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Jennifer Pederson moved back to small town Gary, SD to keep Gate City General open for her hometown.

Deliver To The People
I grew up in the town of Gary, South Dakota. After college in Minneapolis, some time in New York, I decided to return home and visit my parents. They told me the local general store was up for sale. They asked if I was interested in running the store. Initially, I was a bit hesitant, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity.

Running a store in a small town is a truly rewarding experience. It brings life and energy to the community, attracting businesses and people alike. Community is important to support these small towns, and I feel incredibly proud to just a small part of it all.

The people of Gary are incredibly helpful and supportive. They always come to me with their needs, whether it’s groceries, plumbing, painting, or hardware. We pack so much into this store, and it plays a vital role in keeping our town alive. Unfortunately, many small towns are struggling, but the community of Gary stands out because of the people who invest in each other and the town itself. We have a fantastic Fourth of July festival, a campground, and even a historic hotel in the former Blind School of South Dakota. We may be a small town, but by working together it feels so much larger.
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