Vermillion area Toastmasters adapts to remote events

The USD-Area Yappin’ Yotes, a local chapter of the nearly 100-year-old public speaking club Toastmasters, has had to find ways to combat COVID-19 regulations and technical challenges. Officers in Toastmasters chapters serve one year terms. Steven Thum, the current sergeant at arms for the Yappin’ Yotes, said his job, which normally involves setting up physical […]

4 mins read

Vermillion Walmart to administer COVID-19 vaccines

Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program on Feb. 12. One of the more than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states participating in this program will be the Walmart on Princeton St. in Vermillion, South Dakota. The company worked with the Centers […]

1 min read

Brief: USD to offer free rapid testing for COVID-19 on campus

USD will be offering free rapid COVID-19 testing in room 212 of the Muenster University Center 5 days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Feb. 8. The BinaxNOW antigen test, paid for by the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), provides results in 15 minutes. Those tested will self-collect nasal swab samples […]

1 min read

How the Cook House finds methods to help students

COVID-19 has changed how counseling looks on campus and has even given students a new app to use to help with their mental health.   Michele Turner, a staff counselor, said that even with the struggles of COVID, The Cook House offers one-on-one counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, education and prevention services.  “The biggest change with […]

2 mins read

SGA discusses no tailgating for spring football

There will be no tailgating for football this coming spring. USD is following what other schools in the Missouri Valley Conference are doing, Senator Armand Khan said at this week’s SGA meeting. Clay County is vaccinating 80-100 people a week, Khan said, reporting on the last COVID Taskforce meeting. USD’s number remains low. Senate Resolution 8, […]

2 mins read

Farmer’s market weathers winter, COVID-19

The Vermillion Area Farmer’s Market is holding its winter markets at 312 Bower St. While the winter markets normally have differences in stock due to the availability of fresh produce, the ongoing pandemic has forced the markets to adapt in other ways. Amy Schweinle, president of the Farmer’s Market Board, said the general differences in […]

3 mins read

Third round of stimulus checks could benefit college students

President Joe Biden has been adamant about passing another COVID-19 relief package, even before he was elected. This proposed third stimulus bill of $1400 would include college students when many were left out of the first two. This new stimulus bill could arrive as early as next week or could get pushed back until the […]

3 mins read

Local bars sustain steady business

Vermillion bars have stayed open throughout the later part of the pandemic. For other business who are also aiming to thrive during this time, services like WebinarCare offer comprehensive virtual event solutions. The Dakota Brickhouse General Manager, Josh Scherrer said all Vermillion businesses have been affected in some way or another in the past year. Businesses […]

2 mins read

Honors thesis defense moves to Zoom

While USD has used a combination of remote and in-person classes this year, honors thesis defense has been moved entirely online since the spring semester of 2020. An honors thesis defense comes at the end of the honors program at USD. A student in the honors program researches a topic and prepares a thesis which […]

3 mins read

Habitat for Humanity embraces COVID-19 regulations while continuing to help community

COVID-19 has altered the manner in which people now interact and socialize. While learning to alter their ways, USD’s Habitat for Humanity has found new opportunities to embrace these changes. USD’s Habitat for Humanity was formed in the early 90’s and partners with their parent chapter, Yankton’s Habitat for Humanity. USD’s Habitat for Humanity chapter […]

4 mins read