Journal Editorial: Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs Up: Kudos to the “cooperative efforts” of Sioux Valley Energy and Alliance Communications, who celebrated National Co-op on Saturday in a most family-friendly way: at the Cherry Rock Farms pumpkin patch.
Hundreds and hundreds of members of the Cooperatives enjoyed cups of hot cocoa, donuts, and of course a free pumpkin, courtesy of SVE and Alliance. The event also served as a late-season business boom for Marco and Laura Patzer, fourth-generation owners of Cherry Rock Farms, which is celebrating its 100th year of business this year.
Thumbs Down: The audio-video recording technology at City Hall. It needs serious improvement. It was disappointing to not be able to hear the dialogue going on at Wednesday’s Park Advisory Board meeting. If we’re going to be a transparent government, the recording system needs to be repaired/replaced.
Thumbs Up: Big moments for our Brandon Valley student-athletes: Senior Bryton Stroh, who was awarded the Scholar Athlete Award presented before kickoff of Friday’s “Great American Rivalry” against the Harrisburg Tigers. Harrisburg’s Samuel Thompson also received the honor.
Senior Mikah Peters won back-to-back ESD and Metro Conference individual cross country titles within an eight-day span. The Lynx standout is favored to win the Class AA race this Saturday in Huron, although he’ll be tested by a pack of runners from Sioux Falls Lincoln.
The Lynx football team brought home the War Eagle Award, a traveling trophy signifying the rivalry between BV and Harrisburg. It was second straight year the Lynx have won the hardware, and this year, they did it in a dominating 24-0 win.
Brandon Valley dance registered their fifth straight ESD Conference title, and are only days away from capping off a season filled with one grand champion honor after another. The team will be seeking their fifth consecutive Class AA State Dance and Cheer Championships in Watertown this Saturday.
Thumbs Up: The city of Brandon sponsoring the first of three, free leaf drop-off days, along with branch disposal day last Saturday. It’s a public service that residents take advantage of and surely appreciate.
Thumbs Up: Brandon Valley Hockey Association celebrating the realization of a dream come true: the official grand opening of IceCats Arena. Kudos to a job well done in bringing this great recreational amenity to our community.
Thumbs Up: Brandon Community Foundation will award $53,000 in grants – the highest amount in the Foundation’s grant-giving history – this Friday night at the annual Oak & Vine celebration. Longtime champion for Brandon Valley baseball, Chris Brown, will also be celebrated as this year’s Spirit Award winner.
Thumbs Down: Still seeing two kids – sometimes more – on electric scooters, when city law allows only one. Parents, please take a few minutes to explain city rules regarding the use of electric scooters for the safety of all.
Thumbs Up: The diverging diamond is getting closer to the finish line. Orange cones will be going away.
Thumbs Up: The return of pumpkin spice everything.
