Brandon Valley Journal

Submitted photos

Brandon Valley High School was represented by a record 21 student-musicians in this year’s All-State Band, including one musician who was selected for his fourth – and final – year, BV 2026 senior, Ryley McKeown (below with BV Director Tyler Nettestad. BV’s 21 All-State Band selections include (in no order) Miray Akalin, clarinet; Arian Bosma-Harms, clarinet; KJ Callies, flute; Luke Carlson, horn; Will Dunlap, trumpet; Madison Eichler, oboe; Andrew Fode, horn; Sam Hofer, percussion; Addi Hotz, flute; Isaac Josephson, trumpet; Joe Kirkeby, trumpet; Lucy LaMont, horn; Ella McCarthy, flute; Ryley McKeown, alto saxophone; Julia Mumm, clarinet; Mackenzie Pederson, horn; Leah Preheim, flute; Sam Reichenberg, percussion; Brynleigh Taschner, clarinet; Kyra Weber, clarinet; Audrey Wiertzema, flute. All-State Band was held in Rapid City March 26-28, and was capped off by the grand finale concert Saturday evening at the Rushmore Theatre at The Monument.

Photos courtesy of sdgop.com 

Four candidates – Toby Doeden (from left), Jon Hansen, Dusty Johnson and Larry Rhoden – for South Dakota Govenor will square off in the Republican June 2 primary. 

Brandon resident Erik Burkman (at left) and the Brandon Valley Journal traveled thousands of miles on a recent work trip to Beijing, China, where he quickly snapped this “Journey with the Journal” photo. 

Editor’s note: The people in the Journey with the Journal photo below traveled overseas in recent months, however, information shared with the Journal about who, when, where and why has unfortunately been misplaced. Please give the Journal a call at (605) 582-9999, and I’ll be happy to reprint the photo with the information. 

If you’re traveling abroad, in the United States or even closer to home, remember to bring your hometown newspaper, the Brandon Valley Journal, along for the ride. Simply snap a photo, email it to editor@bvjournal.info with a few snippets of information, and look for it in print in an upcoming issue of the Journal! (I promise, I’ll keep better track of the information!)

Submitted photos 

Tom A. Savage/BV Journal 

Brandon Valley’s Jack Blomgren (above) delivers a pitch against Vermillion in Brandon on Tuesday, March 31. BV’s Aniston Murray (at right) takes a swing against Sioux Falls Roosevelt on Tuesday, March 31 in Brandon.

Submitted photo

With the Great Seal of South Dakota behind him, GOP candidate Justin McNeal displays the petitions that reflect a growing grassroots movement. McNeal will challenge U.S. Senator Mike Rounds in the June Republican primary election.

James Cimburek/Yankton Press & Dakotan 

Brandon Valley’s Ryder Mueller clears the pole vault bar at the Mount Marty Indoor Meet last week. Mueller’s best vault of the day reached 12-6.

Submitted photo 

A Homestead Brew is no longer under the South Dakota cottage food law, opening up several new opportunities for the Valley Spring brewery.