Brandon Valley Journal

Five Brandon Valley students – Luke Carlson, Ellie Sershen, Andrew Fode, Lucy Tille and Garrison Trunkenmiller – were selected for Senior Honor Choir held at Black Hills State University July 19-24. They prepared 12 pieces by memory for a culminating July 24 concert in Rapid City. The audition process was rigorous, as students were required to prepare a solo, sing a patriotic selection given to them by committee members, and perform sight-singing and tonal memory on the spot. Students were scored and only the top singers in the state were selected. All five BV seniors that auditioned were honored to be selected to the elite choir. Students stayed at Black Hills State University for the week, supervised by recent music graduates, and were coached by university professors, Dr. DeHoogh-Kliewer of USF, Nancy Ruehle Roberts of BHSU, Andrew Robinette of SDSU, and David Holdhusen of USD. The director for the week was Dr. Lee Nelson currently serving as director of Choral Activities at Wartburg College. Waverly, Iowa.

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

Dan Elliott had the honor of cutting the celebratory Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon last week, marking Degaje Studio’s investment in the organization. Degaje Studios involves every member of the Elliott family, including his wife Kari, son Logan, daughter Abigail Chen and son-in-law, Abraham Chen. They are using a room in the Redstone Insurance office, where Dan once operated a photo studio and the Elliott family lived.

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

State and local officials turn dirt on Spartan’s $20 million expansion in August 2025.

Wilma Kirkeby/For the Journal 

BV Post 131 Legion Baseball enters the post-season playoffs, determined to bring home the title for the first time since it was won in 1996 as a Class B team. 

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

Owen Timmerman (kicking the ball) organized a 4-versus-4 charity soccer tournament on Saturday to raise funds for kids whose families cannot afford to cover the cost of club soccer.

Submitted photo 

Marcia Gnadt and her daughter Marissa Wollman entertained family and friends with mother-daughter humor in their live Facebook video posts. The picture above shows Marcia picked out a “cute” wig for herself, and a gray wig for Marissa. 

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

Nicci Van Laecken has a new outlook on life following her Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis and follow-up chemotherapy treatments.

Tom A. Savage/BV Journal 

Kerry Thill is in her 24th year at the Brandon Golf Course. She has served as the Food & Beverage manager for the past 22 years.

Jill Meier/BV Journal 

Brandon City Council has identified three locations for a new City Hall: The current City Hall site on Main Avenue, at Aspen Boulevard and Main, or across the road to the west from the planned Fareway Store in the River Park development.