Vermillion High School to Compete in Statewide Culinary Competition
Vermillion High School is one of 12 high schools from across South Dakota that will compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational, a statewide competition focused on culinary arts and restaurant management, administered by the South Dakota Retailers Association. The competition kicks off Monday, March 9, at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre, with the cake decorating competition beginning at 2 p.m. Cake decorating, restaurant management and culinary competitions will continue at 8:45
South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship Application Deadline March 1
South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) is now accepting applications for its scholarship program. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026. High school seniors and college students whose parents or guardians are current members of SDFB and have been for at least two years are invited to apply. There are two types of scholarships available: one is agriculture-focused and the other is community-focused. Students select which scholarship to apply for based on their area of study and experience with agriculture. Awards
Vermillion Community Theatre Announces Ambitious and Heartfelt 2026 Season
Vermillion Community Theatre (VCT) unveiled plans for an exciting and ambitious 2026 season during a special gathering of supporters and donors at the AV Lounge. The event celebrated a record-setting year and looked ahead to an even more dynamic season of performances, youth programming and community engagement. Kurt Hackemer, chair of the VCT Board of Directors, opened the evening by reflecting on what he called “a banner year” for the organization in 2025. Highlights included one of the most attended
City of Vermillion Kicks Off Safe Streets for All Project with Website & Survey
The City of Vermillion, in partnership with the South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG), has initiated a Regional Safe Streets for All Plan that will enhance transportation safety, prevent injuries and save lives across all Vermillion streets and roadways. A project website has been unveiled to engage the public about the project which can be found on the City website or directly at https://tinyurl.com/SECOG-SS4A. To help better understand the public’s street and roadway safety concerns, the City
Retailers Association 2026 Scholarship Open
For more than 30 years the South Dakota Retailers Association has awarded scholarships to South Dakota students pursuing an education in retail, trades, or hospitality. The Retailers Association is continuing that tradition in 2026. The application period for the 2026 scholarship cycle is now open. The application is available here: www.sdra.org/scholarships.html. Nathan Sanderson, South Dakota Retailers Association Executive Director, says the Association is looking for students who are gunning for
From Rising Stars to Lasting Legends, South Dakota Celebrates Tourism Excellence
PIERRE, S.D. – Twelve awards were presented honoring businesses and individuals for outstanding achievements and contributions to the tourism industry. Winners received their awards from Governor Larry Rhoden and James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism (Travel South Dakota), on Thursday night at the 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The Governor’s Tourism Rising Star Award was presented to Phoebe Caldwell* of Spearfish. This award recognizes an individual who has worked in the
Vermillion Medical Clinic Donates to Local Community Connection Center
Vermillion Medical Clinic physician, Dr. Matthew Krell, and other clinic providers, recently presented a check to the Community Connection Center for $1,000. The donation was to address the concern about food insecurity in the area by helping the Vermillion Food Pantry that is available through the Connection Center. Dr. Krell, pediatrician at Vermillion Medical Clinic, has a special interest in addressing the food insecurity that many families in Vermillion face. With a poverty rate of 29%, financial
United Way of Vermillion to Offer Free Tax Preparation Services
United Way of Vermillion is again providing free tax preparation services at the Community Connection Center through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This initiative aims to assist individuals and families in need by offering reliable and trustworthy tax preparation at no cost. The VITA program has been serving communities for over 50 years, providing free tax help to individuals who generally make $70,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and retireess on fixed incomes. While the IRS
Over $15,000 Donated Through CorTrust Cares Jeans Day Program
CorTrust Bank is using “casual Fridays” to give back to local community causes. Through the CorTrust Cares Jeans Day program, employees can wear jeans on Fridays in exchange for a financial gift. This charitable giving initiative offers a centralized way for each CorTrust market to uplift worthwhile causes. In 2025, the program donated $15,851.67 to local nonprofits in the areas they serve. These funds helped over 30 organizations, including: LifeScape, The Main Street Center, Mitchell Snack Pack,
ISG Recognized as a 2025-26 Emerging Professional Friendly Firm for the Fourth Consecutive Cycle
ISG has been recognized as a 2025–26 Emerging Professional Friendly Firm for the fourth cycle in a row, named by the Emerging Professionals Committees of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chapters of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota! This recognition celebrates firms that actively support the next generation of architects and designers, and we are proud to be one of them. I feel that ISG has always been intentional about creating an environment where emerging professionals feel
Start Smart, Grow Strong: A Founder’s Guide to Turning Vision into a Thriving Business
Launching your dream business isn’t just about passion — it’s about structure, vision, and strategic execution. The difference between an inspired idea and a thriving enterprise often lies in how well you align creativity with operational clarity. Below, we’ll explore actionable steps and systems that help founders build sustainable, growth-ready businesses. Clarify the Vision and Market Fit Every dream business begins with purpose — but purpose alone isn’t a business model.Before investing in
How to Promote a Local Event on a Shoestring Budget
Promoting an event without a big budget doesn’t mean you’re stuck with half-baked flyers and empty chairs. In fact, some of the most effective tactics cost little more than creativity, timing, and sweat equity. If you're a small business owner trying to get people in the door, the rules are different—you don’t need a national campaign, you need one that cuts through in your zip code. Here’s how to do it right, without draining your wallet. Start with Creative Guerrilla Buzz Tactics You don’t need
Buying a Struggling Business? Here’s How to Revive It for the Market You’re In Now
There’s a kind of pull that happens when you spot a business with bones. Maybe it’s the walk-in traffic. Maybe it’s the brand equity that’s still whispering through the dust. Or maybe it’s just the price tag — irresistible, because it comes with risk. But let’s not romanticize it: buying a failing business is a knife’s edge move. One that demands clarity, rhythm, and brutal specificity. If you’re going to do it, you need to know exactly where to look, what to keep, and what to rip out.Spot the spark, not
How Small Businesses Can Handle Organizational Shifts
Organizational change isn’t just for sprawling corporate skyscrapers with mission statements etched in glass. It’s for you, in the corner café with the espresso machine that rattles like it’s alive. It’s for the two-person accounting firm working out of a garage that still smells like oil. The moment you decide to shift how your business runs—whether it’s hiring a new manager, switching software, or moving your entire operation online—you’ve entered the ever-messy, deeply human, and rarely linear world of
Strengthen Your Business with a Streamlined Client Onboarding Experience
In the competitive landscape of service-based industries, the client onboarding process is a pivotal moment that can set the tone for future interactions. A well-executed onboarding experience not only enhances client satisfaction but also lays the groundwork for enduring partnerships. By integrating smart strategies and leveraging technology, businesses can transform onboarding from a routine task into a strategic advantage. This approach not only streamlines operations but also demonstrates a commitment
