March 2020
Letter from the editor: turn to trusted news sources in times of confusion
In times of confusion and uncertainty, I encourage you to turn to trusted news outlets — and I hope The Volante can serve as a reliable local news source. While it’s easy to believe everything on Twitter or Facebook, that’s not always accurate news. Social media is an amazing place to get information, but it shouldn’t […]
‘I have not been coping with this very well’: Students prepare for online learning in hands-on majors
USD President Sheila Gestring announced on Tuesday that USD and all South Dakota public institutions will finish the spring semester online. While universities across South Dakota and the nation make the switch to online learning, students in a variety of majors find themselves questioning how their studies would fit an online format. “We know it […]
Coronavirus pandemic cuts study abroad programs short
When senior sociology major Brady VanLoan traveled to China at the beginning of the spring semester, getting sent home early was the last thing on his mind. After a month of studying in Shanghai and the rapid spreading of the coronavirus, VanLoan — along with many students — was required to return home immediately. VanLoan […]
‘We’re just going to keep pushing through’: How local businesses combat COVID-19
The risk of COVID-19 has impacted the number of customers at some Vermillion restaurants. But businesses are teaming up to power through the coronavirus with cleanliness and cooperation. Brickhouse general manager Josh Scherrer said the restaurant has started making their own hand sanitizer due to shortages. They’re also spending more time cleaning tables and chairs, […]
Editorial: Seriously, just stay home
Apparently staying home is one of the hardest concepts for the American people to understand. This simple solution could save hundreds if not thousands of lives in the United States, yet there are still people shopping or going out to eat. But why, when we’ve learned we can stop the spread of COVID-19 by social […]
Sports writers: Storytelling isn’t canceled
No one suspected much of anything on the morning of March 11. There were growing concerns over the COVID-19 virus becoming more prevalent, but very few people suspected what would transpire over the next 48 hours. What started as a “no fans allowed at sporting events” proposal, turned into a “no sporting events, period” rule […]
Seniors in springs sports get a chance at final season
After the Summit League cancellations caused by COVID-19, all athletic teams faced the ends of their seasons sooner than imagined. However, for seniors, it means possibly never playing as a Coyote again. The NCAA issued a statement assuring the spring sport athletes they could compete for an extra year if desired. In an official statement, […]
How the Summit League Cancellation is affecting teams
Summit League Commissioner Tom Douple announced March 13 that spring sports would be canceled for the remainder of the year due to COVID-19. The cancellation includes all non-conference, conference and championship competitions for all Summit League universities. The announcement was made on March 13, when multiple teams were on the road. Coaches informed the teams […]
COVID-19 impacts upcoming theater productions
After the decision was made by USD to extend spring break and move classes online temporarily, COVID-19 has impacted the theater department, both in the classroom and on the stage. Due to the pandemic, the department has been working on meeting the needs of students through online course delivery. Due to the recommended safe social […]
Coronavirus continues to spread in South Dakota
A growing number of coronavirus cases have emerged in South Dakota. The state recorded 14 positive cases of COVID-19 on Friday, but that total rose to 30 by Tuesday according to South Dakota’s Department of Health. South Dakota has seen one death so far from COVID-19. Beadle and Minnehaha counties have the most cases in […]