How COVID-19 compares to past pandemics

Correction: The graph and previous version of the article state that the Swine Flu of 2009 caused 151 million deaths, when there were actually 151,700-575,400 death according to the CDC. The Volante regrets this error. COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. Since then, the disease has spread to more than 600,000 […]

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Vermillion sees first case of COVID-19

On Saturday, March 28, Clay County reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The individual is a 20-30 year old woman who is currently self-quarantining in her home.  This individual reported mild symptoms and was tested through Sanford Health Center’s curbside testing site, according to Time Tracy, CEO of Sanford Vermillion Medical Center. The case […]

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SGA swears in new officers over zoom conference meeting

The Student Government Association met remotely through USD Zoom conferencing to swear in Abuk Jiel and Carter Larson as president and vice president of the organization on Tuesday. President Jiel and Vice President Larson appointed Carson Sehr as Director of Operations, Aaron Mallinger as Director of Finance and senator Katie Brust as Director of Communications. […]

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Vermillion food programs adapt to continue serving citizens

In the wake of COVID-19, meal providers such as the Vermillion Food Pantry and the Vermillion Welcome Table have been forced to close their physical doors. Despite the drawback, these food services are continuing to provide meals to people in need. The Vermillion Food Pantry ceased walk-in services after the Community Connection Center of Vermillion […]

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COVID-19 causes 2020 Census to be moved online

With the Census Day just around the corner, the COVID-19 pandemic has made taking the count of populations a little more difficult. Census Day is April 1. Normally, residents must fill out a form online or send one in the mail. Then starting in May through July, census takers begin visiting homes across the country […]

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‘We’re just going to keep pushing through’: How local businesses combat COVID-19

The risk of COVID-19 has impacted the number of customers at some Vermillion restaurants. But businesses are teaming up to power through the coronavirus with cleanliness and cooperation. Brickhouse general manager Josh Scherrer said the restaurant has started making their own hand sanitizer due to shortages. They’re also spending more time cleaning tables and chairs, […]

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Coronavirus continues to spread in South Dakota

A growing number of coronavirus cases have emerged in South Dakota. The state recorded 14 positive cases of COVID-19 on Friday, but that total rose to 30 by Tuesday according to South Dakota’s Department of Health. South Dakota has seen one death so far from COVID-19. Beadle and Minnehaha counties have the most cases in […]

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More than just a liberal arts university: How the Law School and Med School put USD on the map

USD is the only university in South Dakota that offers both a medical school and a law school, but for University President Sheila Gestring, that distinction only increases the school’s duties to South Dakota. Gestring said the law and medical schools face a heightened level of obligation to help the state. “(That is) a special […]

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Vermillion’s basketball family

Dawn Plitzuweit and her kids, A.J. and Lexi Plitzuweit all have a role to play in the basketball scene in Vermillion.  Head women’s’ basketball coach Dawn Plitzuweit is in her fourth season at USD, winning over 20 games each season and two undefeated Summit League seasons. The Coyotes made the NCAA Tournament last season following […]

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Vermillion presents a unique climate for old and new businesses

Vermillion may be the home of USD, but the university isn’t the only landmark the town hosts. Thanks to the college bustle and an enthusiastic downtown business scene, both longtime residents and newcomers alike are enjoying success. Monica Iverson and Jim Waters co-own Cafe Brule and Dakota Brick House. The two met while doing work […]

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