USD implements random COVID-19 tests for asymptomatic campus population

To assess whether it needs to implement further safety measures on campus, USD has begun weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and staff. Kevin O’Kelley, member of USD’s COVID-19 task force, said the testing of asymptomatic students and staff is one of three COVID-19 testing programs on campus. The second is the testing of […]

4 mins read

Heartland Humane Society helps furry friends find forever homes

Approximately 6.5 million animals enter an animal shelter each year. Currently, the Heartland Humane Society in Yankton, SD is home to roughly 30 of those shelter animals.  Kerry Hacecky, the director at Heartland, said most animals they house were either surrendered by their previous owner or were stray.  Hacecky said half the stray animals are […]

6 mins read

USD Swim and Dive prepare for season with intrasquad meet

USD’s swimming and diving teams had their 2019-20 season come to an early end due to COVID-19, but the team made their return to the pool Saturday for an intrasquad meet to kick off the new season. The Red vs. White intrasquad meet held in the DakotaDome pool was live-streamed for parents and fans to […]

4 mins read

Mr and Miss Dakota 2020 Top 14 candidates revealed

Yotes, never fear. Your Dakota Days Royalty candidates are here. Each year USD selects upperclassmen campus leaders to represent the best of the best for Dakota Days. A tradition that started in 1914, Mr and Miss Dakota represent the value of excellence both on and off campus and are celebrated for helping USD become the […]

6 mins read

Yote Yards begins new D-Days tradition

Due to alterations in the way USD has been operating, Dakota Days has had to make some changes to its events for the week. Newly added to the list is the D-Days Yote Yards event, which encourages community members and students to decorate their yards with USD gear. Hailie Warren, director of public relations at […]

3 mins read

Living by faith, not by sight

Disabilities can be perceived as holding a person back, but for one USD student, looking to the future is what she does best.  Nichole Boese, junior communication studies major, does not define herself by her disability, but by her passions. “I am proud of who I am and I am proud of my disability,” Boese […]

4 mins read

Morse’s Farm Market brings local flavor to produce

Morse’s Farm Market, tucked away on Dakota St. on the outskirts of Vermillion, is a smaller operation than the competing Vermillion Area Farmer’s Market, but one that’s been a part of the community for generations. Mitchell Morse, the proprietor and sole operator of the market, has been working at the farmer’s market since he was […]

3 mins read

‘The eyes say a lot’: Masks change communication between students, faculty

With new procedures and precautions on USD’s campus, wearing a mask at all times in an indoor setting for professors and students has caused communication in the classroom to be different than previous years. Lori Costello, an assistant professor of Strategic Communication, said mask-wearing, muffled voices and a lack of face recognition have been an […]

2 mins read

USD Esports opens new gaming arena

Two years ago, the Esports Club had five members. Now, the club has grown to around 120 members and has opened a new gaming arena in McKusick Hall. The arena has 24 PCs, two TVs and three game consoles. Derek Biersbach, president of the Esports Club, said the arena was built after Dean of Students […]

3 mins read

Oscar Howe’s legacy embraced in USD gallery

The life and longevity of Native American artwork thrives in USD’s Oscar Howe Gallery in Old Main. Housing the largest collection of Howe artwork, The Oscar Howe Gallery celebrates an artist with deep roots in USD, South Dakota and Native American history.  Oscar Howe was a contemporary Native American painter who is credited with influencing […]

3 mins read