Speakers
Shannon Cole
Jul 15, 2026
Vermillion Cultural Association
Katie Heine
Jul 22, 2026
Clay County Fair
Board Members of Vermillion Next
Jul 29, 2026
Vermillion Next
Tyler Titze
Aug 05, 2026
Anytime Fitness and Nutrition
open date
Aug 12, 2026
open date
Aug 19, 2026
open date
Aug 26, 2026
Vermillion School Principals
Sep 09, 2026
The school year
Ryan Howlett
Sep 16, 2026
CEO, Friends of SDPB
Mike Gibson
Sep 23, 2026
District Governor address
Dr. Damon Alvey
Oct 21, 2026
Vermillion School District Annual Report
View entire list...
Links
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Club Information
  Welcome to Vermillion Rotary Club's Website
Vermillion

Rotary Serving Humanity

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Al Neuharth Media Center - USD
Mailing address PO Box 634
Vermillion, SD 57069
United States of America
We meet almost every Wednesday at noon.
District Site
Venue Map
Home Page Stories

What is a Data Center - A Conversation
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 10, 2026
Enjoy this discussion about the pros and cons of large data centers. Click on the link below to view the presentation on the club's YouTube channel.

Blankenau discusses the SAM Water Projects in Zambia
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 03, 2026
Don Blankenau discusses the SAM Project's water projects in Zambia during the June 3, 2026 Vermillion Rotary Club Meeting. These projects are bringing water to very rural, arid areas of Zambia where there is little water available during eight months of the year. Many of these projects have been funded by Rotary International Grants. Learn more about just one of many wonderful projects being funded by Rotarians around the globe. Click on the image below to view the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel. Find out more about Project SAM's water projects on their website: https://www.thesamproject.ca/water

SD Ground Water Quality Monitoring Network
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 18, 2026
Dr. Thomas Marshall of the SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources' SD Geological Survey discussed the Ground Water Quality Monitoring Network at the May 13, 2026 meeting. This network consists of 148 active monitoring wells in 83 sites that track the quality of water in 25 aquifers. The network determines the present ground water quality, short term changes as well as long term trends. To view the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, click on the image below. 

Vermillion Students and Residents Travel to Ratingen
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 06, 2026
Vermillion teachers Kami Dibley and Lenni Billberg joined the Vermillion Rotary Club to discuss the upcoming trips to Ratigen Germany, Vermillion's sister city, by Vermillion High School students in the GAPP (German American Partnership Program) program and other Vermillion residents. Both group will be part of the 750th birthday for the city of Ratingen. This video presents information on those who will be traveling and the activities they will enjoy. Click on the image below to watch the presentation on this page or visit this address to view tthe presentation on the Club's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/tpDxHRJr8EQ

Rest in Peace Rotarian James "Jim" Wilson
Posted on May 06, 2026
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of our friend, Jim Wilson. In Rotary and in all aspects of his life, Jim was a wonderful servant of his community. This photo of Jim by Tim Schreiner was used for a special recognition for life long historic preservation achievements, one of the many recognitions he received for serving others.

Rotary Supports the GAPP Travel to Germany
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 06, 2026
Vermillion High School Instructors Kami Dibley and Lenni Billberg accept the ceremonial "big check" from Vermillion Rotary to help with the funding for this Summer's German American Partnership Program (GAPP) trip to Germany. The funds will help with the escalating costs of travel for the 22 Vermillion School District students who will have this wonderful opportunity. Don't worry, they were also given a normal sized check.

World Immunization Week and End Polio Now!
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 23, 2026
World Immunization Week is a chance for Rotary and others interested in the prevention of disease through immunization to highlight the need for immunization. This video talks about Rotary's work with global partners to eradicate polio from the planet. Find out more about the "End Polio Now" campaign and World Immunization week at https://www.endpolio.org/. Click on the image below to watch a short video about Rotary's efforts to end Polio!

USD Medical School Move to Sioux Falls Discussed
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 15, 2026
University of South Dakota officials joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on April 15 to answer questions regarding the move the USD Medical School to Sioux Falls. The panel included University of South Dakota's Academic Provost, Kurt Hackemer, College of Arts & Sciences Dean, John Dudley, and Dean of Division of Biomedical & Translational Sciences in the Medical School, Phil Mayhan. The discussion was moderated by Alissa Matt, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and University Relations at USD. Click on the image below to watch the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel. 

AI for Small to Medium Businesses and Nonprofits
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 01, 2026
Kevin Elsing of Elbo Computing Resources offers this insightful look into the role of AI for small to medium businesses (SMBs) and nonprofit organizations. He discusses the role of AI as employee - agents of automation - that can execute the mundane activities that take up our work day. Many of these agents will use Small Language Models (SLM) rather than the Large Language Models (LLM) used for more general AI - ChatGPT, Gemini, etc. AI for smaller businesses can be an equalizer that will allow them to compete with larger organizations. AI can be embedded into the organization's CRM, accounting, inventory management and marketing. Click on the image below to watch the video of his presentation on the club's YouTube channel. 

USD Tiospaye and the 52nd USD Wacipi
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 25, 2026
Members of the USD Tiospaye Student Council provide information on the Tiospaye student organization and the 52nd USD Wacipi. We thank them for the interesting information about the history of Wacipi, it's purpose, etiquette while attending, the different dance categories, and more. To view their presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below You can also find out more about the 52nd Wacipi here: https://www.usd.edu/Student-Life/Special-Events-and-Traditions/Wacipi

America's Underground Research Facility-SURF
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 18, 2026
Deb Wolf, Director of Strategic Partnerships, provides a detailed, informative presentation about America's underground research facility- the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in the site of the former Homestake mine. She presents fascinating discussion of the operations of facility, examples of research being conducted, the economic impact of the facility and so much more. The facility is so important because it's deep underground location blocks cosmic radiation allowing scientists to study rare subatomic events that would not be possible to study on the Earth's surface. Research on Dark Matter and Neutrinos is being conducted, along with projects in geology, biology and engineering. Click on the image below to view this wonderful presentation on the Vermillion Rotary's YouTube channel. 

SD Shakespeare Festival-2026, a Vermillion Gem
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 11, 2026
Artistic Director, Rebecca Bailey, and the president of the SD Shakespeare Festival's Board of Directors, Dennis Nelson, provide a preview of this year's performance, discuss the mission of the Festival, the timeline for the event, the number of actors auditioning, the history of the event, and more. Click on the image below to view her fascinating presentation on the Club's YouTube channel. To learn more about the event, you can turn to their website - https://www.sdshakespearefestival.org/ 

Kindergarten Book Giveaway -Read Across America
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 02, 2026

For the tenth year, the Vermillion Rotary Club celebrated Read Across America Day by providing all Kindergarten students in Vermillion with a free book. We hope that this will be just one small step to encourage the love of reading. Click on the image below to see a few photos from the 2026 book giveaway. 

 

Important Information about Obstructed Sleep Disorders
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 04, 2026
Dr. Jonathan Olson discusses Sleep Breathing Disorders (SBD) during the March 4, 2026 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Topics included sleep apnea, Obstructed Sleep apnea, Nocturnal Breathing Disorders, etc. The focus was on Obstructed Sleep Apnea (OSA), signs and symptoms of OSA, risk factors for OSA, comorbidities of sleep apnea, including diabetes, diagnosing OSA, wearables and other treatment options. To watch the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, click on the image below. 
 

Osteoporosis Explained and Treatments Discussed
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 25, 2026
Dr. Dena Jundt from Sanford Vermillion joined the Vermillion Rotary on February 25 for an informative talk explaining what Osteoporosis is and treatment options available. Click on the image below to watch her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.

Wonderful News from Vermillion Boys & Girls Club
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 11, 2026
Our thanks to the staff of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains for their information about the Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion program and what we can do to support the Club. Click on the image below to watch their presentation. Watch the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel by clicking on the image below. 
 

What's new at the Beacom School of Business-USD?
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 04, 2026
Klaus Beckmann, Interim Dean of the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota provides this update on the Beacom School at the Feb. 4, 2026 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Topics include the School's recent reaccreditation, enrollment trends, signature programs serving the students and South Dakota businesses, as well as the development of a new professional sales center. Simply click on the image below to view Dean Beckmann's presentation on the Club's YouTube channel. 
 

Missouri National Recreational River and Other SD/NE Parks
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jan 28, 2026
Abby Schauer, Park Ranger, offered an insightful look at the gem in our backyard, the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR). We appreciate the insight into the MNRR and how it contributes to the US National Park Service. The review of National Park Service locations in Nebraska and South Dakota highlighted what is available in our region. To learn more about the MNRR, follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MissouriNationalRecreationalRiver) or visit their website (https://www.nps.gov/mnrr/index.htm). To watch her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, click on the image below. 

Learning about the Polaris Distribution Center
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jan 21, 2026
Vermillion Rotarians appreciate the presentation providing background information on the size of the Polaris organization, sales growths, global manufacturing locations, distribution centers and corporate brands. We also enjoyed the second half of the discussion with a look at the parts, garments and accessories division, which is the focus of the Vermillion Distribution Center. To view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel, click on the image below. 

The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jan 14, 2026
Robin Schiro provides an overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Pollution Prevention Act, how it has been implemented in other states, and calls for efforts to participate in the program from South Dakota organizations. To view her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

SD Legislative Preview from District 17 Legislators
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jan 07, 2026
Our thanks to SD District 17 Legislators Sydney Davis and Chris Kassin for their preview of the 2026 South Dakota Legislative session. We are especially appreciative of their willingness to answer questions from their constituents in attendance at the January 7, 2026 meeting of the Vermillion, SD Rotary Club. To view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube Channel, you can CLICK HERE or on the image below. 

USD President Shelia Gestring Discusses USD Updates
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Dec 03, 2025
Our thanks to USD President Sheila Gestring for her update on recent investments into the University. You can click on the link below to watch the presentation on the club's YouTube channel. 

Junior Achievement Helps Thousands of SD Students
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 19, 2025
Tessa Wilber, Senior Manager of Student Experiences for Junior Achievement of South Dakota, provides an informative look at the activities of JASD. In addition to informing our members of the mission of the organization, the size of their activities, Ms. Wilber also outlines numerous ways that individuals can volunteer to support JASD's efforts to improve the lives of young people. If you are interested in finding out more, you can turn to the organization's website at https://southdakota.ja.org/ or call (605) 336-7318. You can view her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel by clicking on the image below. 

2025 Clay County Historic Preservation Awards
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 12, 2025
Our thanks to the members of the Clay County Historic Preservation Commission (https://cchpc.org/) for allowing the Vermillion Rotarians to help celebrate the 2025 preservation awards. You can watch the presentation and hear from the recipients by clicking on the image below to open the club's YouTube channel. 

Property Taxes in SD Compared to Housing Value
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 05, 2025
Thank you Dr. Ray Ring for your detailed, fact-based discussion of South Dakota property taxes (owner occupied) and how they compare in the region, as well as to the growth in home values. We also appreciate the discussion of how the property taxes are calculated. To watch the video on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel, please CLICK HERE or on the image below. 

Coach Peterson Provides Insights into USD Men's Basketball
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 22, 2025
South Dakota Men's Basketball Coach, Eric Peterson, joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on October 22, 2025 to provide an insider's look at Division I basketball. In addition to some background on this year's players and his background that led him to USD, Peterson provides an interesting explanation of the challenges for coaches and players in the age of the Transfer Portal and NIL. He also discusses some recent rule changes and how those may impact the game. Click on the image below to view his presentation on the Club's YouTube channel. 

Economic Development in Vermillion - Jim Peterson
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 15, 2025
Our thanks to Jim Peterson, CEO and President of the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company, for his presentation on current economic development activities in Vermillion. We appreciate the insight into areas of land that are currently owned by the VCDC to encourage development and the use of the TIF as a mechanism to promote development in the community. Learn more at the chamber website: https://livevermillion.com/. Click on the image below to view his presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.

Vermillion Public Power and the MRES Energy Cooperative
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 08, 2025
Our thanks to Andrew Johnson, Member Programs Coordinator for the Missouri River Energy Services, for this information packed discussion of the value of public power and how MRES as a public power cooperative benefits the customers of their member utilities. Click on the image below to find out about the types of public power, where Vermillion gets its power, how MRES operates, and more.

USD Volleyball Update from Coach Williamson
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 01, 2025
Definitely one of our most anticipated programs of the year - an update from USD Volleyball Head Coach Leanne Williamson! Watch the video to learn more about this year's team, some of the individual players, their recent travels, their training, and so much more. Thank you, Coach Williamson! Click on the image below to watch her presentation. 
 

Addition to Rotary Park Honors Joe Edelen's Service
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 28, 2025
Last fall, our club lost Joe Edelen, a member who had provided excellent service to our club and the community for decades. Last week we unveiled the recently-installed bench at Rotary Park that honors Joe. This park meant a lot to Joe and Mary Edelen and it's only fitting that the recognition of his contributions be made there.  

Supt. Alvey Describes the State of Vermillion's Schools
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 24, 2025
At the Sept. 24 Vermillion Rotary meeting, Dr. Damon Alvey, Supt. of the Vermillion School District, offered insight into the state of Vermillion's Schools. In addition to providing a summary of the four years of the "Envision Ed" program that is transforming education in the community, Dr. Alvey offered current statistics on enrollment trends, attendance rates, academic and extracurricular activities, staff sizes, and more. Click on the image below to watch his presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.

Online Scam Prevention and VPD Responses
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 03, 2025
Lt. Drew Gortmaker of the Vermillion Police Department visited the Vermillion Rotary Club to help us recognize and avoid fraudulent activity and scams. Here are a few of the statistics on the importance of this problem that were discussed in the presentation: 1. Online scamming had reported losses of $12.5 billion in the U.S. in 2024. 2. 73% of Americans across all age groups have experienced some kind of online scam or attack. 3. Americans most commonly report that online hackers made fraudulent claims to their credit or debit cards (48%). Click on the image below to view the video of Lt. Gormaker's presentation on the Club's YouTube channel. 

Heartland Humane Society Serves Our Community
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 06, 2025
Kerry Feilmeier provides a wonderful overview of the operations at the Heartland Humane Society, including some interesting discussion of statistics from the first half of 2025. The later discussion includes the large number of programs offered by Heartland Humane Society, how HHS impacts Vermillion, their goals for growth and veterinary care needs. To watch the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 
 

Vermillion City Council Provides Update to Rotarians
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 23, 2025
Our thanks to Vermillion Mayor, John Cole and City Council members Lindsey Jennewein and Al Leber for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club to discuss recent Council actions and goals for the future. To view their discussion on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

Rotary District 5610 Update for 2025-26
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 16, 2025
Rotary District 5610 Governor, Bruce Nearhood, was the guest of the Vermillion Rotary Club on Wednesday, July 16. Gov. Nearhood discussed the seven areas of focus for Rotary, how they were being applied in our organization and offered two challenges for our club. To view the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, click on the image below. 

Middle East Update Provided by Dr. Tim Schorn
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 09, 2025
Dr. Tim Schorn of the USD Political Science Department shares his insights into many of the most pressing issues in the Middle East at the current time. He discusses not only what has happened recently but some of the historical foundations of the issue and how the use might influence or be influenced by the topic. To view the video on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

Schmitz Discusses SD Soybean Assoc. & Checkoff Program
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 25, 2025
Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of the South Dakota Soybean Association and Soybean Checkoff, joined our club on June 25 to tell us about one of the major crops in SD, soybeans, and how his association is working with the national association to increase the uses for soybean products, improve the soybeans produced, and expand the markets for SD soybean producers. Click on the image below to watch the video of his presentation on the club's YouTube channel.

Dr. Jordan Discusses Measles and Vaccinations
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 18, 2025
Doctor Jessica Jordan from Sanford Vermillion joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on June 18, 2025. Her presentation includes detailed information on measles, why it is so dangerous, rates of measles in the US at different points of time, and the effectiveness of vaccination. Some of the other topics discussed include who is most at risk, statistics of the current outbreak, and truths about the MMR vaccine. Thank you, Dr. Jordan for joining our club, providing this wonderful information and for answering the many questions from the audience. To view her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, please click on the image below.

Promotion of Tourism in 14 Southeast SD Counties
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 11, 2025
Kasi Haberman, Executive Director of Southeast South Dakota Tourism, provides a fascinating analysis of the activities of this incredibly impactful organization. We appreciate the discussion of the impact of tourism in the 14 county region (and border states), member benefits, advocating for tourism, target audiences, channels of communication, some recent and upcoming promotional efforts, and all of the other information packed into this wonderful presentation. To view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel you can CLICK HERE or on the image below. 

Bailey Presents the 2025 SD Shakespeare Festival Overview
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 31, 2025
Rebecca Bailey, Executive Artistic Director for the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival, joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on May 28, 2025, to discuss the organizations mission and to introduce the 2025 festival schedule. We look forward to seeing the performance! To view the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel and discover this year's play, simply click on the image below. 

US Rep. Dusty Johnson Answers Constituent Questions
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 28, 2025
Our thanks to United States Representative Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD) for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club on May 28, 2025 to answer questions from Rotarians and their guests. If you would like to hear Rep. Johnson's responses, simply click on the image below or CLICK HERE to be redirected to the video on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel. 
 

Clay County Park's Prairie Restoration Project
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 07, 2025
The Vermillion Rotary Club was very fortunate to hear a fascinating presentation about the long-term Prairie Restoration Project that has just started at Clay County Park. If you would like to view this interesting effort to establish a 31-acre tall grass prairie, simply click on the image below.

Women’s Greek life at the University of South Dakota in 2025
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 23, 2025
Sophia Jerke, Abby Moore, & Avery Christensen joined the Vermillion Rotary Club at our April 23, 2025 meeting to provide the club members an insider look at the realities of sorority life in 2025. We appreciate their discussion of the service activities, philanthropy and recruitment practices in the SD Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi Sorority at the University of South Dakota. To view their presentation please click on the image below to be directed to the Club's YouTube page. 

Research Activities and Challenges at USD
Posted on Apr 16, 2025
Dan Engebretson, USD Vice President for Research, joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on April 16, 2025 to discuss the research activities and challenges. Thank you for your insight into the research activities at the University, one of the important missions of USD. We appreciate your insight into how the activities occurring in Washington D. C. may or may not have an impact on USD. CLICK HERE or on the image below to watch the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube Channel. 

Greening Vermillion Coordinates Earth Week 2025 Activities
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 09, 2025
Deb Christensen and Samantha O'Kelley from Greening Vermillion joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on April 9, 2025 to introduce the events that will be part of the 2025 Earth Week celebration. For more information about all of the events, you can go to their website, www.greeningvermillion.org.  To view their presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, please click on the image below.

Supt. Alvey Provides School District Update for 2024-25
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 26, 2025
Dr. Damon Alvey, Vermillion School District Superintendent, provides a wonderful update on the school district and what has happened so far during the 2024-25 school year. Much of the discussion focused on the new elementary school, but there was great information on the wide variety of topics that demonstrate the wide range of issues and activities in the District. You can watch the video on the Rotary Club's YouTube Channel by clicking on the image below. 

Update from USD Foundation & Alumni Association
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 05, 2025
Our thanks to Noah Shephard, President and CEO of the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association, for his wonderful presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club. He presents a thorough review of his first 10 months in the job, describing the new culture of the organization, the new people in the association, the dramatic increase in donations this year, their holistic fundraising system and some of the challenges facing the organization. We were particularly pleased with the honest and thorough answers to our questions at the end. To view his presentation on the club's YouTube channel click on the image below. 

A History of the Death Penalty in South Dakota
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 26, 2025
Thank you, Art Rusch, for your review of the 20 executions that have taken place in the Dakota Territory and the State of South Dakota. The backgrounds on the cases and the changing attitudes toward the death penalty made for a very interesting presentation. Click on the image below to watch the presentation on the Rotary Club's YouTube channel.

Vermillion Rotary Offers Three College Scholarships
Posted by Chuck Lubbers
Please encourage Vermillion High School seniors to apply for one of three, $1,000 college scholarships for 2025-26. The applications can be found in the "downloaded files" section on this website. The file can also be downloaded by clicking on the image below. 

USD"s Office of Service Learning
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jan 29, 2025
April Lee, Assistant Director of the USD Office of Service Learning & Community Engagement along with two student leaders (Jordan K., AWOL Vice President; River H., AWOL Director of Engagement & Retention) provide a wonderful summary of the Office of Service Learning’s (OSL) purpose and signature activities. The OSL’s mission is to provide ‘…a pathway to active citizenship by fostering a relationship between the USD campus and the Vermillion community partners, providing USD students with worthwhile, fully immersed volunteer experiences within the local communities. The goal is to create community collaborators who will continue to serve their communities where ever they go.”  

Rotary Learns About the Miss SD Organization
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Dec 04, 2024
Julia Stanek, Miss Hot Springs and current USD student, provides an overview of The Miss South Dakota Organization at the Dec 04, 2024 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Click on the image below to watch the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.
 

Vermillion Rotary Loses a Beloved Member
Posted by Chuck Lubbers
      The members of the Vermillion Rotary Club are saddened to note the passing of our beloved member, Joe Edelen. Joe took great pride in being a Rotarian and relished his many roles in the club. We benefited from his official roles in leadership, as well as his more unofficial role as a song leader. In this photo Joe helped to welcome new club members during an orientation ceremony. Joe truly epitomized the Rotary motto of, “Service Above Self.”
We were all fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with Joe, and we wish to thank Mary and all of his family for sharing Joe with us.
      Joe’s obituary can be found here (https://www.hansenfuneralhome.com/obituaries/joseph-edelen). As noted in the obituary, there will be a visitation on Monday, December 9 at the United Church of Christ in Vermillion from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with refreshments to follow. There will be time for memories of Joe at this service. The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Vermillion on Tuesday, December 10 beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a Rosary followed by greeting of the family and remarks by friends and family. The Mass will begin at 11 a.m.  with lunch to follow at the Main Street Inn in Vermillion. 

Troop 66-Nearly a Century of Vermillion Scouting
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 06, 2024
For nearly 100 years, Troop 66 has been serving Vermillion while developing the leadership skills of our young people. Wayne Berninger, Troop 66 Scoutmaster, provides a description of the basic tenants of Scouting, Scouting history, recent rebranding/redesign of the organization, and some history of Troop 66. Click on the image below if you would like to view his presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.

LIght Pollution Impacts Humans and the Environment
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 30, 2024
Our thanks to Susanne Skyrm for her presentation on light pollution, how light pollution impacts the lives of humans and animals, and the measures that can be taken to reduce the amount of light pollution so that we may enjoy the beautiful night sky. To view her presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel you can CLICK HERE or on the image below. 

2024 Clay County Historic Preservation Awards
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 23, 2024

Our thanks to Evelyn Schlenker and the members of the Clay County Historic Preservation Commission for making the presentation to the recipients of the 2024 Preservation Awards at the October 2024 Vermillion Rotary Club Meeting. Please enjoy this video of the award presentations to learn more about these preservation projects and the accomplishments of Jim Wilson. Our congratulations to the recipients: Jim Wilson - Special Recognition Award for Life Long Historic Preservation Accomplishments Dawne Olson - Restoration of the Saginaw School Mary Quirk - Preservation of the Solomon Anderson Barn (30535 470th Ave, Garfield Township) Becky Aga & JoAnn Stockland, Church Representatives - Preservation of the Bergen Lutheran Church (Meckling, SD) Find out more about the Commission's activities here https://cchpc.org  Click on the image below to view the award presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel. 

Rotarians serve as 2024 Dakota Days parade marshals
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 04, 2024
Congratulations to Vermillion Rotarians Susan and Doug Tuve for their selection as the parade marshals for the 2024 Dakota Days parade. In the social media announcement of their selection, USD said, 
     "You’ve seen Susan and Douglas Tuve at football games, and you've seen them at the opera. You've seen them around Vermillion supporting too many good causes to count.  And now this year, you can see them leading the D-Days Parade! Longtime USD champions Susan and Douglas Tuve have been selected to serve as the 2024 Dakota Days parade marshals.  Learn more about these inspiring members of our Coyote community  https://yote.us/4ezBgs9"

Coach Williamson Provides USD Volleyball Preview
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 02, 2024
Our thanks to University of South Dakota Volleyball head coach Leanne Williamson for her insightful look behind the scenes of our 'Yote volleyball program. We appreciate the insight into how the scheduling is done for the season, they dynamics of adding so many younger players this year, and a couple of new changes we will see this season. Click on the image below to view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel.

Historic Walking Tour of the USD Campus
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 25, 2024
Our thanks to Tim Schreiner for his presentation providing an historical walking tour of the University of South Dakota. For those of us employed by USD, it was fascinating to learn so much about the buildings that are part of the campus and those buildings that are no longer on the campus. Click on the image below to view the presentation on our Club's YouTube channel.  If you wish to learn more about these new publications, and find the online tour materials, you can go to the Clay County Historic Preservation Commission at https://cchpc.org/resources/ 
The two publications are:
    • "USD Campus and Historic Buildings Walking Tour" by Tim Schreiner
    • "A Campus Walk with Rabbit" Written by Evelyn Schlenker, Illustrations by Rebecca Gehm

Rotarians Receive USD President's Legacy Award
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 19, 2024
At the conclusion of her State of the University address today, President Sheila Gestring acknowledged five individuals for their commitment and service to the University of South Dakota by presenting them the Legacy Award. Our congratulations to all of the award recipients, but a special congratulations to Vermillion Rotarian's Patrick Morrison and Dan Van Peursem.
The Cohousing Concept Explained 
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 11, 2024
Our thanks to Betty Smith and Lana Svien for their September 11 presentation where they explain the concept of "cohousing." This innovative housing approach helps to reduce the loneliness felt by many seniors by creating a sense of community and developing connections. Cohousing also offers a housing option that has less impact on the environment. Please watch this presentation to learn why it is important to consider cohousing, what cohousing design entails, and the benefits of cohousing. To view their presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel, simply click no the image below. 

VCDC's Peterson Discusses Grow Vermillion Campaign
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 04, 2024
Jim Peterson, President & CEO of the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company, provides a quick summary of recent VCDC accomplishments and outlines the the new "Grow Vermillion" campaign. The goals of the campaign include measurable activities in the areas of expanding housing, expanding the workforce and enhance the quality of life in Vermillion. Please visit https://livevermillion.com/ for more information on the VCDC. Click on the image below to view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel. 
District Governor Outlines Club Priorities
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 28, 2024
Our thanks to Bruce Nearhood, 2024-25 Governor for Rotary District 5610, for his presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club. We appreciate your advice on directions the clubs in our District might take to prepare for the future. Your discussion of the four priorities for clubs will help to guide their transformation. Click on the image below to watch the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel.

Joint Jurisdiction Zoning Area Comprehensive Plan Update 
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 21, 2024
Sean Hegyi, a planner with the South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG), joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on August 21, 2024 to discuss a draft of a Joint Jurisdiction Zoning Area comprehensive plan update (JJZA plan). The plan developed by representatives of Clay County (SD) and Vermillion once approved will serve as a document to guide development in the growth area around Vermillion for the next couple of decades. Click on the image below to see the video of the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel. 

Clay County Fair has a Record-Setting Year in 2024
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 14, 2024
Thank you, Missy O'Connor, for your informative presentation on our county fair. The statistics on the Fair shows its popularity as well as the recent growth of the Fair. To see her presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel click HERE or on the image below. 

Everything You Need to Know about Clay County 4H
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 07, 2024
Katie Heine, Member Manager at the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company, joined the Vermillion Rotary on August 7, 2024. We appreciate the quick update on VCDC activities, membership and growth before moving on to the primary topic of the day - Clay County 4H. We appreciate your explanation of the the 4H pledge, the purpose of 4H and the current statistics about the Clay County 4H. The discussion of your memories was a wonderful way to outline all of the activities associated with 4H. If you would like to watch your wonderful, informative presentation on the club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

OLLI-USD Offers  Members Lifelong Learning Opportunities
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 31, 2024
Thank you for your wonderful presentation about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the July, 31, 2024 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. We appreciate your examples of the wonderful OLLI programs that are being offered in the upcoming semester. If you would like to find out more visit www.usd.edu/OLLI. To view the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 
 
USD - Sioux Falls Growing and Serving the Community
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 24, 2024
Our thanks to Jay Parry, Vice President for USD–Sioux Falls, for his wonderful presentation about the performance of the USD-Sioux Falls campus, as well as the discussion of the relationship to the USD Vermillion campus. We also appreciate the information on population and enrollment trends for SD and bordering states from which we draw the most students. This presentation provides great information on the growth of programs on the Sioux Falls Campus and the student populations being served by that campus. Click on the image below to watch this wonderful presentation, or you can click HERE to watch it on the Club's YouTube channel. 
 

Thank You, Beta, for Sharing Your RYE Experience
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 24, 2024
It was wonderful to hear from RYE student Beta Camergo as she completed her year in the US. In one week she returns to Brazil with wonderful memories and plans to host her American friends from Vermillion. Click on this link to see a couple of photos from her introductory presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club on Nov. 1, 2023 and more photos from her July 24, 2024 good-bye talk. Thank you for joining us Beta! Click on the image below to view a slideshow of some photos of her presentations or choose it from the "Photo Albums" link at the top. 

A History of Direct Democracy in South Dakota
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 17, 2024
The program for the Club's July 17 meeting was presented by Doug Kronaizl. His presentation on direct democracy practices in SD over the last 126 years discussed the periods of time where direct measures increased an decreased. He also outlined bills/proposed legislation that would have impacted the way that are conducted. Some of the proposed legislation would have made the process easier, while other bills would make the process more difficult. You can view this informative presentation on the Club's YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE or on the image below. 

President Berninger Outlines Club Goals for 2024-25
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 10, 2024
Melissa Berninger, 2024-25 President of the Vermillion Rotary Club gave the weekly program on July 10. She reviewed Rotary's Areas of Focus, discussed some current projects of the club, and encouraged everyone to suggest new ways that our club could serve the community and world. She also outlined her primary goal for the year, increasing membership by 10%. We look forward to your leadership! To view her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

Melissa Berninger to Serve as 2024-25 Club President
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 29, 2024
Prior to the duck race, current club president Kevin O'Kelley turns over the club leadership to Melissa Berninger, who will serve as president for 2024-25. The ceremonial passing of the gavel and Rotary bell signals the passing of leadership from Kevin to Melissa. After taking over the club leadership, Melissa Berninger presents Kevin O'Kelley with a plaque recognizing his wonderful leadership as well as his Paul Harris Fellow certificate.

2024 Vermillion Rotary Duck Race Raises $4,500
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 28, 2024
Tonight (June 28) the Vermillion Rotary Club held the 2024 Vermillion Rotary Great Duck Race. The race featured 900 ducks each sponsored for $5, that go down the slide and through the lazy river at the Prentis Park Aquatics Center. The $4,500 raised will be used for a variety of community projects in the upcoming year. Our thanks to all the duck sponsors, the staff of the Prentis Aquatics Center, and the City of Vermillion Parks and Recreation Department for their support.  Check out photos from the event in Photo Album page or CLICKING HERE or on the image below. 

USD Athletics in the Changing world of College Athletics
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 12, 2024
Our thanks to Jon Schemmel for his candid and informative presentation on some major changes in college athletics and how USD Coyote Athletics compares to our peer programs. We appreciate the explanation of the changes in the department structures as well as the discussion of USD compares to the other universities in terms of spending, sponsorship and media rights, ticket sales, etc. The detailed and candid discussion of the financial realities is appreciated. You can view this wonderful presentation on the Rotary Club's YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.

Community Partnership Works on Daycare Initiatives
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 05, 2024
Thank you Jim Peterson, CEO of the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Corporation, for your presentation on the planning grant and implementation grant that are helping to alleviate the lack of daycare in Vermillion. We were pleased to hear that the work of so many community members and groups is leading to a number of community-based solutions for this important issue. Please click on the image below to see the presentation on the Rotary Club's YouTube channel. 

Rotary Donates to the 7th Annual River Honoring Event
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 05, 2024
Grace Freeman and Geoffrey Gray-Lobe of the Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River accept a donation from the Vermillion Rotary Club to support the Friends’ 7th Annual River Honoring Event at Clay County Park on Sunday, June 9. The check was presented by club president Kevin O' Kelley at the June 5 meeting. Find out more about the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/470366368697727/ or https://fomnrr.org/event/river-honoring-event/

Update on  New Clay Area Law Enforcement Center
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 22, 2024
Thank you Vermillion Police Department Chief, Crystal Brady, and Sherriff Andy Howe for your wonderfully detailed description of the new Clay Area Law Enforcement Center. We appreciate your description of the different elements of the Center. Click on the image below to watch the presentation. 
 
 

Adopt-a-Drain Program Promotes Environmental Protection
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 15, 2024
Our thanks to Samantha O'Kelley and Deb Christensen for their interesting and informative presentation about the "Adopt-a-Drain" project, a signature project for Greening Vermillion (https://www.greeningvermillion.org/painted-drains).We appreciated seeing the examples of the drain paintings and learning more about the mile-long, "Wase Wakpa" Trail. To view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

The New USD Rotoract Club Serves the Community
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 24, 2024
Thank you, Ella Dockendorf, president-elect, and Maggie Pallesen, Meals on Wheels Coordinator, for your wonderful presentation about the new USD/Vermillion Rotaract Club. In less than a year the club has grown to over 40 members who are either USD students or young professionals in the community. You have already taken an active role in service projects and demonstrated your commitment to helping improve your community. We appreciate your background information on Rotary and Rotoract. The Vermillion Rotary looks forward to working on projects. To view their presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel, click on the image below. 

Vermillion Second Grade Students Receive Helmets
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 19, 2024
For nearly 30 years, the Vermillion Rotary Club has partnered with the Vermillion Medical Clinic to provide a new bicycle helmet for all Vermillion students in the second grade. To read the Vermillion Plain Talk story about the program you can CLICK HERE or on the image below. As he has in the past, Dr. Matt Krell brought X-rays and a watermelon to help students understand the dangers of riding without a helmet. The students heard from many others who talked about using bikes safely in so many ways. 
Club Executives & Directors
President
Deb Christensen
President Elect
James Fowler
Treasurer
Kevin O'Kelley
Secretary
Kathy Chandler
Past President
Mark Yockey
Director
Chuck Lubbers
Public Image Chair
Chuck Lubbers
Director
Dan Van Peursem
Director
Paddy Rosdail
Foundation Chair
Melissa Berninger
Webmaster
Chuck Lubbers
Club Documents
Download Files
2026 Vermillion Rotary Scholarship
SD Shakespeare Festival-March 26
Pollution Prevention-Jan. 2026
SD Legislative Preview-Jan 26
Volunteers at CCC- Jan 2026
United Way Approach-Dec 25
USD Leading Way-Dec 2025
Junior Achievement-Dec 25
Property Taxes- Dec 2025
TIFs-EconDevelop-Nov25
Economic Development-Nov25
Public Power Rates-Oct 2025
School District Update-Oct 25
Heartland Humane Soc-Aug25
Light Pollution - Nov 2024
World Polio Day - Oct 2024
Join or Die Film - Oct 2024
Citizen Ballot Measures-Oct 2024
2024 Clay County Fair-Aug 2024
USD-Sioux_Falls-Aug-2024
Law Enforcement Ctr -June 2024
Childcare Challenges-June 2024
Fraud Prevention-May 2024
Bike Helmets - April 2024
Open Primaries-March 2024
SD Shakespeare Festival-March_24
SD Retail Trade Patterns-March_24
World Conflicts - Feb. 2024
Economic Development-Jan 2024
Legislative Preview-Jan. 2024
Exchange Student-PlainTalk-Dec 23
Alzheimer's Assoc-Nov 2023
Nat'l Music Museum-Oct 2023
New SD Laws-Aug 2023-Plain Talk
Boys-Girls Club May 2023-PlainTalk
Library Director-Plain Talk-May 23
VSD Pres-PlainTalk_Oct. 22
MRES Presentation-2022- Plain Talk
Rotary Club Profile-Volante-Oct 21
Rotary Support Community Mural-2021
Duck Race 21 - Plain Talk
Duck Race 20 - Plain Talk
Duck Race-June 21 2019 Plain Talk
Bike Helmets-May 3 2019-Plain Talk
Osborne Stresses Spirituality
Osborne to Keynote at District Conf-Sept 2018
SD Gov. Daugaard Visit - Dec 2017 Plain Talk article
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