Talk of the Town
Brandon Area Prayer Breakfast is Friday
The 14th annual Brandon Area Prayer Breakfast is Friday, Aug. 19 at Brandon Valley High School., Hosted by the Brandon Valley Ministerial Association, a light breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m. in the commons and the program begins at 7 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
This year’s featured speaker is Tom Henderson of Restoration Generation. Henderson is the author of Heart Not Hype and a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls and Sioux Falls Seminary. He has been working full-time in ministry for more than 20 years. He utilizes humor, stories and scripture and his own journey to deliver a live-changing message of hope and encouragement for all.
To learn more about his ministry, visit resgen.org.
Tickets for the Prayer Breakfast are $10 each or $75 for event sponsorship. All students 18 and under attend free, thanks to sponsorships. For tickets, contact Paul VanDeBerg (605) 594-8250, Laura Kuehl (606) 360-9446, Nik Aamlid (605) 789-9735, Carla Gross (605) 359-6430, or Jeff Thue (605) 359-1901.
Profits from the event are directed to local faith-based organizations.
Ben Clare ice cream social is Saturday
Ben Clare United Methodist Church, 26762 Ben Clare Ave., Valley Springs, will host its annual ice cream social from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. A free will donation will be taken. There will also be a bouncy house for the kids.
Jacob Shoup in concert Aug. 26
Spirit of Truth Church, 112 E. Annabelle St., will host Jacob Shoup in concert in the church parking lot at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Brandon rummages are Aug 26-27
Online registrations are being taken for the 13th annual Brandon Fall Rummages, which will be held Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27.
Registrations are due by Friday, Aug. 19. To register, visit brandonrummages.com.
Pillow cleaning Aug. 31 at BLC
Brandon Lutheran Church, 600 E. Holly Blvd., will host a pillow cleaning service from 9 a.m,.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Prices range from $16-21, depending on size and thread count. Pillows may be dropped off at the church ahead of that date and picked up later.
August needs at the BAFP
August needs at the Brandon Area Food Pantry are pizza crust mix, canned peaches, canned mixed vegetables. Pop-Tarts (8 count), Jell-O, egg noodles, body wash and tooth paste.
Pantry clients must be vaccinated and wear a mask to shop the Pantry. If not vaccinated, clients will receive items that have been pre-bagged by BAFP volunteers.
To make appointments for either pickups or donations, call 582-7001. The BAFP is open from 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
BAFP executive director Linda Weber asks groups that conduct food drives to contact the Pantry prior to dropping off donations.
Used eye glasses and hearing aids for the Brandon Lions Club may also be dropped off at the BAFP.
Current lawn watering restrictions
The city of Brandon is 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.
City text notification systems available in Brandon, Valley Springs
To stay abreast of city-related notifications, both the cities of Brandon and Valley Springs have text messaging services available to residents.
Brandon residents can sign up by texting “Brandon” to 33222 for notification of water conservation and snow alerts, water main breaks, street closures, etc. For pool notifications, text “Brandonpool” to 33222.
Residents in Valley Springs can stay abreast of emergencies, water shut downs, snow removal, etc. by texting “alerts” to (605) 250-3221.
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.
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 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 8-9 p.m. every Tuesday at Brandon Lutheran Church, 600 E. Holly Blvd.
DON’T USE
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.
Current lawn watering restrictions
The city of Brandon is 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.
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.
BVHA Ladies League is Wednesday nights
Brandon Valley Hockey Association Ladies League invites all women to learn and play ice hockey from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at the McHardy Park outdoor rink. The league is open to all levels of skaters/players.
To learn more, visit bvhaladies@gmail.com.
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.
Military History Night features former Navy diver
Former U.S. Navyman Jake Lackas will share his training and experiences as a certified diver at this month’s Military History Night. Hosted by the Valley Springs American Legion, the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17. Discussion and refreshments follow the program. As always, the event is free and open to the public.
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.
Valley Springs Legion meetings
Valley Springs American Legion meetings will be held Monday, March 15 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.
Brandon P&Z Commission meets Thursday
Brandon Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 in the city council chambers. The agenda and packet may be viewed by visiting cityofbrandon.org.
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.
Singing Bowls and Cinnamon Rolls at Paisley Pod
The Saturday, March 13 event at The Paisley Pod in Brandon is “Singing Bowls and Cinnamon Rolls.” Beginning at 9 a.m., participants will experience the restful tones of the Himalayan singing bowls, which allow bodies, minds and spirits to unwind and relax. Following the meditation, tea and gluten-free cinnamon rolls will be served. There is a $20 per participant fee and tickets are limited. To learn more, visit the Paisley Pod instore or online.
Pucks & Ponytails returns
Brandon Valley Hockey Association has brought back Pucks & Ponytails, which is geared for female skaters. The program is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays 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.
Brandon P&Z Commission meets Thursday
Brandon Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 1 in the city council chambers. The agenda and packet may be viewed by visiting cityofbrandon.org.
Easter Egg Hunts on tap for Saturday
Two local community groups––the Brandon Edge and the Valley Springs Community Club––will host Easter Egg hunts in their respective communities on Saturday, April 3.
The Brandon event will start at 10 a.m. at McHardy Park. Children will hunt for eggs in age groups (10 a.m., 0-3 years old; 10:05 a.m., 4- and 5-year-olds; 10:10 a.m., 6- and 7-year-olds; and 10:15 a.m. 8- and 9-year-olds).
The Valley Springs event will begin at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Valley Springs Elementary.
The Easter Bunny will make appearances at both events.
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.
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.
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.
Lawn watering alert
Brandon is currently under stage 1 lawn watering guidelines, which allows users with even-numbered addresses to water lawns on even-numbered calendar dates and users with odd-numbered addresses to water on odd-numbered calendar dates. No watering is allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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.
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.
Brandon Boss Gobblers plan Women in the Outdoors event
A Women in the Outdoors event will be offered by the Brandon Boss Gobblers on Monday, May 23 at the Garretson Sportsman’s club, 48605 255th St.
Eight different 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 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 261-9120 or Matt Swenson at 351-5295.
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.
