Vermillion mayoral election sees five candidates

EDITORS NOTE: In a previous version of this article, Aaron Kerkhove’s name was mistakenly reported as Charles. This article has been updated to reflect the correct name. The Volante regrets this error. Vermillion’s Mayor Kelsey Collier-Wise will run in a special election to serve out the rest of Mayor Jack Powell’s term in June. Collier-Wise […]

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Local downtown businesses bounce back from pandemic

At the beginning of the school year, many local downtown businesses were in the midst of a financial struggle due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Transitioning to the importance of sustainability in procurement decisions, it’s vital to collaborate with firms that prioritize environmental stewardship. My experience has taught me the value of such partnerships, notably with […]

7 mins read

Polar Plunge beats goal before they start

Before the event had even started, the Vermillion Polar Plunge had already raised $15,000 for Special Olympics athletes. John Cole is the assistant director for the law enforcement torch run for the state of South Dakota and also a police officer for the Vermillion Police Department. Cole helps out with events across the state, but […]

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Rep. Johnson talks with local businesses and young professionals

Rep. Dusty Johnson, who represents South Dakota’s at-large district in the U.S. House of Representatives, spoke to Vermillion business owners and young professionals Thursday, April 8 at the Vermillion Chamber and Development Company’s (VCDC) “Legislative Affairs” Red Talk. The event was hosted on the second floor of Old Lumber Company Grill and Bar and served […]

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Earth Days 2021 brings back in-person outdoor events

Greening Vermillion’s 2021 Earth Days will be held in-person from this Saturday, April 17 until Saturday, April 24. The annual event, held the week of the federal holiday Earth Day, is a community-wide celebration intended to promote healthy living, responsible economic development and sustainable environmental management. Meghann Jarchow, USD’s chair of sustainability and environment and […]

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Brief: Cultural Wellness Coalition hosting film screening at Coyote Twin

USD’s Cultural Wellness Coalition will be hosting a free screening of “Judas and the Black Messiah” at the Coyote Twin Theater in downtown Vermillion on April 8 at 7 p.m. as part of their Diverse Film Series for the Students & Community. The film, released this year in a simultaneous theatrical and streaming release on […]

1 min read

Packard Exhibition held as drive-in event

To work around the difficulties of hosting an art show during the pandemic, local artists Klaire Lockheart and Aaron Packard hosted the 2021 Packard Group National Exhibition as a drive-in event.  The event was the second of its kind. Lockheart conceived the idea of the exhibition last year when she decided the area didn’t have […]

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Vermillion Public Library hosts federal tax assistance program

The Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation service to lower-income individuals, disabled persons, the elderly and limited English speakers across the country. In southeastern South Dakota, the service is offered in Sioux Falls and at the Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library in downtown Vermillion. Rachelle Langdon, programming […]

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Vermillion church finds new status as National Historical Site nominee

The United Church of Christ, a building that has sat on Main Street since 1929, has begun the process of being included in the National Register of Historical Places. Sandy Dickenson, a local architect and member of the church for 30 years, has been a part of the church’s nomination process along with parishioners Mary […]

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Trans Rights March held in response to House Bill 1217

In seven cities across South Dakota, people gathered Saturday morning to make a statement and to protest a bill against trans lives and their future in sports. All events had mandatory mask requirements and were held in Pierre, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Brookings, Watertown, Eagle Butte and Vermillion. The protests were led by The Transformation […]

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