SDBOR freezes in-state tuition, gives name to sports complex
The South Dakota Board of Regents approved a slew of changes with direct impact on USD students at its meeting last week. From a tuition freeze to an official name for the new USD sports arena, here’s a breakdown of what students, faculty and the community can expect. “The board meeting last week addressed many […]
Good Samaritan Bill signed by Daugaard, becomes law
After more than five years of discussion in Pierre, the Good Samaritan Bill has finally been signed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard this month. House Bill 1078 grants immunity from arrest for certain alcohol-related offenses to underage persons who assist someone in need of emergency assistance or who are themselves in need of emergency assistance. “It’s for the […]
Scam targets USD student emails, 80 accounts infected
[pull_quote_right author=”Cheryl Tiahrt, USD Deputy Chief Information Officer”]We need our students to help us keep this network secure. The things we can’t patch is people.[/pull_quote_right] An email phishing scam tricked dozens of USD students over spring break. Information Technology Services said a phishing message was sent to students March 6. The email told students that their mailbox […]
Daugaard vetoes ‘Transgender Bathroom Bill’
Governor Dennis Daugaard vetoed the so-called “Transgender Bathroom Bill” on Tuesday afternoon. The bill would have required transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their sex at birth. “House Bill 1008 does not address any pressing issue concerning the school districts of South Dakota,” Daugaard said in his letter to the House of […]
Legislators flip flop on S.D. teacher pay increase
Governor Dennis Daugaard’s plan to raise teacher pay is moving forward to the South Dakota Senate, after the bill initially failed by one vote in the House of Representatives last week. The half-cent sales tax hike passed a revote Monday 47-21, which hit the required two-thirds majority needed for tax hikes. “Thank you to the bipartisan […]
Transgender bathroom bill heads to Daugaard for decision
The South Dakota Legislature returned from Presidents’ Day recess and made national news Tuesday by becoming the first state to pass legislation aimed at limiting transgender students’ use of restrooms. “What a sad day for South Dakota,” tweeted Libby Skarin, the ACLU of South Dakota Policy Director. The so-called “bathroom bill,” which would limit transgender […]
Deadline passes for SD bill introductions
It’s debate time in Pierre. The period to introduce bills in the South Dakota Legislature has closed, and Gov. Dennis Daugaard already signed his first bill in the 2016 legislative session Monday. The bill, soon-to-be law, will give a rebate of sorts to state and local government to enter into contracts that create energy efficiency […]
Pierre tackles South Dakota teacher pay
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is leading the charge to get South Dakota out of last place when it comes to teacher pay. “This is the year to act,” Daugaard said in his State of the State address Jan. 12. A task force commissioned by Daugaard found that South Dakota’s average teacher pay was $11,888, a year […]
Doctor: Dress warmly or put ‘yourself at risk’ amidst cold temperatures
With sub-zero temperatures that the winter season brings, there also comes extra reminders about being cautious when going outside. While it’s not rare in Vermillion to find temperatures creep near -10 or -20 degrees, the bitter cold can be shocking on the body. Beth Lapka, an emergency medicine physician at the Sanford USD Medical Center […]
USD alumnus assumes powerful US House of Representatives position
USD alumnus Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, became one of the most powerful members of Congress last week. “Out of 435 members in the House of Representatives, he is definitely in the top 10 most powerful people, perhaps the top five,” political science instructor Mary Pat Bierle said. Brady was elected in a private meeting by […]