State/Local
Public Library hosts self-awareness workshop
Kelley Ashby of Kelley Ashby Consulting will be hosting a workshop at the Vermillion Public Library on the Benefits of Self-Awareness & How to Develop It on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. The event focuses on teaching others how to become more self-aware in one’s mental health. Ashby has presented similar workshops in the past […]
Heartland Humane Society in desperate need of foster families
Heartland Humane Society in Yankton is having difficulties finding foster families. They’ve been experiencing the staffing shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 and the numbers haven’t risen to the point they need yet. Executive director Kerry Feilmeier has been working with Heartland Humane Society since 2011. She said Heartland could easily use a […]
SHED lobbies South Dakota Legislature in Pierre
Students in Higher Education Days (SHED) is a student lobbying group that goes to Pierre during the legislative session to encourage the legislature to pass certain bills. SHED takes place on Jan. 30 and 31. The first day students get training on how to lobby and they get together for a social. On day two, […]
Legislature to reinstate diploma privilege for law school, bill killed in committee
House Bill (HB) 1073 was introduced to the South Dakota House of Representatives this legislative session by Rep. Mary Fitzgerald from Lawrence County. HB 1073 would have allowed people graduating from the law school at USD to practice law in the state without taking the bar exam. However, the bill was killed during the House […]
Current Vermillion jail unusable, new jail in works
The jail in Vermillion is on the way out and a new one is on the way in. The Courthouse, Jail and Law Enforcement Facility Planning Committee was organized to assist with the process of developing a new jail. Steven Waller, the chair of the committee in Vermillion, said the current and future situation of […]
Legislation poses threat to transgender athletes in South Dakota
The South Dakota State Legislature is facing two bills which would eliminate the ability of transgender women athletes to play college sports in South Dakota Board of Regent (SDBOR) institutions. Senate Bill (SB) 46, “An Act to protect fairness in women’s sports,” and House Bill (HB) 1006, “An Act to promote continued fairness in women’s […]
House Bill 1012 to protect students from critical race theory
House Bill (HB) 1012 “An Act to protect students from critical race theory” was introduced Jan. 5 by The Committee on Education at the request of the Office of the Governor. HB 1012 states institutions of higher education cannot compel a student to personally affirm, adopt or adhere to believing any race, color, religion, sex, […]
Legislature divided on trans rights, governor defends Opportunity Center
On Jan. 27 the state capitol held press conferences and multiple house and senate sessions to wrap up their third week. Reporters asked multiple questions about similar topics between the Democrats, Republicans and Gov. Kristi Noem. Democrat Sens., Troy Heinert and Jamie Smith, discussed Senate Bill 46 which would not allow transgender women to […]
Dwight Vaught accepts position as director of National Music Museum
For years, Dwight Vaught has dedicated his career to studying and embracing the music field. He knew that music and the arts were going to be a big part of his life’s journey, and he continues to follow that course as he embarks on his next journey: the director of the National Music Museum (NMM) […]
Fernson Brewing features USD tribute drink
Earlier this fall, Fernson Brewing Company, the largest craft brewery in South Dakota, debuted a beer as a tribute to USD. The beer, called “Yipeeo!,” is a red ale that is darker in color but similar in taste to a light beer. “It is a red ale, which is kind of a unique style, it’s […]