Rich Ward - Aberdeen, SD City Councilor

09/03/2026

Proud to see Dakota Resources feature the work we are doing at the Development Corporation, and grateful for more than twenty years of true partnership in driving real growth for our community!

Cheers to many more years of community partnerships!

Aberdeen is preparing before opportunity even arrives.

09/02/2026

These 618 scholars represent the future of South Dakota. When we invest in students, we create opportunity for them to succeed, and South Dakota grows right alongside them. I am grateful for T. Denny Sanford’s leadership and foresight to help launch this program. More than a decade later, we see that vision at work across our state. This year’s scholars are the next chapter of his remarkable legacy.

https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=b53b6b0a474fcf10a497127ba26d436c

09/02/2026

Stop out to CorTrust this afternoon to grab some ice cream and continue to show support!

Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman and his family have supported our small business from the very beginning. Now it’s our turn to support them during an unimaginably difficult journey.

Please join us on Wednesday, September 2, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at CorTrust Bank as we come together to raise funds that will be donated directly to the Schaunaman family.

In the face of adversity, our community always stands together. Every scoop and every act of kindness makes a difference. Thank you for helping us surround the Schaunaman family with love and support and to honor Emerson during this incredibly difficult time. We hope to see you there 💜🍨

08/24/2026

I’m out of the hospital and able to walk again. I have some healing to do but will get through this with time.

Isabella has some stitches and physically doing well. She is the bravest kid you could imagine. If it wasn’t for her actions, I’d have died in a field on Wednesday.

Our family will never be over the loss of her brother but are finding comfort and strength in the amazing support of family, friends and the whole community.

Love you guys.

08/22/2026

For those who know and love the Schaunaman family, you know how much they mean to our community. Let’s rally around them during this incredibly difficult time and help lighten the load.

​Any support, whether a donation or simply sharing this link, is deeply appreciated:
https://gofund.me/725d36274?sfnsn=mo

In times of unimaginable heartbreak, we can only lean on our faith and one another, coming t… Traci Lunzman needs your support for Emerson Schaunaman Memorial

08/21/2026

We’re wearing maroon today to welcome the Pack back to Aberdeen! 🐺

As NSU students move in and another school year gets underway, we’re excited to welcome both new and returning students to our community.

Northern State University is an important part of what makes Aberdeen a great place to live, learn, work, and build a future. We hope students take the opportunity to explore the community, support local businesses, make connections, and experience all that Aberdeen has to offer!

08/20/2026

Statement from the City of Aberdeen
The City Hall team and City Manager Dave McNeil ask our community to please keep Mayor Schaunaman and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate an unimaginable and deeply difficult time.
At the request of the Mayor and his family, we ask everyone to respect their privacy and give them the space they need to grieve. No details regarding this tragic event will be shared at this time.
We understand that many in our community care deeply about the Mayor and his family and will want to express their concern and support. The most meaningful way we can support them right now is by honoring their wishes, respecting their privacy, and refraining from speculation or seeking additional information.
Please keep the Mayor, his family, and all those impacted in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. We ask our community and members of the media to approach this situation with compassion, patience, and the utmost respect.
City Manager Dave McNeil and the City Hall Team

City of Aberdeen

08/20/2026

Heartbreaking beyond words... Amber and I are keeping Travis and the entire Schaunaman family close in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time. Our entire community is standing with you all in love and support.

UPDATE

08/20/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/true-story-energy-affordability-south-dakota-vs-national-rich-ward-ztsmf

Across the country, the story about electricity prices has become familiar: utility bills are climbing, household budgets are under pressure, and energy costs are becoming increasingly difficult for families and businesses to absorb. At the national level, the numbers appear to support that concern.

08/18/2026

Good education session yesterday during the Council meeting:

City Council Meeting August 17th, 2026