Brandon Valley Journal

Submitted photo 

The Aamlid family – Sadie, Ellie and Bo (front, from left), Nik, Stacie, Ansley and Ben – and Chelsea and Cole DeBoer of HGTV’s “Down Home Fab” are pictured in the living room of the Aamlid’s home following the completion of their home remodel, which took place last September through mid-December. Nik and Stacie said the experience was a positive one, and they’re very happy with the end product.

Submitted photo 

Tiffany Hansen and her mother, Penny Paclik, want others to know the benefits of infrared saunas. Together, they launched 3 Degrees, and have since franchised the personal well-being business.

Big Sioux Baddies, the Brandon-based women’s hockey team, took the Brandon Valley Journal to their first ever novice women’s tournament in Des Moines last weekend. The team is comprised of women of all ages and abilities. They practice 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the BVHA indoor ice rink in Aspen Park. Representing Big Sioux Buddies are, row one, , from left: Teri Weber, Taylar Burros, LeighAnn Lafollette and Susan Luschas; row two: Misty McBeth, Kara Jennings, Kathy Janda, Coach JP Joubert, Catherine Shultz, Jill Landau and Erica Summerfield.

Submitted photo 

Tylan Porath

Chase Randall celebrates his last lap pass for the lead in Victory Lane at Huset’s on Sunday, June 15.

Photos courtesy of Jeff Blysma 

Fans (above) filled the grandstands for the Huset’s High Bank Nationals on Saturday, June 24, 2023. World of Outlaws sprint car driver David Gravel celebrates his 2023 Huset’s High Bank Nationals win.

Louie

Tom A. Savage/BV Journal 

Brandon Valley’s Ryder Mueller takes a swing against Brookings at First National Bank Field on Tuesday, June 3.

Submitted photo 

Amy Frantzen, who taught special education at Brandon Valley High School for 26 years, is surrounded by present and past students during an end-of-the-school-year celebration. Frantzen was recognized by Elsie Zijeck, who is the director of South Dakota’s Best Buddies program and a BVHS alum, with a plaque. Frantzen was also awarded an honorary degree from Brandon Valley.

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

Brandon native Colby Meyer was one of the evangelists that staged a free, two-night Festival of Life at McHardy Park in Brandon last week. The 2023 Brandon Valley High School graduate is presently studying in Oklahoma to become a pastor. Both nights featured live Christian music, a powerful message delivered by Meyer, and giveaways. Festival of Life was held to bring a wave of hope, power and purpose to the heart of Brandon. “No matter your past. No matter your doubts. No matter where you are right now. God is moving, and this your moment to encounter him.” See next week’s Brandon Valley Journal for a story on Colby Meyer’s journey to divinity.