TALK of the TOWN

City updates fireworks ordinance

Brandon City Council isn’t taking the “bang” out of the Fourth of July, but they have made slight changes to the fireworks ordinance, and it could cost you for not following the rules.

Under the ordinance change, fireworks may only be discharged in city limits from 7-11 p.m. on Monday, July 3, and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.

 “We’re going to take a hard line on this,” said Dave Kull, Brandon Chief of Police.

Violators, he added, will be issued a $100 fine.

The ordinance does not allow fireworks to be fired off in or from any public roadway, public property, or park in the city of Brandon; fireworks cannot be discharged by any minor (under age of 18) outside the supervision of a responsible adult; fireworks cannot be discharged in any reckless fashion that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another or damage to property or another.

All fireworks debris should also be picked up and disposed of no later than 9 a.m. on July 4 or July 5.

To learn more, contact City Hall at 582-6515.

BV Optimist’s plan new member recruitment social

Brandon Valley Optimist Club will host a New Member Recruitment Social beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 29 at 1801 W. Thomas Circle in Brandon.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of youth, then this is your opportunity to learn more about the service organization dedicated to helping the youth in the Brandon and surrounding area.

To learn more, call (605) 582-6000.

Library hosting free summer reading program

The Reading Bridge Summer Tutoring Program is coming to Brandon.

The free program offers small group tutoring sessions in reading and writing from 10 to 11 a.m. or 11 a.m. to noon July 10 to Aug. 23 at the Brandon Community Library. The program is open to elementary students in the Brandon and Valley Springs area.

Students will check out library books at each session and receive a Reading Bridge book bag. Register online at www.readingbridge.org or call the library at (605) 582-2390.

BVSD offering free summer lunch program

There is such a thing as a free lunch this summer through the Brandon Valley School District.

Free meals from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday as part of a nine-week program from May 30 to July 28 will be offered to all children up to age 18 at Brandon Elementary School.

Meals in the program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will be provided to any children in the age range regardless of where they attend school.

Community contributions needed

The Brandon Area Food Pantry continues to accept donations to help those in need. Before donating, please check the expiration date, as expired foods cannot be distributed. Monetary donations are always appreciated.

The BAFP is located at 406 Main Ave., and is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. To donate or to learn more, call 582-7001.

The Brandon Lions Club is also in need of aluminum cans to help fund requests for vision and hearing impairment needs.

Aluminum cans may be dropped off at the Lions Club shed located in the Sunshine Foods parking lot.