilly Hamner, Kailee Schneider, Vianney Texta-Lopez, Sally Beal

Jen Schunke/For the BV Journal 

Representing the Lynx on the mat this season are, from left, row one: Micah Rothenbuehler, Logan Swain, Isaac Weerheim, Roman Anderson, Aaron Tucker, Brendon Oehme, Beckett Rehorst, Braylon Bach, Harvey Scheuer, Beckett Light and Gunnar Deffenbaugh; row two: Brandon Steinhoff, Judah Larson, Ethan Tucker, Jack Nelson, Patrick Cahill, Hayden Josephson, Garett Van Dusen, Hayden McGuire, Shawn Schleicher, Ben Spahr, Landon Lindner, Harmon Kramer, Colton Fisher and Gage Kopecky; row three: Tate Visser, Arshdeep Chumber, Carson Ross, Braden Shoemaker, Tone Ledbetter, Ethan Schleicher, Levi Veskrna, Cooper Veld, Chris Joseph, Roman Elofson, Xavier McGuire, Cody Lindekugel and Mason Carda.

Submitted photo 

Playing for the Lynx varsity boys this season are, from left, row one: Brayden Miller, Austin Dowd, Grant Hennen, Mason Ennis, Mach Mayen, Aiden Zerr and Gus Scott; row two: Assistant coaches Jeff Ganschow, Darieon Smith, head coach Craig Nelson, Briggs Knutson, Lual Kiir, Landon Dulaney, Brayden Knutson, managers Lilly Punt, Madison Veld and Jack Rice, and assistant coaches Tim Sylliaasen and Matt Bigelow.

Ayla Nelson was one of many youngsters who climbed on Santa’s lap at Oakridge Nursery & Landscaping during Saturday’s Shop Small event.  Playing the role of Santa Claus is Larry Beesley. His wife, Ann, as Mrs. Claus, also greeted kids and families who came to Oakridge throughout the day. Now that the holiday season is officially in full swing, it’s time to set on the hunt to “Find Brandon’s Christmas Spirit.” Look for the first clue on page 6 of  this issue of the Brandon Valley Journal. Subsequent clues will be shared weekly in the Journal until it is found.  

Jill Meier/BV Journal