10 Broadcaster Press are so fortunate and grateful to have a Board of Trustees who are so supportive in spirit and financial generosity.” The Museum created several preliminary designs over the last decade, tenaciously seeking a balance between ideal concept and pragmatic budgeting. Koch Hazard Architects of Sioux Falls, SD, and Schwartz/ Silver Architects of Boston, MA, prepared the updated plans, which were the result of consultations with the Museum staff, the University of South Dakota, and the NMM Board. Architect Jeff Hazard elaborates: “The addition is simple and monumental in form but delicate in its details, both responding and deferring to the architectural spirit of the original building.” The new design will also feature “a prominent new ADA accessible entrance to the Museum, while leaving the historic, classical entrance intact.” The National Music Museum is located in the former 1910 Carnegie Library building on the campus of the University of South Dakota, at the corner of E. Clark and Yale Streets. It houses one of the world’s largest and most important collections of musical instruments, with 15,000 items currently in its holdings and 1,200 on public display. The NMM owns some of the most historically significant musical instruments in existence – including the earliest known cello, the incomparable Andrea Amati ‘King’ (mid-1500’s); four Antonio Stradivari stringed instruments; the oldest playable harpsichord; Adolphe Sax-made saxophones; as well as guitars used by Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, B. B. King, and John Entwistle. Founded in 1973, the National Music Museum Inc. is a non-profit entity in partnership with the University of South Dakota. One Thousand Kids ... And Counting During her residency while attending the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Dr. Mary Jo Olson of Vermillion had helped with the delivery of a couple hundred babies. So, when Dec. 6, 2000 arrived and Olson helped bring Shelby Husby, the daughter of Jason and Bobby Jo Husby of Vermillion into the world, it wasn’t a brand new experience for the Vermillion physician. It was special, just the same. “I was brand new in being on my own,” Olson said. “When you were in residency, you always had somebody standing back behind you, watching you.” Helping Bobby Jo deliver Shelby, she admitted last Thursday, was a lot of fun, and she knew it was something she wouldn’t mind doing time and again. That’s exactly what’s happened in the nearly two January 29, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com decades that Olson has been practicing medicine in Vermillion. On Friday, March 30, Olson helped welcome Sidney Ann, the daughter of Dustin and Sarah Wolforth of Elk Point, into the world. Sidney is the 1,000th baby the Vermillion doctor has delivered. Last Thursday, April 5, Sanford Vermillion helped mark this special milestone in Olson’s medical career. The waiting room of the Sanford Vermillion clinic was filled with dozens of children of various ages – 81 to be exact. All of them had something in common. They all are among the 1,000 unique individuals the Vermillion doctor has delivered since she began practicing medicine in Vermillion on Aug. 1, 2000. “It’s a miracle, every single time,” Olson said. “I’ve been very graced and privileged that God has let me do this.” Sanford Vermillion Hospital CEO Tim Tracy gave people attending the Dakota Hospital Foundation annual banquet in 2011 a primer on Olson’s medical career and her contributions to local health care before presenting her with that year’s Community Health Service Award. He noted that Olson was instrumental in re-establishing Sanford Vermillion Medical Center as a regional presence -- a place where people look when they are in a time of need. She, like many of the other physicians, works very long and hard, wearing hours that are really needed when you provide primary care in a rural setting. Primary medical care, he said, is Olson’s calling, and Sanford Vermillion truly is her place. “Mary Jo started with us in August of 2000, and prior to that we were delivering less than 60 newborns a year here in Vermillion,” Tracy said at the 2011 banquet. By 2010, “that number has nearly doubled, and it continues to rise because of Mary Jo and her partners. May President Gestring -- Vermillion Woman Introduced As Abbott’s Successor At USD A woman who has spent nearly a decade as the chief financial officer of the University of South Dakota will become the institution’s new president on June 22. The South Dakota Board of Regents voted unanimously Tuesday to name Sheila Gestring, vice president of finance and chief financial officer at USD, as the university’s new leader. The Regents met before a large audience in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center Tuesday. After the Regents approved her hiring, Gestring, her husband, Keith and their sons, Dillon, 15 and Wyatt, 13, entered the arena where the meeting was being held and were greeted by a standing ovation and loud applause. The group was accompanied by Sheila Gestring’s parents and by James W. Abbott, who will end his 21-year tenure as USD’s president when he retires in late June. “I would not be standing here today were it not for my family and their incredible love, devotion and support,” she said, thanking her husband and sons, and her parents “for instilling in me the strong, personal values, the integrity and the work ethic that set me out on the path that lead me here today.” She glanced down from the podium to Abbott, who was sitting just a few feet away in the front row of the audience. Gestring has worked closely with him since she first joined the USD finance staff in 2006, and described him as a mentor and friend. “I may never be able to thank you enough for all that you taught me,” she said to Abbott. “In your 21-year legacy, you’ve transformed the University of South Dakota. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation. We have numerous, award-winning faculty and students throughout all of our programs in the Ph.D., master’s and undergraduate areas.” Gestring noted that Abbott also elevated USD athletics and led the transition from NCAA Division II to Division I, helped to drive record-breaking fundraising campaigns for the university, and played a role in the USD Sanford School of Medicine being a recipient of one of the highest honors it could achieve. “I pledge to you to honor your legacy,” she said to the outgoing president, “by sustaining and building upon the solid foundation you’ve provided this university.” Gestring, a native of Springfield, served as chief financial officer at USD since 2010 and joined the USD finance staff in 2006. She has served on the President’s Executive Cabinet and was involved in academic and student topics, institutional problem solving and longterm strategic planning. She also served as the university’s liaison to the USD Foundation and was involved in its “Onward-the Campaign for South Dakota” fund-raising campaign that surpassed a goal of $250 million several months early and may reach $300 million by its conclusion. Vermillion Robotics Teams Win At US Open, World Competition Teams from the Vermillion Area Robotics Club (VARC) had a fantastic showing this past month competing against robotics teams from across the nation and world. VARC teams finished in the top five at both the US Open, held in Omaha in mid-April, and at the World Competition, held earlier this week in Kentucky. VARC teams were among a small number of teams in South Dakota who were in- 59 105 East Cherry Street Vermillion, SD 57069 605-677-5214 www.vermillionfcu.com yEar in buSinESS 53 YEARS IN BUSINESS Mart Marine 1122 West Main Street • Vermillion, SD, 57069 605-624-3814 53 Brunick celebrating 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS 49 yearS in BuSineSS 43 YEARS IN BUSINESS 41 yEaRS in BuSinESS vited to attend the US Open and World competitions after placing well at the state robotics tournament earlier this spring. At the Create U.S. Open Championship, held April 18 in Council Bluffs, teams from around the United States along with guest teams from China competed in both VRC metals and plastic VEX IQ robotics divisions. Vermillion’s Team 1008X consisting of Boone Hollywood (from Gayville), Harshavardhan Kadarkaraisamy (Vermillion), and Caden Dial (North Sioux City), placed 3rd in Robot Skills, taking home a trophy. Meanwhile, the middle school VEX IQ team of 1008C landed 5th place overall in the Teamwork Challenge, after finishing 4th during qualification rounds. They also took the 5th place overall in Robot Skills. The middle school team of 1008E placed 46th during qualification rounds and 14th in Robot Skills. VARC’s elementary school team of 1008B placed 35th during qualification rounds and 24th in Robot Skills. On the VRC side of things, the middle school VRC team of 1008X took 3rd in Robot Skills overall, placing 35th in qualification rounds, and being selected to go into the finals rounds by the 16th ranked alliance. The high school VRC team of 1008M place 10th in Robot Skills overall after placing 20th in qualification rounds and being selected to go into finals with the 8th ranked alliance team. New Leadership, New Name For Vermillion Theaters Organization The Vermillion Downtown Cultural Association (VDCA) announces two changes this week, a transition in leadership and a new name for the organization. Both developments signal a new phase for the nonprofit organization. Shannon Cole will step into the role of VDCA executive director while also serving as marketing manager. Additionally, Brody Stone, long-time employee of the Coyote Twin, has been promoted to theater manager. The transition in leadership is brought about by the departure of Jason Thiel, VDCA executive director and Coyote Twin manager since 2016. Thiel will be returning to his home state of Colorado this month. “If I could pick up Vermillion and take it with me, I would,” said Thiel, who, in his time with the organization, oversaw major renovations to the Coyote 1 RED Steakhouse and Coyote 2 auditoriums, development of the pocket park mural alongside the theater’s east side, and daily operations of cinema – everything from promoting movies to making popcorn. “While we’re sad to see Jason go, we’re invigorated by Shannon joining our team. Her deep experience in public relations and cinema will help us reach our audiences in new and com- FURNITURE & FLOORING years 101 West Cherry St • Vermillion 605.624.8624 1966 - 2019 1100 W. Cherry St., Vermillion, SD 605-624-8688 Herren - Schempp Building Supply 1000 West Cherry Street • Vermillion, SD 605-624-2058 • www.herrenschempp.com BOB’S SINCLAIR SERVICE Self Service • Full Service • Tires • Oil Change • Repairs 200 E. Main St., Vermillion, SD 624-2731 Dr. Matthew Knutson Dr. Richard Knutson Dr. Brandon Jensen Caring Professional Staff Welcome Dr. Brandon! 605-624-6291 1714 E. Cherry St. Vermillion, SD www.knutsonfamilydentistry.com pelling ways,” said VDCA president Bill Anderson. “And Brody’s promotion to theater manager will ensure that the experiences people have come to expect from the VDCA and the Coyote Twin get even better.” “I’m pumped,” said Cole. “I feel like I’ve been looking for where I fit in Vermillion since I moved here two years ago, and this is definitely it.” Change in leadership also means an evaluation of the way VDCA does its work, said Anderson. “We’re looking for the best programming and show times and focusing on operational and community relations practices. We want to grow, do good work in the community, and ensure the sustainability of the association. After years of investing in improvements to the physical facilities, we now need to make operations and programming our priorities to really fulfill that mission.” Toward that end, as of May 2018, the VDCA will drop the “D” from its acronym, becoming the Vermillion Cultural Association (VCA). “In this town, one less letter makes a difference,” said Michelle Maloney, vice president of the organization, noting the abundance of V, D, C, and A’s in the names of local groups. “Initially, our name was to let people know where we are – downtown – but they know that now. And we’ve felt it’s a disservice to our partners who aren’t downtown. We’ve had a lot of support from USD, for example, and First Dakota [National Bank] gave us a large gift to open a gallery space. The theaters, the gallery – these spaces are for everyone.” June Dr. Dendinger Honored By DHF May 24 A Vermillion physician who provided decades of healing service to the Vermillion community until his recent retirement is the recipient of the 2018 Dakota Hospital Foundation’s Community Health Service Award. William Dendinger, MD, accepted the honor at the Dakota Hospital Foundation’s annual Community Leadership Dinner, held May 24 at the Muenster University Center on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion. “The Dakota Hospital Foundation began recognizing leadership in health care in 2001,” John Prescott, vice president of the foundation’s board of directors, told the banquet crowd. “This year’s honoree, Dr. Dendinger, embodies dedication to improving the health of our community.” The award presentation included a videotaped interview of the Vermillion physician shown on large screens in the banquet room. “I’m greatly honored and greatly humbled that I would receive this award from the Dakota Hospital Foundation,” Dendinger said during the interview. “It’s a great honor to receive this. I’ve read of the recipients of this award over the past 17 years and I realize I’m in company with a great group of individuals who really have served the community of Vermillion and especially the Sanford Vermillion Medical Center in many, many ways over these years.” Dendinger said any of the achievements or successes he’s had over the years are due to the work of many other individuals, including his physician colleagues, and the physician assistants that he’s worked with over the past 40 years while practicing medicine in Vermillion. “I would like to especially mention the ancillary staff, the laboratory technicians, the radiology technicians, all of the physical therapists and the occupational therapists, the dietary individuals, and I’d especially like to emphasize over the past 40 years that it’s really the nurses who have been the unsung heroes of medicine at our medical center,” he said. “I feel that as I receive this award, their names should also be on this award for all of their selfless care. They provide care for the patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week … they’re always there.” USD Discovery District Announces Anchor Tenants For Innovation Community The USD Discovery District and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced June 4 that SAB Biotherapeutics and Alumend will become the innovation community’s anchor tenants. The Discovery District, an 80-acre planned corporate and academic research park adjacent to the University Center in northwest Sioux Falls, will provide access to research facilities and infrastructure for research business development and foster collaboration for the commercialization of new technologies. The $30.9 million project will encompass not only a large multi-tenant research building, but also South Dakota’s first commercial cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) biotherapeutics manufacturing facility, and is being made possible by an historic strategic and financing partnership among the State of South Dakota, the University of South Dakota (USD), the City of Sioux Falls, the Board of Regents and the business community through Forward Sioux Falls. “The direct economic impact of the Discovery District, at full build out, is projected to include 26 privately developed buildings with facility construction value exceeding $314 million, employing almost 2,800 people through companies located in the District,” said Rich Naser, president of the USD Discovery District. “Thanks to the extraordinary and collaborative efforts of Gov. Dennis Daugaard, his team and many other partners, today, we are taking a significant step forward in delivering on that promise for South Dakota and the Sioux Falls region.” GOED has long supported the rapidly emerging biotech industry in South Dakota, and facilitated a significant financing package including state loans and grants, in addition to USD Foundation participation, to ensure a home not only for SAB Biotherapeutics and Alumend, but additional space for future biotech companies emerging in the state or choosing to relocate here, too. “Today’s announcement is a testament to our significant commitment to the biotech industry, clearing the way for the continued growth of innovation-based businesses,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “Transformational projects like the Discovery District require time and perseverance. I’m proud of the months of careful planning, deliberate actions and patience that have gone into this.” The first building will be an 84,000 square-foot multitenant research laboratory, office and biopharmaceutical manufacturing space. In addition to primary long-term tenants SAB Biotherapeutics and Alumend, the building will house the USD Discovery District offices and offer 20,000 square-feet of open leasable space. Irene Celebrates 125 Years This Weekend Driving east or west along Highway 46, the village of Irene arises quite suddenly. Tucked between two hills, the “Village in a Valley” is hidden from view until drivers reach the peaks of the hills on either side of the town, and then, there, in the valley below, lies the small town. This has always been part of the town’s charm, say locals. The community, which straddles three counties (Yankton, Clay, and Turner) and lies along Highway 46, was founded in 1893. This weekend, many will descend upon this valley to help the community of 425 people celebrate 125 years of existence. Planned activities this weekend include a parade, golf tournament, street vendors, children’s activities, tours of the town and school, and of course, the Irene Rodeo, which is celebrating its 26th year. July ‘Butina Indicted By Grand Jury Tuesday Additional legal action has been taken against Maria Butina, a Russian national with alleged ties to a top Russian official and who is also associated with Vermillion native Paul Erickson. Butina, who was charged Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C. with conspiracy to act as an agent of the Russian Federation, was indicted by a federal grand jury today (Tuesday, July 17) on a second offense of acting as an agent of a foreign government. According to the indictment, Butina entered the United States in August 2016 on an F-1 student visa. On her visa application, she declared that while she had been previously employed as a special assistant to a Russian official, this employment had ended on May 20, 2016. “Despite her attestation,” the indictment states, “Bu-