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This blog pontificates on all things Brandon. You can post your own comments to expand on something you read here, agree with it or disagree. Vehemently, even.

You can bring up new topics or ask questions, and together, we’ll search for the answers.

And while this blog is dedicated to our fine city – the 12th largest by population in the great state of South Dakota – no topic is off limits, really.

So let’s begin.

I read in this week’s Brandon Valley Challenger that the new First National Bank, at the corner of Splitrock and Holly boulevards, will be open in January.

What do you suppose will go into the current bank building? I know, Phil Johnson, vice president and senior operations officer for First National, said the company plans to let the building sit idle for a while.

Still, I can’t help but ponder what might be the best use for the building.

Certainly it’s set up as a bank, but just as certainly, it wouldn’t be good business for First National to sell or lease the building to a competitor.

What would you like to see the current First National Bank building become in the future? Post your suggestions here. In the mean time, here are a few suggestions:

There’s plenty of parking, so the building easily could be used for some type of retail store. A clothing store, maybe. We haven’t had one of those in Brandon for quite a while.

Or maybe the building could be a daycare. I hear there is a big need for those in Brandon.

With that drive-through window, it might make a good liquor store. We already have one of those, but competition is good for the economy, yes?

Or, we could think big. Maybe the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce could move into the building, which would give the Chamber more opportunities to provide services for the community and for the many people who drive through the town. Chamber members could set up exhibit areas. The building could include a Brandon gift shop. And there would be lots more room to display members’ brochures, business cards and other promotional materials.