My name is Gary Dickson and I’m the publisher of this news blog. Also, except where indicated, all photographs and commentary are mine and are protected by copyright. Occasionally I will reblog or republish stories others have written — with their permission. When that happens, copyright laws are followed and those persons are protected by those laws as well.

I have been a weekly newspaper editor, photojournalist, corporate trainer, mental health and substance abuse counselor, and university continuing education administrator.

I decided to retire in September 2017 after working at a terribly dysfunctional group mental health practice. After selling our house in the Morningside neighborhood of Sioux City, my wife, Nancy and I moved across the Big Sioux River to Dakota Dunes, SD. Nancy, who is five years my junior, continues to bring home a full-time paycheck so I can maintain my leisurely lifestyle. This includes homeschooling our cat Willie, writing this blog, taking more photographs, volunteering and possibly someday getting a part-time job.

I believe I am fairly well-versed in the geography, history, government, and people of the North Central Great Plains but will be the first to admit that I don’t know everything and still have a lot to learn. I’ve lived in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska and have spent much of my life traveling the region and writing about and photographing the people and land of the Great Plains.

I’ve been married to Nancy Bingner Dickson far longer than I’ve been married to anyone else, and intend to keep it that way. I’m originally from Sturgis, SD and Nancy is from Chancellor, SD.

This is a combination photo blog and a news blog. Readers will find observations of the people, places, and things that I encounter in this wonderful area known as Siouxland. You will find that I occasionally insert satire into my writing. I am nothing, others have said, if not an amusement to myself.

For photo equipment, I am currently using a Nikon D3100 DSLR and a Samsung S5 smartphone.