FROM THE EDITOR

Last year at this time, we were so excited to have the Aberdeen Central High School Show Choir on our cover to celebrate their successful season. I remember feeling super happy for these local kids to be highlighted in this way because it isn’t every day show choir makes the headlines. Then, just before they were about to host a big competition here in town in March 2020, COVID caused their momentous season to abruptly come to a halt.

Editing this issue that you’re about to read, I couldn’t help but notice how, one year later, the pandemic still touches almost every story we publish. I would never have imagined we’d still be talking about the virus Jenny Roth so much, and sometimes I admit I don’t want to be, but I think it’s close at MANAGING EDITOR heart because we’re all reflecting on how far we’ve come since last March and comparing life from then to now. How we do business, run nonprofits, get an education, work, participate in community activities, and live has all changed. You’ll see a firsthand look at real examples of this as you browse these pages. The part that amazes me most is our ability to make these changes and keep moving forward. I already have it marked on my calendar for March 2022 to look back on this issue and see how much we talk about the virus one year from now compared to today. I’m hopeful it’s barely a thought.

If you’re ready to start reading, definitely flip to our cover story on page 62. It’s a really cool history piece on our first federal building and the senator who made it possible. We’re also sharing a behindthe-scenes tour of DemKota, stepping inside some local businesses both old (The Corner Book Shoppe) and new (The Bee Hive), admiring art from woodworker Mike McHugh, talking about sports parenting with Dave Vilhauer, and getting to know the City Planning Department.

Wishing you all a wonderful spring! //

 CONTRIBUTORS

 JOSIE CLEMENS is an intern at McQuillen Creative Group and a senior at Presentation College studying communications. She enjoys reading, writing, and solving puzzles in her free time.

 JAMES HEISINGER is a junior at NSU and a writer for Northern's newspaper, The Exponent. He writes movie reviews and serves as president of the NSU Honors Club.  KAYLYN DEITER is a freelance editor, writer, and publicist. When she doesn't have her nose in a book, you can find her walking around downtown Aberdeen with her fiancé, Joe, and their fluff-ball of a dog, Belle.

 SHEILA RICHARDS is an original stakeholder in the Aberdeen Area Diversity Coalition, presently serving as chair. Now retired, she has worked as a teacher and as an ordained clergy for United Methodist congregations in South Dakota.  JENIFER FJELSTAD is a journalism and French major studying at Augustana University. In her free time, she enjoys dancing in hiphop and pom styles with the Augustana Spirit Squad.

 SUSAN SCRUPSKI is a writer, filmmaker, advocate, and publisher. She enjoyed a long career in the tech industry, and now spends her free time photographing the beautiful South Dakota landscape.  PATRICK GALLAGHER is a regular contributor commenting on Aberdeen’s personality, food options, and history.

 DANIEL WISE was born and raised in Aberdeen and grew up living in Washington, D.C. When not spending time with family and friends, Daniel loves watching and writing about soccer.

 ANGIE CLEBERG and AARON SCHULTZ are on the executive team at the United Way of Northeastern South Dakota. The United Way is instrumental in providing support for health and human service programs in our community.

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2 • MARCH / APRIL 2021

ISSN 2378-3060

MANAGING EDITOR

Jenny Roth jenny.roth@aberdeenmag.com

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen troy@mcquillencreative.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Eliot Lucas eliot@mcquillencreative.com

AD SALES

Julie Lillis julie.aberdeenmag@gmail.com

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McQuillen Creative Group

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