COVID-19
COVID-19 on campus: looking back, looking forward
The tide may be turning on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, with a decline in new cases nationally and regionally and with South Dakota’s Board of Regents seeking a more “normal” fall semester on USD’s campus. In response to this, USD student organizations, Vermillion businesses and local government leaders are looking to bring […]
Fine Arts looks forward, prepares for “normal” semester
The Fine Arts building has seen many changes during the last year due to COVID-19 — changes such as smaller ensembles, livestreamed performances and limited audiences. Before COVID-19, Bruce Kelley, dean of the College of Fine Arts, said the building was lively and had frequent performances. Although the departments have tried to continue with performances, Kelley said […]
Symphony Orchestra to hold final concert of semester
The final USD symphony concert will be held April 23, and it may be the last time these musicians will have to play while social distancing. Last semester, the number of students allowed to play in the symphony was limited due to COVID-19 concerns, and Luis Viquez, conductor of the orchestra, chose pieces suited for […]
Lions Pancake Days serves the community in more ways than one
The Vermillion Lions Club, which was founded in 1950 to combat vision problems in children, hosted its annual Lions Pancake Days this year April 14-15 at the Armory in Vermillion. The event spanned two days with three available eating times, one for lunch and two for dinner. At all of the open dining hours, members […]
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 […]
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 […]
ASA hosts celebration of African cultures at USD
The African Student Association (ASAA) hosted the annual African Night celebration Sunday in the Muenster University Center (MUC) Ballroom. The event included a fashion show featuring traditional clothes from different African countries, two dance performances from the East African dance team and Afrobeat dance team, a short skit, poetry, singing, traditional African food, a Parade […]
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 […]
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 […]
Medicaid expansion campaign kicks off in South Dakota
The recent federal stimulus bill included provisions incentivizing states to expand Medicaid coverage. While states including Wyoming have moved Medicaid expansion forward legislatively, Dakotans for Health, a political advocacy group, is working to put the policy forward as a ballot initiative in South Dakota’s 2022 elections. The South Dakota ballot initiative process requires petitioners to […]