State/Local
Herbster joins city BID board
David Herbster, athletic director at the University of South Dakota, was named to a five-person Business Improvement District board Monday evening. The board was created by the city of Vermillion to decide how to spend new money collected from hotels within city limits. The Business Improvement District (BID) will add a $2 lodging fee to […]
State of women
In part one of this four-week series about women’s issues, The Volante focuses on a report that evaluates South Dakota’s women workforce and its relation to the University of South Dakota. South Dakota received an “F” on a report by The Center for American Progress exploring “The State of Women in America.” The report, released […]
Alcohol arrests up 96 percent from 2012
When Chrissy Summering, a graduate student, joined the University of South Dakota Support Team last year she had one goal — to help students who get too intoxicated during Dakota Days. Liquor law violations saw the largest increase in the 2012-13 Jeanne Clery Report released Sept. 30 by the university. Alcohol arrests were up 96 […]
USD officials anticipate state employee health insurance shortfall for second year in a row
The underestimation of state employee health insurance for the second year in a row could jeopardize the South Dakota Board of Regents’ push for a freeze in tuition and fees, university officials of said. They might also need attorneys help for health insurance litigation cases, as stated by the officials. A shortfall was announced at […]
Insurance market open until March
The reality of figuring out one’s options as a college student for reasonable health insurance can be a scary choice, said Dick Applequist, president and general manager at Prins Insurance in Sioux Falls. “For young people aged 19-21, liability costs and other insurance fees will seem alarming,” he said, “I encourage them to enroll in […]
Fire chief looking to hire inspector
Education is a key factor in making sure businesses are up to code in regard to fire safety said Richard Draper, Vermillion fire chief. By inspecting Vermillion businesses for fire safety issues, Draper hopes to educate the business owners of potential fire hazards. Improvement though, is something Draper said he is seeking. The Vermillion Fire […]
Vermtown Bash attracts students, community
The threat of rain didn’t defer students from attending the Vermtown Bash Wednesday evening in Prentis Park. Bouncy castles, slides, a laser tag obstacle course, inflatable basketball court and a mechanical bull were brought in for the event, which attracted both young children and students. For the price of a donated can, students could use […]
Emergency crews train throughout Dakota Days
Vermillion Police Chief Matt Betzen wants Clay County to be prepared. VPD, the University Police Department, Clay County EMS, the Vermillion Fire Department and other county emergency services will gather together over Dakota Days to simulate an emergency situation. “We will be able to respond faster,” Betzen said. “Our people will be briefed, and each […]
Enforcement begins for rental housing codes
Editor’s note: The headline of this article has been changed because the rental housing codes are being enforced, not nearing expiration. Health and safety for residents of rental properties is a concern for the City of Vermillion. The city is enforcing changes made by the city council in 2011 after giving landlords time to bring […]
VPD utilizes new equipment for D-Days
In part three of this three-week series about alcohol consumption, The Volante focuses on the presence of underage drinking at the University of South Dakota. Come the first week of October — and the red solo cup activities that follow — the Vermillion Police Department is implementing new equipment and more manpower to deal with […]