meet the contributors
jason ferguson
Jason Ferguson has been writing for the better part of 20 years and has won dozens of South Dakota Press Association awards , including being named the state ’ s Outstanding Young Journalist in 2002 . Ferguson has a bachelor ’ s degree in English and journalism from Chadron State College . He enjoys movies , exercising and being outdoors .
kate najacht
Kate Najacht moved to the Black Hills in 2014 , and to Kearney , Nebraska , in late 2021 , where she now works from the comfort of her kitchen table . An avid reader with degrees in English Literature and popular culture , she utilizes neither as Southern Hills Publishing ' s sole advertising sales coordinator , where her servant ' s heart comes into play helping businesses and the people who own and run them . She loves the Lord and gives Him all the glory .
esther noe
Esther Noe has been writing since she could first hold a pencil . In 2021 , she graduated with a bachelor ' s in Liberal Studies from Thomas Edison State University where she studied writing , communications and literature . Today Esther is an office manager and an award-winning journalist for Hill City Prevailer News . She was named the South Dakota Newspaper Association ' s Outstanding Young Journalist for weekly newspapers in 2022 . When not writing , she enjoys crafting , reading and spending time with family and friends .
leslie silverman laura lindblom deb mclain
Leslie Silverman has called the Black Hills home since 2018 . She earned a bachelor of arts degree in English and physics in 1994 and worked in education for more than 30 years before beginning her second career in journalism . She loves being outdoors and spending time with family , friends and her dog Sadie .
Laura is a writer and photographer near Hermosa , SD , where she ranches with her husband . She writes a blog , Song Dog Journal , and does portrait photography , western lifestyle , and fine art photojournalism . When she isn ' t working cows , writing , or taking pictures , you can find her in her garden , hiking with her dog , Josie , or wrangling chickens .
Deb ’ s creative path began in the heart of Kansas at a smalltown newspaper , where she first uncovered the magic of design . After nine years as a graphic designer at the Custer Chronicle , her adventurous spirit led her to Montana ’ s Bitterroot Valley . She is currently the Creative Director at The Sheridan Press in Wyoming , Deb brings bold ideas to life . She loves to challenge conventional design rules , crafting layouts that think outside the box and give every project a one-of-a-kind story .
2 Down Country Roads March / April 2025