In 1909 Werner moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where he became involved in the newspaper and commercial printing businesses. He became editor and publisher of the weekly Gate City Guide in 1912, and continued as publisher until 1965.
Political career
He was Rapid City's Postmaster from 1915 to 1923. He was a City Commissioner from 1927 to 1930, and served as Rapid City's Mayor in 1929 and 1930. In 1930 he was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress.