TALK of the TOWN
BVSD bus pass
deadline nears
The deadline to purchase bus passes to assure first day of school ridership is Friday, July 26. Bus passes are purchased on an “yearly” basis. The cost per student is $175 for the school year, with a family maximum of $400.
For out-of-district open-enrolled students, the annual cost is $325 per student. There is no family maximum for out-of-district riders.
Two more transportation open houses are scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 26 at the transportation facility, 812 E. Redwood Blvd. Tickets may also be purchased online at the BVSD Webmall.
Bus passes purchased after the July 26 deadline will not be eligible for transportation earlier than Monday, Sept. 30.
To learn more, contact the BV Transportation Department at (605) 582-3514.
MCAP Clean-Up
Days planned
Have a yearn to clean – and volunteer? Then the Mighty Corson Art Players has the opportunity to do both on July 27 and 28. During the two-day clean-up, volunteers will organize costumes, props, lumber, etc., clean and paint the Corson Theatre, clean and repair the tech booth, etc.
To volunteer, register at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848A5AA2FABFBC70-50311937-mcap#/
Current needs at the Brandon Food Pantry
Current needs at the Brandon Food Pantry are bottled juice, microwave popcorn, envelopes of muffin mixes, small boxes of PopTarts, Manwich, Hamburger Helper, small cans of beef stew, box mix of Jello and pudding, granola bars, Kleenex.
To make appointments for pickups or donations, call 582-7001. The BAFP is open from 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Brandon Park
Advisory Committee meets tonight
The Brandon Park Advisory Committee will meet at 5:15 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, July 17 in the City Council Chambers. These meetings are open to the public. To view the agenda prior to the meeting, visit the city website at cityofbrandon.org and click on the Park Advisory Committee link.
Brandon P&Z meets Thursday
Brandon’s Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 6;30 p.m. Thursday, July 18 in the City Council Chambers. These meetings are open to the public. For the meeting agenda, visit the city website at cityofbrandon.org and click on the Planning and Zoning Commission link.
Brandon Farmers Market open every Saturday
The Brandon Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at 925 N. Splitrock Blvd.
To learn more, visit brandonsdfarmersmarket.com, email brandonsdfarmersmarket@gmail.com or call (605) 940-7516.
Register for city’s new mass notification system
Register for mass notifications on general alerts from the city, including snow, lawn watering, etc.), pool, elections, summer rec, Core and Rushmore projects. Residents may specify which notifications they want to receive.
The system code may take a few minutes to be sent to individual’s inbox, so city advises to wait for the code before asking it to resend.
This notification system replaces the city’s previous texting program.
To register, visit https://cityofbrandon.org/notifications
City text notification system in Valley Springs
To stay abreast of city-related notifications in Valley Springs, text “alerts” to (605) 250-3221.
Residents in Valley Springs can stay abreast of emergencies, water shut downs, snow removal, etc. by texting “alerts” to (605) 250-3221.
Current lawn watering restrictions
Timely rainfall as city of Brandon water customers in stage 1 (green) of lawn watering restrictions. The even/odd schedules allow users with even-numbered addresses to water on even-number calendar dates; users with odd-numbered address are allowed to water on odd-numbered calendar dates.
Water restriction stages and other updates are posted on the city website and Facebook pages.
Free senior fitness classes
Circuit Fitness, 1124 E. Holly Blvd., Brandon, will offers free senior fitness 55-plus try-it classes from 7:30-8:15 a.m. the first week of August. The low-impact classes are all about gaining strength, balance and agility. Mondays and Wednesdays are dedicated to strength, conditioning, agility; Tuesdays and Thursdays are yoga classes; and Fridays alternates between fitness and yoga.
To learn more, email info@circuitSD.com.
Brandon Senior Citizens
The Brandon Senior Citizens meet at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday at the VFW for Bingo, cards socializing and coffee. All seniors are welcome.
Al-Anon meetings in Brandon
Al-Anon meets from 7:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Brandon Lutheran Church, 600 E. Holly Blvd.
Monthly meetings at the Brandon VFW
Four military service-related organizations – Three Rivers VFW Post 4726, the VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion Post 318 and its Auxiliary Unit – all meet at the Brandon VFW, 321 S. Main St.
Brandon American Legion meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. The VFW Auxiliary meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. The VFW Post meetings start at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month, and the Legion Auxiliary meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
City government and school board meetings
The Brandon City Council conducts two meetings each month in the Commission Chambers at City Hall on Main Avenue, beginning at 6 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month. They also meet at 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to the Monday meeting for their briefing meeting.
The Valley Springs City Commission meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Valley Springs Legion Hall.
The Brandon Valley Board of Education meets the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the BV High School Community Room. The Board only meets once in July and December.
As required, time for public comment is made available at each of these meetings.
Valley Springs branch/leaf site open Tuesdays, Saturdays
Beginning the last half of April (weather permitting), Valley Springs residents may bring leaves, grass clippings and branches to the city brush site from 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. The site is monitored and is available to city residents only. Proof of address is required.
Users are asked to place leaves and grass in the designated area (no bags) and tree limbs and branches should be place on the brush pile. No trash or concrete is allowed by dumped at the site.
Valley Springs Library offers craft, activity bags
The Valley Springs Library has craft and activity bags available twice a month to pick up and bring home.
The public computer is available for use during open hours of City Hall and the Library. Library Hours are 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Volunteer drivers sought to deliver meals in Brandon
Active Generations and the Meals on Wheels program is seeking volunteer drivers to deliver meals in Brandon Monday through Friday. The approximate delivery time is noo-1:15 p.m. Schedules may be flexible (i.e. weekly, bi-weekly, one time per month or substitute driver).
To learn more, call (605) 333-3305 or email slocke@activegen.org.
Brandon Transit available to all
Brandon Transit is a public transportation service that is available to all. Services are provided from approximately 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Brandon Transit provides rides to medical and dental appointments, therapy, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, nutrition sites, governmental offices, day care, preschool, employment, shopping areas, and grocery stores. The fee is $2 per ride or $4 round trip.
To schedule a ride, contact Brandon Transit at least one day in advance at 582-3553 between 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
TOPS open to all
The Brandon chapter of TOPS, “Take Off Pounds Sensibly,” meets at 9 a.m. Mondays at Brandon Lutheran Church, 600 E. Holly Blvd. Participants should park in the east parking lot and use the main entrance, far right door. Once inside, turn right and follow the positive and uplifting conversation.
TOPS is for both men and women, and the group’s purpose is to encourage, motivate and support one another.
Brandon Farmers Market
The Brandon Farmers Market is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday through October in the Lippert parking lot at 915 N. Splitrock Blvd. To learn more, check out the Brandon Farmers Market Facebook page for vendors and other weekly events.
DON’T USE
Clear snow from fire hydrants
The Brandon and Valley Springs volunteer fire departments remind residents to help clear snow from fire hydrants near their home. Remove any snow and ice within a three-foot perimeter of the hydrant and clear a path from the hydrant to the street.
AWANA Club meets Wednesdays
AWANA meets each Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Brandon Valley Baptist Church, 400 N. Splitrock Blvd. AWANA is a weekly, non-denominational Christian club for children from 3-years-old through eighth grade. It is free to join and scholarships are available to cover the cost of books and uniforms. A free meal is served at 6 p.m., followed by AWANA at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets on sale for 3rd annual Honoring Our Heroes Ball
POSTPONED UNTIL MARCH 9
The third annual Honoring Our Heroes Ball, which is a night of dinner and dancing for veterans, auxiliary members and a guest, is planned for Saturday, Oct. 21 at the VFW Post 4726 in Brandon. Doors open at 5 p.m. for social time and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased at the Brandon VFW, 321 S. Main St., via Venmo @Brandon-VFW or visit www.facebook.com/fvwauxiliary4726. The event is limited to 75 people.
To learn more, call (605) 759-1993 or
Valley Springs Pet Clinic is JULY
The annual Pet Clinic in Valley Springs is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, JULY XX at the City Maintenance building. Rabies and other shots will be available, in addition to city pet licenses. Rock Veterinary Clinic will administer the shots. City ordinance requires that every dog, cat and other animal be immunized against rabies and be annually registered for a city pet tag.
BLC summer lunch distribution
Free summer lunches for kids 18 and under are distributed every Tuesday and Wednesday. Lunches will be distributed Tuesdays from 7-7:30 p.m. at Brandon Lutheran Church, 600 E. Holly Blvd., and again on Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m.-noon at Brandon Lutheran Church as well as a second location at Locust and Parkview Boulevard (1825 Parkview Blvd.).
To learn more, call Brandon Lutheran Church at (605) 582-3401 or visit the church Facebook page.
Nominations sought for BV Hall of Fame
Nominations for 2023 induction into the Brandon Valley Athletic Hall of Fame are being accepted through Dec. 19. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the BVHS website under the Booster Club tab, email Bob Logan at lynxlogan@hotmail.com or call (605) 261-1308 or Bill Freking at bill.freking@k12.sd.us.
The 2023 Hall of Fame Banquet is set for Saturday, March 25 at Holiday Inn Express in Brandon.
Clear snow from fire hydrants
The Brandon and Valley Springs volunteer fire departments remind residents to help clear snow from fire hydrants near their home. Remove any snow and ice within a three-foot perimeter of the hydrant and clear a path from the hydrant to the street.
Ladies, Geriatriac hockey leagues are Wednesday nights
Brandon Valley Hockey Association has a Ladies League from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at the McHardy Park outdoor rink, followed by the Geriatric Hockey League from 8-10 p.m. at the McHardy Park outdoor rink. The leagues are open to all levels of skaters/players.
Pucks & Ponytails returns
Brandon Valley Hockey Association has brought back Pucks & Ponytails, which is geared for female skaters. The program is from 10-11 a.m. Saturdays on the BVHA’s outdoor rink at Aspen Park. To learn more, visit brandonvalleyhockey.com.
Open skate at the rink is also scheduled from 8-9 p.m. Fridays.
Valley Springs snow removal policy
In the event of two or more inches of snow, no parking is allowed on a public street for snow removal purposes. Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense. Snow and ice must be removed within 24 hours from the fall of snow or formation of ice on sidewalks. If snow or ice is frozen to sidewalks and can’t be removed, suitable material must be sprinkled on the sidewalk to prevent it from being slippery.
Valley Springs branch/leaf site open Tuesdays, Saturdays
Valley Springs residents can bring leaves, grass clippings and branches to the city brush site from 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. The site is monitored and is available to city residents only. Proof of address is required.
Users are asked to place leaves and grass in the designated area (no bags) and tree limbs and branches should be place on the brush pile. No trash or concrete is allowed by dumped at the site.
BLC summer lunch distribution
Free summer lunches for kids 18 and under are distributed every Wednesday through Aug. 11 from 11:15 a.m.-noon at Brandon Lutheran Church, 600 E. Holly Blvd.
To learn more, call Brandon Lutheran Church at (605) 582-3401 or visit the church Facebook page.
Last chance to apply for BCF grant
The application period for a Brandon Community Foundation grant closes Friday, Sept. 1. Grant dollars are available to non-profit organizations and not for profit businesses in Brandon.
For the grant application, visit brandoncf.org/grants/apply-for-grants.
Grants will be awarded at the BCF’s annual fundraiser, Oak & Vine, on Friday, Oct. 27 at the Brandon Holiday Inn Express.
Current lawn watering restrictions
The city of Brandon is in stage 2 (yellow) of lawn watering restrictions. Watering is now only allowed once per week. Consumers can water having an address that ends: 0 or 1 on Monday; 2 or 3 on Tuesday; 4 or 5 on Wednesday; 6 or 7 on Thursday; 8 or 9 on Friday
Once water usage drops back to under 1.6 gallons per day for five straight days, the designation drops back down to Stage 1.
Water restriction stages and other updates are posted on the city website and Facebook pages.
Secure document shredding event returns
Celebration United Methodist will host a secure document shredding event from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, May 15 at the church, 500 N. Pasque Flower Trail, Brandon. Staples, paper clips and file folders do not need to be removed from the documents, such as tax returns, bank statements and personal paperwork.
There is a suggested donation of $5 to $10 per box.
To learn more, call the church office at 582-7995.
VFW Auxiliary bake sale is Sept. 10
Brandon’s VFW Auxiliary is staging their first bake sale of the season from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 at the Post Home. All proceeds from their September and October bake sales will be directed to the Honor Flight program.
Brandon P&Z Commission meets Thursday
Brandon Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 3 in the city council chambers. The agenda and packet may be viewed by visiting cityofbrandon.org.
Chamber Brew Crew is March 12
Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce invites members to Brew Crew from 8-9 a.m. Friday, March 12 at Kingbird Coffee.
Valley Springs Legion meetings
Valley Springs American Legion meetings will be held Monday, April 19 at the Post Home. The Sons of the Legion meets at 6 p.m., followed by both the Legion and Auxiliary meetings at 7 p.m.
VS Legion Soup Supper
A soup supper fundraiser will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17 at the Charles R. Doman American Legion Post 131 in Valley Springs. The menu includes chili, bean and broccoli cheese soups, hot dogs, cornbread, chips, drinks and condiments. Proceeds will go toward building insurance costs and paying down the heating and cooling system updates.
Dueling Duo returns for BVFD fundraiser
The spring fundraiser for the Brandon Volunteer Fire Department––Dueling Duo––returns this year after taking a hiatus last year due to COVID-10. The 2021 event is set for Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17 at the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8.
For tickets, email bvfdtickets@outlook.com, call/text Joe at (712) 541-0644 or visit bvfdtickets.com.
April 2 is final karaoke contest qualifying night at Double D
Double D Saloon in Brandon will wrap up its qualifying rounds for its karaoke contest on Friday, April 2. Registration begins at 8 p.m. and the competition starts at 8:30 p.m. There is a $5 registration fee and each contestant will perform two songs. The top three singers of the night will advance to the April 16 grand finale for a chance to win $1,000, $500 or $250. Must be 21 years of age to participate.
BV school music concerts
Brandon Valley orchestra students in grades 4-5 will showcase their talents in concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11 in the Performing Arts Center at BV High School.
Easter carnival at the Big Red Barn
An Easter carnival at the Big Red Barn, 48148 258th St., rural Brandon, is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 3. The event will feature an ongoing Easter egg hunt, carnival games, live animals, healthy snacks and an opportunity for youngsters to have pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. All ages are welcome, but the event is geared to kids 0-10. There is a $5 per person cost to help defray expenses. This is an all-prize, no candy event.
Flushing water mains in VS this week
The city of Valley Springs will conduct their annual water main flushing the week of April 26. Homeowners are advised to exercise care in their laundry operations and to check the water for clarity before use.
To learn more, call City Hall at 757-6555.
Friday is deadline to file for BV School Board
The filing period for two openings on the Brandon Valley Board of Education closes at 5 p.m. Friday, May 7.
The terms of longtime board member Gregg Ode and Nick Scott, who was appointed last summer to fill the chair vacated by Dan Klumper, are expiring. Both positions are three-year terms.
If more than two candidates file, an election will be held on Tuesday, June 15.
To learn more, call the BVSD Central Office at 582-2049.
May 12 blood drive at BLC
Brandon Lutheran Church will serve as the host location for a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 12. To register to donate, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time
COVID antibody testing will be done also.
K of C Chislic Feed is May 14
The Splitrock Council 13400 of the Knights of Columbus will host a Chislic Feed from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 14 at the Red Barn, 48148 258th St., Brandon. A variety of chislic will be served, along with chips, side dishes, desserts, lemonade and water. Hotdogs will be available for the kids.
A free will offering will be taken with proceeds to go to religious vocations.
VS Legion BBQ fundraiser is Saturday
Valley Springs American Legion will be serving up its BBQ fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 15. Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, barbeques, calico beans, chips, coleslaw, and drinks are on the menu. This is a Thrivent-sponsored event. All profits will be used to reduce the heating and cooling system debt. Curbside delivery is available by request.
Brandon Boss Gobblers plan Women in the Outdoors event
A Women in the Outdoors event will be offered by the Brandon Boss Gobblers on Tuesday, May 23 at the Garretson Sportsman’s club, 48605 255th St.
A variety of sessions will be offered, including archery, intermediate gun handling and safety, handguns, rifles, shotguns, kayaking, fishing, and crossbow shooting. Women will participate in four sessions, which are each 30 minutes in length.
Participants may bring their own firearm and must supply their own ammo or may use the BBG’s .22, 9mm, 12 gauge.
To register or learn more, call Eric Olson at (605) 360-5707 or email hunter3008@midconetwor.com, Robert Nelson at (605) 261-9120 or Matt Swenson at (605) 351-5295.
Homesteader Day is Sept. 12 at Beaver Creek Nature Area
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the pioneer life from over 100 years ago from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12 at Beaver Creek Nature Area.
The historical Samuelson cabin will be open for visitors to see and experience. There will also be pioneer agriculture demonstrations, a black smith, civil war soldiers, Dutch oven cooking, rope making, candle dipping, music and more. The event is free for all ages.
Nominations sought for BV Hall of Fame
Nominations for 2022 induction into the Brandon Valley Athletic Hall of Fame are being accepted through Dec. 20. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the BVHS website under the Booster Club tab, email Bob Logan at lynxlogan@hotmail.com or call (605) 261-1308 or Bill Freking at bill.freking@k12.sd.us.
The 2022 Hall of Fame Banquet is set for Saturday, March 26 at Holiday Inn Express in Brandon.
BVBA Bingo Night
The Brandon Valley Baseball Association will host the first of three bingo nights, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 at Tailgator’s. Eleven games of bingo will be played, with the final game of blackout for $1,000. Bingo nights are also being planned for January and February.
Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday
It’s time to fall back! That’s right, we’ll gain an extra hour of sleep as we turn the clocks back one hour Saturday evening.
This is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.
Circuit collects warm clothing for St. Francis House
For the fourth year, Circuit in Brandon is collecting warm clothes for the St. Francis House in Sioux Falls.
Donations of new or clean, gently-used clothing (gloves, hats, boots, jackets, sweaters, etc.) may be dropped off at Circuit, 1124 E. Holly Blvd., through Dec. 18. Drop off hours are Monday-Friday 5-6:30 a.m. and 3:30-7 p.m. and Saturdays 8-8:45 a.m.
To learn more, visit www.circuitSD.com or info@circuitSD.com.
‘Frost & Flannel Night’ on ice this Friday
Brandon Valley Hockey Association invites the public to the ice at McHardy Park from 8-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14. Admission is $5 and skate rental is $2 per person. Hot cocoa and s’mores will also be available.
Jan. 16 is next Military History event
Valley Springs American Legion will host Military History presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16. Former Brandon native, Nathan Abraham, will be speaking on his training and experiences as an infantryman with the 3rd Infantry Division during a tour to Afghanistan in 2011-12.
The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will also be served.
BVSD Early Childhood Screening is Jan. 27
Brandon Valley School District will conduct its annual Early Childhood Developmental Screening from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 at Brandon Elementary School.
Screenings are free for all children from birth to age 4 who live in the BVSD. South Dakota School for the Deaf will also be providing free hearing screenings at this time.
Kindergarten screening for any child who is eligible to attend this fall will be held Feb. 28-March 11. Parents/guardians should contact the office of the school their child will attend.
To register for early childhood screening, visit brandonvalleyk12.sd.us/spec_serv or call (605) 582-3446.
First Brandon Historical Society presentation is Sunday
The Brandon Historical Society will host its first bi-annual presentation on local historical topics at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 22 in the community room at Brandon Valley High School. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
Bingo at the VFW this Saturday
Family Bingo Night returns to the Brandon VFW at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Cards are just 25 cents each and proceeds from the night will go to the Veterans Community Tiny Home project in Sioux Falls.
Homestead Day set for Sept. 10
Venture out to Beaver Creek Nature Area, Beaver Creek Nature Area, 48351 264th St., Valley Springs, from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1-4 for the 45th Annual Homestead Day Celebration. the event is free for all ages.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the pioneer life from over 100 years ago. The historical Samuelson cabin will be open for visitors to see and experience. There will also be pioneer agriculture demonstrations, blacksmithing, civil war soldiers, Dutch oven cooking, rope making, candle dipping, music and so much more.
Journal office closed Friday
The Brandon Valley Journal office will be closed Friday, Nov. 24 to allow staff to enjoy an extended Thanksgiving holiday. There is an early deadline for news items and advertising for the Nov. 28 Brandon Valley Trader and Nov. 29 Brandon Valley Journal. Please have submissions to us by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22.
For questions, call (605) 582-9999 or email editor@bvjournal.info.
Brandon’s Parade of Lights is Saturday
VFW Three Rivers Post 4726, in cooperation with the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, is once again organizing a Parade of Lights that will step off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 from the Brandon Valley High School parking lot. The parade route will proceed down Holly Boulevard to Main Avenue, and will disperse at the VFW. Families, organizations and local businesses are encouraged to take part in the parade. There is no cost or pre-registration required.
