UWW Keynote Speaker

Bernie Hunhoff of South Dakota Magazine

In 1985, Bernie Hunhoff and his wife Myrna assembled the first issue of South Dakota Magazine in the kitchen of their home in Gayville, SD.  Today, the bi-monthly magazine is published in Yankton, SD.  It has grown to 40,000 plus subscribers and an estimated readership of 160,000.  Bernie has preserved the stories of the colorful, unforgettable characters and interesting places and events that define South Dakota culture, heritage, arts, nature and communities. Bernie says, "I've been stuck on gumbo trails in Lyman County, been hissed at by rattlers at Porcupine, and forced to eat everything from lutefisk to roast goat. It's all part of the job of publishing South Dakota Magazine." These experiences led him to write the book, "South Dakota Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities and Other Offbeat Stuff".  

Bernie Hunhoff has served in the SD State Legislature since 1992. Currently, Bernie serves as the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.  

Although Bernie Hunhoff would never admit it, he is one of the interesting and memorable people that make up the "collective soul" of South Dakota. We are very pleased and honored to have him share his stories and experiences with us as our UWW 2010 Keynote Speaker.