The Volante October 9 2024 D-Days

The

Volante See Page 12

W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4

THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887

Page 12

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

Page 2

See Page 6

2 |

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

The Volante Through the Decades: A Look at a 1914 Story About the First Dakota Days Courtesy of the Archieves and Special Collections, University Libraries

The narrative below describing the first Dakota Days parade in 1914 contains language and cultural references that some may find offensive and/or objectionable. It is published here in edited form for documentary purposes. It reflects the values and ideas of the original authors, and the time in which it was written, not those of the current staff of “The Volante,” the Dept. of Media & Journalism or the University of South Dakota. The full article can be viewed on volanteonline.com.

South Dakota Day has come and gone.

It came and went on the same day: namely, last Friday November 20. The native townsmen of Vermillion and the oldest members of the faculty are agreed that its like has never before been seen in this vicinity. To begin with, the day was ideal, considering the time of the year. A slight wind from the southeast had enough tinge in it to create enthusiasm. No single cloud hung in the sky.

Acting in accordance with the suggestions of the committee in charge of the arrangements, all those who were to appear in the parade gathered on the campus in front of East Hall.

The parade formed and left the campus at 10:45. Miss Dakota, the lady of the day, which part was taken by Miss Fern Wassum of Harrisburg, in a car decorated with red and white bunting, led the parade.

The members of the Sophomore class, dressed in American Indian costumes were next in order. Their makeup was vividly characteristic.

Very naturally, the cowboys were next in order. Those sturdy, brave and lawless pioneers, who opened the way for permanent settlement in the great West, and who did so much to weave a mystic romance around frontier life. The members of the Junior Law class were assigned the difficult task of playing this part. They performed their task well.

In logical order, following the cowboys, came the early settlers and pioneers. The pioneers, who left their homes in the East and pushed westward to make permanent homes, regardless of the dangers and perils

Courtesy of the Archieves and Special Collections, University Libraries | Submitted

and hardships which surrounded them.

These were represented by the Pan-Hellenic associations.

Education always goes hand in hand with civilization. Consequently educational representatives should follow the old settlers. The Senior Laws had charge of this part of the program.

The representatives of the higher educational institutions followed next. Members of the faculty took care of this important function. They had a large float filled with South Dakota products.

The farming interests of the state were exhibited by members of the Senior and Junior classes of the College of Arts and Sciences. A hay rack filled with East Hall girls, dressed in simple homespun, eating bananas and cracker jack, and gazing at the high building of the city, was labeled as “South Dakota’s Best Product.” “South Dakota, the Farm State,” was shown by a float containing a sample of each of the products successfully cultivated in the state.

A large shock of corn, prolific with golden ears, occupied the middle of the float, and indicated forcibly the chief product of South Dakota soil.

The Engineers illustrated the mining industry of the state. All the implements of the early miner were in evidence. The old pack mule, loaded down with picks, shovels, and a hundred pound box of dynamite was the characteristic feature of this part of the parade. An old schooner carried a sign labeled “Black Hills or Bust,” which was the slogan of the early mining days in this state.

Probably no other group in school went to the trouble and expense in arranging its part in the program than the Medics did. They constructed a float of immense proportions, representing South Dakota as the health state.

The Laws were the last to fall in line.

They gave a general representation. No parade is complete without a takeoff on the suffragettes.

After leaving the campus the long line

then proceeded down University to Main street, and then down through the business section. A very cordial reception was given to the joyous crows by the townspeople. As it was almost train time, the parade then went down the hill to the station to meet the Yankton football men. Upon their arrival the hill was climbed, and after making a circuit through the principal streets of the city, the South Dakota representatives again wended their way back to campus from whence they had started. Then they disbanded and hurried home to get something to eat before the big game.

South Dakota day is a day unique in the history of the University. It is the first time that anything of the sort has ever been staged here. By all who witnessed it, it was pronounced a howling success. It is not too much to say, then, that the day has come to stay, and that each year will see it bettered and enlarged until it will become a traditional day to University students and alumni.

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM | 3

The USD Coyote Carnival Kicks off Dakota Days’ Long List of Events Elli Kruse

Elli.Kruse@coyotes.usd.edu

As Dakota Days rounds the corner, Vermillion is getting ready for a week of excitement to start.

The Dakota Days Kickoff Carnival was hosted on Monday, October 7th. The Dakota Days Committee had many fun games and activities to get all the students excited for the rest of the week.

The first 100 students were able to get free corn dogs from the corn dog stand. In addition, the Dakota Days Committee organized a hotdog eating contest for students.

Instead of eating the most hotdogs, they timed participants how long they could eat three hot dogs.

Games were going on for the two-hour carnival. Students could ride the mechanical bull, participate in a blurry goggle obstacle course, pie people, play cornhole, volleyball, and Kan Jam. There was also a stand to stuff a coyote and get face paint.

Ellie Hart, the Vice President of the Parade, is very excited for the kickoff carnival as well as the rest of the week’s activities. Hart wanted to be on the Dakota Days committee this year.

“I felt like it was a really fun opportunity to get involved during the best week of the year.” Hart said. She was thrilled to be able to help plan and attend the events.

“It’s a great opportunity for Vermillion as a community and student body to all get together and be unified to celebrate the tradition of Dakota Days and of the University of South Dakota,” Hart said. She is also looking forward to the alumni coming back to help celebrate this tradition.

Nearing the Dakota Days Kickoff Carnivals end, the royalty was revealed. “The purpose of Royalty for USD is to recognize all of the hard work that these candidates have put in throughout their time here at the university,” said Vice President of Royalty Abigail Bluvas. “Day in and day out these candidates have shown what it means to be a true leader and advocate for other students to look up to.” Bluvas is excited to be a part of a long-standing tradition that makes people happy.

For the rest of the week there will be events held each day. On Tuesday there was a Rise and Dine letting students get bagels, iced coffee, and mocktails.

On Wednesday there is a Coyote

Coyote Crazies members show their Dakota Days pride at the Coyote Carnival.

The final fourteen contestants for Dakota Days Royalty attend Coyote Carnival.

Campout at 8:00 p.m. showing “Back to the Future.” On Thursday, there will be a street dance, and on Friday the XIX Brewing Company will host Yote Floats with corn-

hole, music and a food truck.

Saturday, the parade will commence at 9:00 a.m., followed by the football game against UNI at 2 p.m.

Students participate in a hot dog eating competition at the Coyote Carnival.

4 |

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

A Former USD Basketball Player Has Been Deported Following Rape Conviction Charles Streeter

Charles.Streeter@coyotes.usd.edu

After a six-month incarceration, former USD basketball player Mihai Carcoana was deported on Oct. 3.

Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe says this is the first time during his tenure an inmate was deported immediately after a sentence.

“We’ve never had in my history a person here on state charges that then was released to be deported,” Howe said. Deportations are carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“We transferred his street clothes to him, and he went into [ICE] custody directly from the jail,” Howe said. “At that point, we don’t have any more contact with him, so I haven’t received any more follow up.”

According to former Clay County States’ Attorney Alexis Tracy, Carcoana’s plea agreement came with the stipulation of being released into the custody of ICE. Tracy now works as an Assistant Attorney General, a position she began in June of 2023.

“We knew the defendant had articulated he wanted to leave and go back home,

but deportation was definitely contemplated and noted in our plea agreement,” Tracy said.

Carcoana first moved to Vermillion in the Fall of 2022 as a sophomore transfer student from Toledo State University.

Playing in only 10 basketball games for the Yotes, he was arrested Dec. 9, 2022 on charges of second degree rape.

Initially, Carcoana pled not guilty in January 2023 to the two rape charges as well as a misdemeanor charge for interference with communications.

With a trial date originally set for April 2023, it was delayed until July at the request of Carcoana and his defense attorney.

Carcoana’s attorney filed another motion for continuance of jury trial, citing poor health and additional trials.

In February of 2024, Carcoana pled guilty to one of the rape charges, with the prosecution dropping the remaining charges. According to Tracy, it is normal for a defendant to plead not guilty at arraignment and later accept a plea deal rather than go to trial.

Carcoana received a six-month incar-

ceration sentence. While convicted in Clay County, Carcoana served his sentence at the Union County Jail in Elk Point.

We had been housing him at Clay County expense in the Union County jail since about the third day of his sentence, and so then ICE picked him up from the Union County Jail,” Howe said.

Howe says that all inmates are transferred to other facilities since the Clay County Jail only holds individuals for three days.

While Carcoana is likely barred for life from returning to the United States, the ordeal will live on with the victim.

“The most challenging aspect of this case is the retraumatization that our criminal justice system puts a victim through,” Tracy said.

“It’s truly a necessary evil that we then put a victim through over and over again. We compel them to relive their trauma on the terms of the system and the terms of the defendant.”

Tracy says she is glad to see this case come to an end.

“It felt rewarding to watch this young

Submitted | The Volante woman who had been put through hell come out on the other side with some closure,” Tracy said.

Local Law Enforcement Prepares for D-Days Abigail Saylor

Abigail.Saylor@coyotes.usd.edu

Sara Mauszycki

Sara.Mauszycki@coyotes.usd.edu

As this year’s Dakota Days approaches, local law enforcement is putting extra effort into their preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable week for all of those who partake.

Vermillion Police Chief Crystal Brady says collaboration between local law enforcement has been crucial to D-Day’s success in the past, with the University and Vermillion Police working closely together to optimize public safety.

“If it’s affecting [UPD], it’s affecting us. So I would say, there’s nothing that we don’t do together.” Brady said.

By communicating frequently, especially nearing the week of D-Days, both the city and campus police can join forces

and find the best ways to utilize staffing to increase their visual presence at events around town.

Both Brady and UPD Chief Bryant Jackson acknowledged that the large majority of issues they face stem from alcohol consumption. Crimes such as vandalism, disorderly conduct, public urination, and sexual assault are more likely to occur when excessive drinking happens.

In order to mitigate alcohol-related issues, Jackson stresses the importance of bystander intervention with a ‘protect the pack’ mentality.

“I think if everyone just takes a minute to help look out for each other, they’ll truly find, they’ll be able to have a great D-Days,” Jackson said.

Jackson says intervention is not exclusive to high-stakes situations and includes ensuring everyone has a support system in

place to help them make the right decisions.

Brady urges those under the age of 21 not to drink; however, she is aware that this activity will likely still take place and asks those who partake in these events to know their limits in order to avoid unsafe situations. Additionally, she asks students to think about the long-term consequences of offenses such as using a fake ID. “I don’t think that everybody understands that it is a charge that you’re going to end up going to jail for, and it is a more serious offense. It’s something that could follow you around for the rest of your life,” Brady said.

With the Coyote football team’s promising season, Jackson predicts the football team’s success will be a significant draw for crowds. However, with the University of South Dakota’s D-Days and South Dakota State’s Hobo Days overlapping this year, this

may lead to fewer students traveling between the two events, potentially easing some of this congestion.

Further arrangements with EMS, Vermillion Fire Department, and Clay County Sheriff’s help to establish clear procedures for a variety of scenarios. This collaborative effort aims to enhance safety and quicken response time in the event of an emergency.

Jackson emphasizes the importance of careful planning. As early as the week following D-Days, both Brady and Jackson’s teams plan to reflect on the effectiveness of their operations and shape a strategy for next year, ensuring a successful and safe D-Days week.

While enjoying D-Days with family and friends this weekend and all the events the weekend has to offer, be sure to make smart decisions and know local law enforcement is here to help.

News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

Mission Statement The Volante covers issues relevant and interesting to USD students.

Faculty, staff and community members are welcome readers, but the newspaper is written and presented for a diverse community of students from the students’ point of view. The paper should provide a variety of information, entertainment and educational opportunities for the readers.

The Volante encourages everyone to write letters to the editor.

The Volante wishes to be viewed by students as respectable, objective, accurate, fair and trustworthy. If you have comments, concerns or questions, please contact The Volante at 677-5494.

The Volante is distributed Wednesdays during the academic year free of charge locally with the cost of $1 for each additional copy. One year subscription rates are $40, which solely covers the mailing costs.

The Volante does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any production service advertised in this paper. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.

The Volante disclaims all liability for any damage suffered as the result of any advertisement in this newspaper. The Volante reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Our Staff Editor-In-Chief Charles Streeter Managing Editor Jozie Kumm News Editor Juliana Oltmanns Verve Editor Nathan DeGreef

Sports Editor Charlie Prien Photo Editor Sara Mauszycki Social Media Director Ava Sevening Staff Advisor Janet Davison

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

|5

Fire Alarms Plague USD’s Dormitories Juliana Oltmanns

Juliana.Oltmanns@coyotes.usd.edu

Charles Streeter

Charles.Streeter@coyotes.usd.edu

Since the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester, the Vermillion Fire and EMS Department has visited the North Complex and Coyote Village dorms multiple times for fire alarms.

North Complex (Beede, Mickelson, Richardson and Olson halls) and Coyote Village house most students living on campus.

On Thursday, September 19, the Vermillion Fire and EMS Department was called to Coyote Village due to a cooking fire.

University Police Department Chief Bryant Jackson says the most common cause of such fires are cooking fires.

“Upon their arrival, it was determined a fire extinguisher was used to put out a fire in a toaster oven,” Jackson said. “UPD and the fire department quickly worked to ensure no one was injured and that the fire was completely put out. The fire department proceeded to ventilate the smoke and fire extinguisher haze from the area.”

The Vermillion Fire and EMS Department shared a pithy Facebook post on September 27 with photos of charred food saying, “Dear USD students, Since we’re besties now (I mean, you called us four times in one week), here are some photos for our album. You keep surprising us;

who knew mini Cinnabons were extremely flammable?”

According to the photos, one student set off the fire alarms attempting to sear a steak in the common kitchen area.

UPD has alerts in their offices when a fire alarm is set off.

“UPD is the primary first responder agency on the USD campus. UPD responds to any emergency incident on campus. Fire alarms in on campus buildings are reported directly to UPD via the building controls system,” Bryant said.

According to USD Safety Officer Scott Pottorff, the university has set policies in the Community Living Policies that aim to prevent fires. Most recently, electric scooters were banned inside the dorms.

“Electric scooters, in particular, are banned inside campus buildings for several reasons,” Pottorff said. “Firstly, they pose fire hazards, especially when charging, as lithium-ion batteries can overheat or explode. Secondly, scooters can obstruct emergency exits and hallways, hindering evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, they create injury risks by becoming tripping hazards or causing accidents if ridden indoors.”

Pottorff says that the dorms are not necessarily the greatest fire risk on campus.

“Buildings that store flammable chemicals, cylinders, and oxidizers pose a greater risk of severe fires,” Pottorff said.

Jozie Kumm | The Volante

Contact us The Volante welcomes letters to the editor in regards to campus, local, state and national issues. Letters will be edited for clarity and length and will be printed as space allows. Please limit letters to 300 words or fewer. The Volante reserves the right to hold letters for publication in a later issue.

Submissions must include the author’s name, address, telephone number, year in school and major or job title. Letters must be exclusively for The Volante. We will not publish anonymous letters.

Send letters to: Al Neuharth Media Center 555 N. Dakota St. Vermillion, S.D. 57069

Fax to: 605.677.5105 Email to: volante@coyotes.usd.e du Via our website: volanteonline.com

The deadline for letters is 5 p.m. the Friday prior to publication.

Letters must be typed and fewer than 300 words.

The Vermillion Fire & EMS Department respond to all emergencies on USD’s campus.

6 |

Sports

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

Women’s Soccer Coach Breaks School Record Charlie Prien

Charles.Prien@coyotes.usd.edu

Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, was a special day for USD women’s soccer. Michael Thomas, who has been the head coach of USD women’s soccer for seven years, broke the all-time record for wins as a head coach.

Thomas took over the USD women’s soccer program in 2017 and has since led the team to steady improvement, including multiple appearances in the Summit League Tournament.

His leadership has helped the program grow both in competitiveness and in recruiting top talent.

Thomas broke the previous record of 49, which was set by Jessica Maddox, who coached from 2000 to 2004.

Getting his 50th career victory as the head coach of the USD women’s soccer team, Thomas’s team defeated the Kansas

City Roos 4-2.

After being one win away from breaking the all-time wins record for seven games, Thomas achieved the accomplishment Sunday evening.

In the match, the Coyotes struck first, with a goal from Izzy Quintavalle. Following that, the Roos responded with back-to-back goals, but at the 51:28 mark, Quintavalle scored again, evening the score.

After the Quintavalle goal, the Coyotes gained momentum, and scored two more goals, one from Brooke Conway and the other from Janaina Zanin.

Thomas now stands alone as the winningest head coach at the University of South Dakota for women’s soccer.

Thomas and the team will look to extend the gap of wins, on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, as the team heads to South Dakota State.

Sydney Kolln | The Volante

Sports

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM | 7

USD Football Goes Full Steam Ahead Into D-Days Charlie Prien

Charles.Prien@coyotes.usd.edu

The University of South Dakota football team continued its strong season with back-to-back dominating wins over Southern Illinois and Murray State, positioning themselves for a critical Dakota Days matchup this weekend against the University of Northern Iowa.

In the first of the two contests, the Coyotes opened Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) play with a convincing 42-13 victory over No. 17 Southern Illinois on September 28.

USD set the tone early, with the defense delivering two sacks on the Salukis’ opening drive.

From there, the Coyotes offense took over, scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions and jumping out to a 28-0 lead.

Senior running back Travis Theis

capped off the first scoring drive with a one-yard touchdown run, and sophomore Charles Pierre Jr. followed with an eightyard rushing touchdown to close out the first quarter.

The second quarter saw more explosiveness, including an 80-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Bouman to JJ Galbreath and a 24-yard rushing score from Pierre Jr. Southern Illinois finally got on the board late in the half, but USD responded with a 61-yard touchdown pass from Bouman to Quaron Adams to take a 35-7 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Coyotes added one more touchdown, with Theis running in his second of the day from 20 yards out.

South Dakota’s defense held

Southern Illinois to just 60 rushing yards and forced the Salukis into tough situations all day long.

The Coyotes finished with over 500 yards of total offense, including 302 rushing yards, to secure their first top-20 win of the season.

A week later, USD carried its momentum on the road, defeating Murray State 59-0 for its first MVFC road shutout since 2019. The Coyotes wasted no time, scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter, including an eight-yard run by Pierre Jr. and a 44-yard rushing touchdown by Theis.

Bouman threw for 221 yards and a touchdown while leading the offense to a season-high 582 total yards.

The defense was stout throughout, holding Murray State to 90 rushing yards

and forcing four turnovers, including two interceptions and a red zone fumble recovery.

The Coyotes racked up 361 rushing yards as Pierre Jr. scored three rushing touchdowns, Theis added two more, and Nevan Cremascoli broke off a 74-yard rushing score in the fourth quarter.

The game marked the first time USD scored seven rushing touchdowns in an FCS game, and Theis led the way with 132 yards on the ground.

As the No. 4 Coyotes prepare for their next challenge, the excitement is building in Vermillion for Dakota Days.

South Dakota hosts Northern Iowa on Saturday, October 12, at 2:00 p.m. in the Dakota Dome, as the Coyotes look to keep their MVFC momentum rolling.

Affordable Education Reproductive Freedom LGBTQ+ Rights Helping the Most Vulnerable

Vote November 5th Paid for by the South Dakota Democratic party (sddp.org) and not authorized by any federal candidate or candidate’s committee.

8 |

Sports

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

Coyote Volleyball Opens Summit League Play Addison Sporleder

Addison.Sporleder@coyotes.usd.edu

The USD volleyball team began conference play on Thursday, Sept. 26, in Denver where they faced the University of Denver.

The Coyotes swept Denver 25-22, 25-22 and 25-21. This is the first time USD has swept its conference opener since the 2020-21 season.

Senior Kylen Sealock recorded 13 kills, and fifth-year student Cheyenne Hlady got 12. Freshman Morgan Bode put up a career-high 12 kills in the match as well.

Junior Kamryn Farris led the Coyotes in digs with 13, and not far behind her was senior Alania Wolff with 11.

Sophomore Avery Van Hook contributed 42 assists for the match.

USD’s next match was the following Saturday against Oral Roberts in Tulsa.

The Coyotes swept them with set scores of 25-17, 25-8 and 25-16.

Hlady contributed nine kills in the match, and Sealock had eight. Van Hook achieved her sixth double-double of the year with 30 assists and 10 digs.

Farris led USD with 15 digs, along with recording two aces.

The Coyotes reached a season-high 11 aces in the match and their first double-digit mark in aces this season.

Bode recorded three, while Van Hook, Farris and sophomore Caity Clancy each had two.

Van Hook reached her 20th career double-double, marking her sixth this season.

The Coyotes’ next matchup was against St. Thomas on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Coyote Sanford Sports Center.

USD was swept in three sets with scores of 25-18, 26-24 and 25-20.

Freshman Lauren Medeck led the Coyotes with nine kills, followed by Sealock and Hlady with eight.

Farris recorded 17 digs, which was her 11th straight match with double-digit digs, and Bode achieved a career-high 12 digs. Van Hook brought in 39 assists.

USD’s next match was in Vermillion against Omaha. The Coyotes lost in four sets, with scores of 25-18, 22-25, 25-20 and 25-18.

Medeck put up a double-double with 15 kills and 15 digs, and Van Hook achieved a double-double with 35 assists and 10 digs. Farris led the team in digs with 19.

Freshman Cora Hokenstad was the fourth Coyote to record double-digit kills with 11.

USD will take on North Dakota in Grand Forks for their next match on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Photo Collage by Nathan Delaney and Abigail Saylor | The Volante

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

The Significance of Indigineous Peoples’ Day

Taylor Chasing Hawk

Taylor.ChasingHawk@coyotes.usd.edu

Many states across the region celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at various times throughout the year; in California and Nevada, it is the fourth Friday in September. For us South Dakotans (and those who reside in Wisconsin) the date falls on the second Monday of October. If you look at the academic calendar for the University of South Dakota, you will see that October 14th has been marked as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and there will be no classes in observance for the holiday.

As an Indigenous person, I cannot express how happy and proud I am to see our university recognize this date as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and not Columbus Day. I have had several conversations with other people, including my mom, about this very topic. When my mom was a young girl growing up in the early 80s, she recalls that the date had always been known as Columbus Day. It had

been reserved as a day to celebrate Christopher Columbus’s arrival to the Americas (while completely disregarding the recognition and histories of Indigenous peoples). In fact, it was not until 1989 that South Dakota was the first state to officially declare the date as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. There have, however, been several glitches along the road. We live in a state where our current governor has threatened to eliminate Indigenous history from social studies curriculums in schools. And we live in a country that has been completely whitewashed for centuries, putting certain people with societal advantages on pedestals while being inattentive to the rest. There is still the question (among others) in mind: Is it Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Columbus Day? Unfortunately, not all fifty states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Columbus

Day is declared a U.S. federal holiday while Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not. Not only does the United States continue to favor white male leaders but the customs and traditions of Indigenous peoples continue to be ignored and overlooked.

I do not see Indigenous Peoples’ Day as Columbus Day. Or as a day where we simply get out of classes. Rather, I see it as a time to celebrate and honor the Indigenous heritage and culture. To embrace the resilience that our people have possessed even while being placed in the darkest situations possible. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is just as important as any major federal holiday celebrated in the United States, including Christmas. And I hope that one day it is not only recognized among these federal holidays, but it is given as much attention and importance as well.

Poll: What Is Your Favorite Bar for Dakota-Days?

Survey conducted by The Volante on Fizz October 8-9. The survey received 1,774 responses as of 4 p.m. on October 9. Charcoal Lounge received a commanding plurality with 42% of the vote as USD’s favorite D-Days bar. Leo’s came in second place with 20% of the vote, and OLC reciving 18%. All responses come from verified USD students.

OVERHEARDS

Here you’ll find the weirdest, funniest and stupidest things we’ve heard during the week. Context is for suckers.

“It’s just sitting out here like a giant penis.”

- Churchill-Haines

“She’s only mean whe she opens her mouth.”

- North Complex

“I know hate is a strong word and that’s why I used it.”

- Nathan’s Mouth

“If the department were to give us money, then we’d be able to use it on cocaine but unfortunately that’s not happening.”

-Al Neuharth Media Center

| 9

10 |

Verve

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

Dakota Days Crossword Down: 1. The type of game the Coyotes will play on Saturday 3. A social gathering that people attend at Coyote Alley 5. Public march down the streets of Vermillion 7. The female student who is elected by their peers Across: 2. Ninth president of USD, brought the idea of Dakota Days 4. The animal mascot at USD 6. The male student who is elected by their peers 8. USD’s color

Would You Like to Advertise With Our Newspaper?

Contact Us volante@usd.edu

THE VOLANTE Students’ Voice Since 1887 The Volante through the decades: the cover of the first issue, 1887.

Courtesy of USD Archives and Special Collections

Verve

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

Behind the Scenes of Homecoming Week Charles Streeter

charles.streeter@coyotes.usd.edu

With unusually warm October temperatures, the 110th annual celebration known as D-Days is well underway at USD. Tuesday morning, students gathered in the MUC for free bagels from Einstein’s and mocktails made from Bubblr and fruit juice.

With some jazz music in the background at nine in the morning, the Rise N Dine was unusually tranquil for D-Days standards.

Dakota Days Executive Team Co-President Libby Brust enjoys seeing the people this week.

“I think one of my favorite parts of D-Days is just seeing everybody come back, seeing the whole campus and Vermillion community come together to celebrate the Yotes,” Brust said. “The street dance is always a great time.”

Others like to see who students pick as homecoming royalty.

“I’m really excited to see royalty crowned, and it’s really fun to see everyone so excited and celebrating,” said

Ellie Hart, Vice President of Parade.

Sam Anderson, Vice President of Events, enjoys the parade.

“I’m looking forward to the parade, I think especially on the weekend.” Anderson said. “Vermillion really comes alive.”

While students are excited for the weekend, law enforcement also has their own preparations underway.

Andy Howe, Clay County Sheriff, says operations at the Sheriff ’s Department during D-Days weekend are down to a science.

“We developed a procedure in case we had a mass arrest where maybe we have several inmates at once,” Howe said. We implement that every D-Days.”

The garage used to book inmates closes and becomes a makeshift space for booking.

“We create an assembly line booking process that we would use under a mass arrest situation. And it works very well for D-Days,” Howe said.

Most people arrested are re-

leased after booking, and those who are not can only be held at the Clay County Jail for 72 hours before they must be transferred to a different facility.

The Vermillion Police Department brings in other officers from neighboring police departments for the weekend.

Sheriff Howe says that a usual D-Days weekend from Thursday

Sara Mauszycki | The Volante

night to Sunday morning results in 5070 arrests.

Last year arrests were unusually low, with only 31 during that time frame.

Those arrested this weekend can expect to experience first-hand the preparations of law enforcement personnel.

Dakota Days Queen of 1968 Still in Vermillion Nathan DeGreef

nathan.degreef@coyotes.usd.edu

Today, Winter Zimmerman lives in Vermillion and is a member of PEO. In 1968 Gay Winters Zimmerman, Then Linda Gay Winters, was Dakota Days Queen. Winters Zimmerman majored in music education and was involved in a multitude of activities. These include Freshman Snow Queen, pledge class secretary, 1967 Rose of Delta Sigma Pi, local and regional Pershing Rifle sponsor, University representative to Pecan Bowl, runner up to Miss University, honorary

cadet colonel, former Panhellenic president and vice-president advisor to Junior Panhellenic.

Winters Zimmerman was also state Miss Young Republican, Chi Omega pledge trainer, Guidon secretary, treasurer of Mu Phi Epsilon, secretary-treasurer of MENC, a member of Mortar Board and secretary and accompanist of the University Choir.

Originally published in The Volante, Oct. 1968

Archives and Special Collections

| 11

12 |

Verve

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

Through the Decades

Nathan DeGreef | The Volante

Courtesy of Archives and Special Collections, University Libraries