A Big Story For This Storyteller

For Bernie Hunhoff, South Dakota holds countless stories that deserve to be told.

The Yankton journalist has used that belief during the past four decades in founding and growing South Dakota Magazine. The publication explores the people and places of the Rushmore State, including facts and photos that even lifelong state residents may not know.

“Today, it’s far and away the largest general interest publication in the state with 40,000 subscribers and 150,000 readers,” Hunhoff said. “It didn’t happen overnight, and probably more profit-minded publishers might have quit a few times along the way. But we simply felt our home state deserved its own good magazine.”

In recognition of his contributions, Hunhoff has been selected for the South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHOF) in the arts/entertainment category. Because of COVID-19, the SDHOF committee will host a virtual induction ceremony Sept. 12. Depending on the pandemic, the organization plans an in-person honors program next spring or summer, he said.

Hunhoff describes his HOF inclusion as a “wonderful honor,” but he’s quick to credit the team that has made the magazine a continuing reality.

Via Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan