October 2015
Family Escapes Fire That Destroys Fort Pierre Home
FORT PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A family was able to safely escape a fire that destroyed their home in Fort Pierre. The fire broke out Saturday night at a house on Main Street. Fort Pierre Fire Chief Cody Lengkeek tells KCCR-AM ( ) the fire started in a gas grill on the porch. The family […]
University needs to handle ‘persons of interest’ situations with greater care
These past few years have caused us, as a nation, to re-examine our conscience regarding the way we interact with each other. The heightened tensions between members of different racial communities in the United States are partially due to the way law enforcement agencies, and government agencies in general, are handling sensitive matters with regards […]
Students prepare for midterms, testing philosophy varies by professor
As the halfway point of the semester nears, many students are preparing for their midterm exams. However, not all professors administer tests the same way. Brennan Jordan, a science professor, believes tests are more of a teaching tool than a testing tool. “Midterm exams give the students incentive to review material that they have been working […]
Toastmasters helps students, faculty build communication, leadership skills
Toastmasters, an international organization focused on empowering individuals in their communication and leadership skills, has started a chapter at USD. About 20 students, faculty and community members participate in the weekly meetings so far. At each meeting, members give a speech on a specific topic. Lee E. Felder, Jr., vice president of Human Resources for […]
Democrats Plan New Push For Ethics Commission Over GEAR UP
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Democratic lawmakers in South Dakota plan to renew their push for a state ethics commission as questions mount about the handling of public funds at an educational cooperative after an apparent murder-suicide involving two employees. Rep. Peggy Gibson says she’ll make another attempt at creating an ethics panel in the upcoming […]
USD entrepreneurs overcome struggles of starting a business, sign deal with university
The last few months have been a roller coaster of emotions for USD entrepreneurs Michael Helgerson and Naveen Rokkam. At the end of April, the two were working on incorporating WeConnectU, a business of theirs that would develop a smart application device called ConnectU, allowing universities to send location-based information to students’ phones and other smart […]
More Cities Are Recognizing Native Americans On Columbus Day
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More cities are recognizing Native Americans on Columbus Day this year as they revive a movement to change the name of the holiday to celebrate the history and contributions of indigenous cultures around the country. As the U.S. observes Columbus Day on Monday, it will also be Indigenous Peoples Day in […]
Dakota Wesleyan University In Mitchell Has Head Lice Problem
MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell is dealing with an outbreak of head lice. The Daily Republic ( ) reports the school has sent students an email describing lice as “sesame seed-sized bugs.” The school is leaving treatment up to students and is advising them to check for egg/nit sacks that are […]
SD School Of Mines To Host Rocks, Fossils ID Public Event
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is inviting individuals to take their interesting backyard rock or fossil finds to the university’s annual identification event. Paleontology staff and students will study and identify people’s finds during the third annual Rock and Fossil ID Day Saturday at the school’s Museum […]
Federal Grants To Help SD Programs For New Farmers, Ranchers
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two organizations in South Dakota will receive a portion of the $17 million in grants that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is handing out to help new farmers and ranchers. The federal agency says Dakota Rural Action and South Dakota State University will receive funding to help programs that train […]