Thoughts in retrospect
Former Marion Schools superintendent Pete Campbell was in town last week to visit the Rex Wilsons who asked your Ol' Editor to join them. We reminisced.
Thinking about what happened and reflecting on what's happening prompted a significant conclusion. Things have changed, they are not better or worse, they're just different.
Looking back a year, to last January's first edition, gave us equal reason to reflect.
The sum of all that thinking has caused your OE to realize we're blessed.
Both the OE and wife have gone through serious health problems and survived. The newspaper has faced stiff competition and grown. Our gross revenue this past year has been higher than ever before
But the most significant aspect for which we are thankful is that our staff is "the best ever" in the OE's opinion.
With only brief comment about the OE, Friend Wife, and Long Legged Son
General Manager Donna Bernhardt is one of the best qualified newspaper administrators anywhere — bar none. We raised her in the business but can't take credit for her ability. That's due to hard work and dedication. She excels in all areas, with precision.
It was a blessing to find Kathy Hageman, our news editor in Marion. She accepted a big challenge to fill Matt Newhouse's shoes — and is stretching them. A gifted writer and talented reporter, Kathy has no compunction about issues. She addresses them.
News Editor Jennifer Wilson at Hillsboro also is an experienced journalist who is bringing a much improved publication to that community; providing expanded news coverage and graphic excellence. She and Kathy cut their journalistic teeth on daily newspapers, but are successful and happy to be weekly editors.
News Editor Susan Marshall continues to do a great job at Peabody. That newspaper has sparkle since Susan took the reins. She is bringing the Peabody community a highly regarded professional publication that's appreciated. Circulation at both Peabody and Hillsboro are growing because of Susan and Jennifer.
Cathy Davis does an outstanding job of running the Hillsboro office, writing stories, a column, and takes care of a multitude of details.
We'd hate to attempt publishing the Star-Journal, Record, or Gazette-Bulletin without the steadfast hands and eye for accuracy abilities of Linda Schmidt and Sara Hill.
Rowena Plett writes feature stories of broad interest and also covers what we refer to as "hard news." Jean Stuchlik is our circulation manager. She also is the friendly voice over the telephone and the ever present smile in our front office. Melissa Parmley is an aggressive advertising director who is increasing our lineage and is welcome by those she helps in promoting their business. Janet Post is a photographer of exceptional ability and an accomplished sports and general assignment writer. Ryan Richter continues to do a thorough job at filling his slot in sports coverage.
We also should comment on other members of our staff. Each is doing a great job, and each is appreciated. Space, however, dictates that we be brief.
Then there's Melvin. What would we do without his loyal dedication and extreme proficiency as our production manager? Melvin Honeyfield, like Donna, came to us as a kid. They grew up in the business. We'd like to take credit for their success — but they earned it.
We don't want any of them to feel we take them for granted. Each and every one, including those not listed above, are appreciated.
Your OE has been in this business 54 years and considers the current staff as "the best ever." We've received numerous awards and been told our product is the cream of Kansas journalism. We agree, and quickly give credit where it's due — those mentioned above.
— BILL MEYER
