it was a page with color on it, we would have to cut the color by hand with amber overlift and a X-Acto knife, which would take hours to do.” While in Denver, the Internet started becoming a factor in the print business and in everyday life, and he saw how newspapers began to adapt to the online world. “I’m proud to say that newspapers are much stronger in almost every market you look at than radio and TV,” he said. “In South Dakota, we’re very fortunate because newspaper penetration is huge in a lot of markets. Yankton is one of those.” He noted that a recent study done by the South Dakota Newspaper Association showed that more than 30 percent of newspaper readers are between the ages of 18-35 and that 90 percent of newspaper readers are registered voters. “We have an educated populace in the state that are newspaper readers,” he said. As he is heavily involved in the business side of the industry, Wood doesn’t often contribute to the newspaper in editorial form. He said he occasionally does, however, when he has a strong opinion about something. “We want to make sure everyone has a voice, but we want people to understand that if they have a voice I vehemently disagree with, I’m going to respond accordingly,” he said. As publisher, he hears from customers when they are happy or unhappy with something published in the newspapers or magazines. “Some of the biggest disappointments are to have people that want to disagree, but not do so in a respectful manner,” he said. “The biggest challenge of the job is to be able to deal with those people and figure out the best way to make it work.” When he needs an escape from the pressures of the job, he enjoys woodworking, riding horses with Deedee, his wife of 22 years, or catching up with his children, 20-year old Rachel who is attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, and 19-year old Eli, who works for a manufacturing plant in Nebraska. Though the job of owner/publisher is difficult at times, Wood admits he gets a sense of fulfillment when people are pleased with the work Yankton Media, Inc., has done for the local communities. “I feel very privileged and honored to be a part of (the newspaper industry) here and to be able to provide our readers and advertisers with great local content that’s important to both of them,” he said. n What Is The Comfort Care Club? The Comfort Care Club service program is planned maintenance on your heating and cooling equipment. You can choose between one easy payment or low monthly payments, making the club affordable for every households. Some of the benefits: VIP Customer Maintenance Program •Professional precision tune-ups twice a year •15% off all parts and labor •No overtime rates on after hour calls, 7 days a weeks including holidays 2401 Broadway, Yankton HEATING & COOLING 605-665-9461 • www.larrysheatingandcooling.com HISVOICEvJULY/AUGUST 2018v15