Regions: Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
West Division
Central Division
East Division
HUMAN RESOURCES
ADAMS PUBLISHING GROUP EVOLVES TO ADAMS MULTIMEDIA , REFLECTING EXPANDED CAPABILITIES AND MARKET PRESENCE
Family-owned community media company repositions for the future with new name, brand identity, and expanded service offerings
June 20, 2025
Adams Publishing Group, the family-owned community newspaper company founded by Mark Adams in 2013, today announced its evolution to Adams MultiMedia. The rebranding reflects the company’s significant growth and expanded capabilities beyond traditional publishing, positioning the organization to better serve the changing needs of readers, advertisers, and communities across 19 states.
“As the media landscape continues to evolve, we have expanded our products and services accordingly,” said Mark Adams, founder. “Our new name better represents the full scope of our offerings and our commitment to innovation. This is more than a name change—it’s a promise to lead with purpose and deliver solutions that truly move the needle for our clients.”
Since its founding, Adams has rapidly expanded to include 30 daily newspapers, more than 100 non-daily publications, and over 220 media-related products and websites. The company now provides comprehensive integrated services including commercial printing, advertising graphics, pagination, and digital marketing solutions.
The new brand identity features a modern logo with the tagline “Community Stories • Marketing Solutions,” emphasizing the company’s dual commitment to quality journalism and effective marketing services. This positioning statement highlights Adams MultiMedia’s unique value proposition in today’s media marketplace.
“Adams is more than just a publishing group—we’re a dynamic and diversified company,” Adams noted. “At Adams MultiMedia, we’re not just adapting to the future of media—we’re actively shaping it.”
The rebrand unlocks expanded opportunities for both customers and employees:
• For customers: Access to an expanding array of cutting-edge services tailored to meet unique marketing needs across multiple industries, from thriving newspapers in 19 states to commercial printing, event planning, and more.
• For employees: Enhanced growth opportunities across a wide range of career paths—from journalism and sales to print production and digital media consulting.
The company will roll out its new brand identity across all platforms in the coming weeks, including updates to its website, marketing materials, and recruitment advertising.
For more information about Adams MultiMedia and its services, visit AdamsMultiMedia.com.
About Adams MultiMedia
Adams MultiMedia, formerly Adams Publishing Group, is a family-owned community media company providing quality journalism and marketing solutions across 19 states. With 30 daily newspapers, over 100 non-daily publications, and more than 220 media-related products and websites, Adams MultiMedia delivers both community stories and comprehensive marketing solutions, including commercial printing, ad graphics, pagination, and digital services.
HUMAN RESOURCES
SAVE THE DATE!
Financial Education webinars coming soon from our MetLife partner.
Understanding Social Security June 26, 1-2 cst
Understanding HSA’s October 15, 12-1 cst
More information will be communicated regarding registering for the webcasts.
Elizabeth Yeager
Multimedia Account Executive with APG at Laramie Boomerang Board Member of Laramie Cares Foundation
I’m excited to share that I am officially certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor! As part of the Laramie Cares Foundation, I am passionate about fighting suicide and promoting mental health in our community.
This certification allows me to teach Mental Health First Aid, giving others the tools they need to help people during mental health challenges. As someone who has seen the importance of having this information before it’s needed, I’m committed to training as many people as possible knowing that saving even one life makes it all worth it.
APG offers volunteer time off as one of my many employee benefits so instead of being a barrier, my job became a support enabling me to pursue my goals and better my community. I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of a company that values the impact we can have as individuals both within our communities and society at large.
If you’re interested in attending or hosting a Mental Health First Aid or QPR training, please reach out to me or visit LaramieCares.org today.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.
Call, text, or chat: 988
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Thursday, July 4, 2025 LABOR
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Monday, September 1, 2025
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood
Rough day, huh? Maybe it is the gloomy weather or some disappointing news that has you down. Perhaps it is a disagreement with a family member or work colleague. Whatever has you feeling down, there are at least five no-fail ways to brighten your day—and they do not take much effort:
You might not feel your best right now, but it has been proven that moods can improve with random acts of kindness: helping someone with a chore, presenting a friend with a small gift or writing that note of appreciation you have been meaning to send.
Whether it is peddling around the neighborhood on your bike, swimming a few laps at the local pool or training all-out for a marathon, exercising improves your physical and mental well-being.
The effect of always being connected may actually lead to social isolation. Practice some time away from screens and social media. Be aware of how much time you spend on screens and how it affects your mood.
A consistent stream of negative self-talk can be detrimental. Instead of dwelling on what is wrong, or what you feel is wrong, get into the habit of positive self-talk. Remember, the way you think affects the way you feel.
Focusing too heavily on the past or future can be paralyzing. Recognize how much time you spend thinking outside of ‘now,’ and try to redirect your attention to the present. Be realistic about what you can do in the time you have.
The best option when all else fails? Talk to someone. Whether it is a partner, friend, relative or professional counselor, contact with other people gives you a chance to talk through what is bothering you and lighten your mood.
Creating an environment where employees feel valued and connected to their work can lead to greater resiliency, engagement and productivity. It all begins with listening to what employees have to say.
APG partnered with ADP to create and distribute custom designed surveys to help gain a better understanding of what employees need to be successful and to identify opportunities to improve the day to day experience.
As part of this new feature, HR will send “Broadcast Alerts”. General announcements like weather alerts, office closures, requests for updated beneficiary information are examples of the alerts you might see from Voice of the Employee.
An email will be sent when there is a survey to complete or a broadcast to review. Look for survey requests on your ADP Home Page under the “Things to Do” box.
SAFETY
HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL TORNADO IMPACTS?
PREPARING YOUR PEOPLE
■ Identify the safest areas in a building for people to shelter in the event of a tornado warning. This area will often be in the basement or the level that is the lowest point in your building.
■ Post signs in buildings to direct employees, customers and visitors to safe areas.
■ Practice your sheltering plan so you know how long it takes to move everyone to safety. The average warning time is 13 minutes, but tornadoes are unpredictable.
■ Practice an evacuation plan for the potential of authorities putting evacuation orders into effect.
■ Stay informed by tracking official warnings issued by the National Weather Service, and local TV and radio weather broadcasts.
■ Be aware of changing weather conditions around you, such as darkening skies; high, gusty winds; low-lying clouds; sharply defined front lines; wall clouds and hail.
PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY
If an official tornado watch is in effect, or if there has been enough volatile weather to indicate one might go into effect soon, the following actions are recommended:
■ Remove and secure outdoor gear and small equipment.
■ Reinforce any vulnerable areas of a building, such as building openings.
■ Maintain emergency supplies, including flashlights and batteries, drinking water, and adequately stocked first aid kits.
HOW SHOULD YOU RESPOND WHEN A TORNADO IS IMMINENT OR ACTIVE?
If a tornado warning is in effect or it is clear a threat is imminent, the first priority must be keeping people safe. Most injuries and deaths during tornadoes are caused by flying debris from structural damage, so these three precautions are key:
■ Take shelter – Ensure all employees, customers and visitors are inside. If employees are on an outdoor job site, in a vehicle or unable to get to the company’s best-protected property, they should get to the nearest substantial structure as quickly as possible. Remaining outside, exposed to wind-driven debris is a recipe for disaster.
■ Stay low – Once inside, all employees, customers and visitors should move to the designated shelter area. If a safe room, basement, or lowest-level shelter is not accessible, move people to an internal hallway with best structural integrity to withstand tornado-force winds. Move everyone away from all windows, doors and other openings.
■ Take cover – All building occupants should take cover underneath anything that may provide increased protection — a table, desk, pillows, a mattress or whatever can safely come between you and airborne debris.
FOR THOSE INSIDE THE BUILDING:
■ If the building you are occupying is damaged, use extreme care when exiting.
■ If you smell gas or sense flammable liquids may be present, do not use an open flame, such as matches or cigarette lighters.
■ Anyone trapped should remain calm and text or call for help. If possible, bang on a wall or exposed pipe to attract attention.
FOR THOSE OUTSIDE THE BUILDING:
■ Do not enter any damaged structures until they are deemed structurally stable by first responders.
■ Watch for, avoid and report downed power lines.
■ During cleanup in the days following the storm, use care when using chainsaws and removing debris.
■ Wear appropriate footwear and gloves to protect against sharp edges, exposed nails and other hazards.
APG ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AWARDS
APG Annual Performance Awards were presented at the APG Conference in Orlando on Wednesday, April 16. Pictured from left to right: Nick Monico, Chief Operating Officer, Jim Normandin, Florida Regional President and Winner of Best Margin, Matt Tranquill, Regional President of Idaho and Winner of Regional President of the Year, Mark Adams, President/CEO of APG and Tim Gruber, West Division GM/CRO. Paul Gaier, Central Wisconsin Regional President received Honorable Mention for Best Margin.
I am proud to announce the birth of a new healthy granddaughter to my daughter Corrinda.
Ayani Sue
Ayani Sue
Born April 8, 2025
7lbs 10oz
21” Long
She joins the family along with three brothers. What a wonderful gift! Grandma life is GREAT!
- Sue Scoville
Eau Claire Leader Telegram
APG EAST
FIRST FLOOR REMODEL
VENICE GONDOLIER
In September 2024, APG Florida’s properties faced a double blow from back-to-back hurricanes. Hurricane Helene brought significant flooding to homes and businesses in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Englewood, and Venice, causing widespread damage.
Just two weeks later, Category 3 Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key and downtown Sarasota, exacerbating the flooding experienced earlier. The storm also brought strong winds, heavy rains, and a record number of tornadoes.
The Venice office suffered extensive damage from heavy winds, which compromised the roof and windows, and caused significant water damage to the first floor of the Venice Gondolier building. As a result, all associates had to relocate to the second and third floors while a comprehensive remodel was undertaken.
However, just last month, the Venice team celebrated a major milestone – the successful completion of the remodel and their return to the newly modernized first floor. We can’t thank our APG partners at ENC enough for providing us with unused cubicles and meeting tables to finish up the remodel!
Question:
What is the name of the battle that is commemorated on Cinco De Mayo?
SEND IN YOUR ANSWER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
Submit your answer to AskHR@adamspg.com.
The winner will be drawn on Friday, June 27.
NEW AD, MARKETING LEADER FOR THE DAILY SUN
THE DAILY SUN
The Daily Sun, Venice Gondolier and yoursun.com have a new leader in a key position, the media group announced Friday. APG Media of Florida President/APG East Regional President Jim Normandin announced the appointment of Mitchell Lynch to be the director of Advertising Sales and Marketing for APG Media of Florida. The appointment was effective immediately.
“Mr. Lynch possesses an extensive background in leading media organizations across several states, including Florida during his 40-year media career,” Normandin said in the news release. “He possesses a proven track record of success with a keen focus on developing strategic and tactical relationships with advertising and marketing clients and organizations.”
His responsibilities “include overall strategic direction of the advertising, marketing and events divisions of APG Media of Florida — one of Florida’s most progressive multimedia and dynamic media companies serving in Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties,” it stated.
APG Media of Florida publishes a myriad of media outlets and hosts a number of local events throughout the year. Among the publications are YourSun.com, KeysNews.com, podcasts and a radio show, The Daily Sun, The Sunday Sun, The Venice Gondolier, Home & Style Magazine, Waterline Magazine, Key West Citizen, The Free Press, Score Magazine, Go! entertainment tabloid and FIERCE.
It also hosts Sun Coast Events, including the popular Best Of events for many area communities along with annual hurricane expos at the start of each storm season.
Bay Time/Record Observer reporter Andrea Grabenstein, right, recently joined the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department. She has previous experience serving as a member of the Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Department, in Pennsylvania, while working at the Gettysburg Times Newspaper. During a snowstorm in early January, Grabenstein walked over a mile through 11 inches of snow to stand by at the firehouse in Chester, waiting with other emergency personnel to see if they might be needed to serve the public. Grabenstein was jokingly presented with a toy model snowmobile, a certificate for a pair of snow boots and a fire training book. Grabenstein is continuing her fire training to become certified to serve with the other volunteers at Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department.
2025 APG FLORIDA JAM FEST BRINGS THE FUN!
APG FLORIDA
The 2025 APG Florida Jam Fest was one for the books! Our team came together to celebrate with a day full of laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories. From the moment the festivities kicked off, the good vibes were nonstop.
We feasted on yummy food that kept everyone coming back for seconds, jammed out to awesome music that had toes tapping and hands clapping, and dove into classic and creative games that brought out the friendly competition in all of us.
The raffles added an exciting element of surprise, with lucky winners walking away with some sweet prizes. And we can’t forget the incredibly talented caricature artist, who brought big smiles and even bigger laughs with their spot-on, hilarious sketches. Everyone left with a unique keepsake — and maybe a slightly exaggerated nose or two!
Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Jam Fest a hit. Here’s to the amazing APG Florida team — we work hard and play even harder!
ROCKY MOUNT NATIVE AL PEARCE, WHO COVERED MOTORSPORTS FOR 56 YEARS, DIES AT 82
APG EAST
Al Pearce, who reported on NASCAR racing for more than a half-century, died Wednesday. He was 82.
Pearce, a native of Rocky Mount, won every major auto-racing journalism award, including the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence, and is a member of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame as well as the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Pearce was a correspondent for Autoweek for decades, reporting from Daytona Beach, Indianapolis, Darlington and every other stop on the NASCAR circuit. His travels took him to all 50 states, Le Mans and other racing capitals, and he interviewed and wrote about every significant racing champion from across the wide spectrum of motorsports.
Pearce worked for the Newport News Daily Press in Virginia, covering auto racing and other sports, from 1969 to 2004 after working briefly as a young Evening Telegram intern.
His work for Autoweek paralleled his time
in the daily newspaper business, and he continued filing stories for Autoweek after retiring from the Daily Press, writing for Autoweek magazine and later the website until the final days of his life.
In addition to writing for the Telegram, Pearce wrote 13 auto-racing books, and his work appeared in numerous publications including Car and Driver, Road & Track, NewsBreak, The Virginian-Pilot, The Daily Reflector (Greenville), The Bertie LedgerAdvance (Windsor), The Daily Advance (Elizabeth City), MSN (U.S. and Canada), Yahoo Sports and Yahoo Autos, among others.
He covered a record 56 consecutive Daytona 500s, including the most recent one in January.
“Al would always come by in the garage with a story to tell or a question to ask,” said Cup Series team owner Eddie Wood. “He always had relevant questions. He had a way of pulling information out of you without you even knowing it. He’ll be missed.”
Pearce had a particular fondness for the Victory Junction Gang Camp, which the Petty family started in honor of Adam Petty with the goal of enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or illnesses.
Pearce participated in the annual motorcycle ride that supports the camp. He went the extra mile, traveling around the world to get autographs on driving helmets from an array of racing stars, then donating the helmets for auctions that raised money for Victory Junction.
A veteran of the U.S. Army and the Vietnam War, Pearce was a teacher briefly before deciding journalism was a better course.
In the early months of 2022, Pearce approached the Rocky Mount Telegram — where he worked 57 years prior —
and inquired if the newspaper would be interested in him writing a weekly column which would appear in the weekend edition.
His “return” column for the Telegram was published March 19, 2022. His first words as he reintroduced himself were:
“Welcome back, gentle readers. It’s been a long, long time.
Indeed, it’s been 57 years since this aging scribbler last put ink to paper for the Evening Telegram on Howard Street in Rocky Mount.
“It was August of 1965, shortly before leaving home to teach Civics to ninthgraders in Florida. The Army awaited in June of 1966, leaving an open year after graduation from Presbyterian College. Four years later — the teaching gig in Jacksonville and three more in the Army — I began a 53year writing career that featured a heavy dose of motorsports.”
What was ironic, Pearce said, was that he didn’t know anything about racing growing up on South Franklin Street in the 1940s and 1950s.
“To repeat: I knew less than nothing about painted-up cars going in left-turn circles,” he said. “Like most Battle School kids, I was far more interested in the Rocky Mount Leafs, the Senior High Blackbirds, and Carolina basketball. I hung out at the YMCA, played
APG EAST
Little League baseball for the Kiwanis Club, and cheered from afar for my beloved New York Yankees.”
Pearce recalled his interview with the TimesHerald in Newport News in 1969.
“Lucky for me, the sports editor had a staff opening he needed filled,” he said. “The interview went fine until my future boss asked, ‘What do you know about stock car racing?’ I swallowed, crossed my ankles, and took the only path available: I lied like a pro.
“‘Oh,’ I said blithely, ‘I’m from North Carolina, where everybody knows all about barbecue and racing. I’ve seen Richard Petty win the Daytona 500.’ (True, as a fan on the infield at Daytona Beach in 1966). I said I knew about the little Saturday night speedway over in Hampton. (I’d driven past, but never stopped in). I told him that my aunt in Greensboro lived near the Pettys. (True, if ‘near’ can be stretched 40 miles). And I recounted how Cale Yarborough visited some Army basecamps in Vietnam in 1968. (I neglected to mention he hadn’t visited mine).”
In 2022, Pearce described his career.
“It’s been an exhilarating 57-year ride, one this railroad-loving kid from south Rocky Mount could never have imagined,” he said. “Racing has been a blessing, helping get me into all 50 states and a half-dozen foreign countries. The list of racing icons I’ve met, written about, interviewed, dined with, known and traveled with would stretch from Battleboro to Sharpsburg. Dismiss them as rubes and rednecks at your own risk. Never underestimate them because they’re smarter than you think.”
Pearce’s most recent column appeared in the Telegram on April 5. In it, he wrote about NASCAR fans’ love for the good ol’ days.
Pearce is survived by his wife, Francie, and their daughter, Annie.
We want to hear what is going on in your neck of the woods. Submit your stories to SUBMITNEWS. ADAMSPG.COM to be featured in the quarterly newsletter.
JULY 10TH for the AUGUST newsletter OCTOBER 10TH for the NOVEMBER newsletter
BEST OF ALBEMARLE 2025
THE DAILY ADVANCE
The Daily Advance hosted the “Best of the Albemarle” awards dinner on Wednesday, April 9, upstairs at Seven Sounds Brewing Company. The event was attended by nearly 300 area business owners and employees. Over one hundred categories were honored with awards.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening were The Daily Advance, Publisher, David Prizer and Elizabeth City’s own Mayor, Kirk Rivers.
The certificates were presented by the Mayor, Kirk Rivers.
The attendees enjoyed live music and a scrumptious menu provided by Shipwrecked Catering of Elizabeth City.
The event was sponsored by five major local businesses in and around the community. The evening was packed with fun-filled excitement, fellowship, and networking.
Regional President, David Adams said, “It was one of the best “Best of” events I have seen in over a decade. David Prizer and his team did a fantastic job. It was a party!
PRIDE OF DUPLIN AWARDS HONORED COMMUNITY BUSINESSES AND LEADERS
THE DUPLIN TIMES
The Duplin Times held its second annual Pride of Duplin Awards Banquet on Wednesday, March 19, at the Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub.
A total of 183 awards were given out to local businesses and community leaders across the county in 61 categories as gold, silver, or bronze awards. The community nominations were open for several weeks and led to over 32,000 votes.
During the event, the attendees had a chance to enjoy a meal and hear live music performed by singer songwriter Danielle Johnson. Johnson grew up in Warsaw and travels to Nashville to record music. “It’s always so nice seeing everyone and I’m so proud to be from Duplin County,” she said.
The Mad Boar graciously hosted the event at the Celtic Court with hors d’oeuvres and beautiful scenery.
Several pageant queens assisted in the event by handing out the awards when winners were called to the front.
The attendees had a chance to pose for pictures and meet leaders in the community. The event was a chance for people to mix and mingle with guests and the Duplin Times staff.
The Duplin Times congratulates all businesses and individuals who were nominated and won at the 2025 Pride of Duplin Awards.
PUBLISHER AWARDED “BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR”
THE HERALD-NEWS
Sara Jane Locke, (pictured left) Publisher of The Herald-News in Dayton, TN was awarded the “Business Woman of the Year” by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce at their annual banquet, held at Bryan College on March 31, 2025. Candi Harris (pictured right) presented the award on behalf of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce board.
MEET SHARON LITTLE
General Manager of Sales and Marketing, The Greeneville Sun, The Rogersville Review & The Newport Plain Talk
APG TN/NC
I’m Sharon Little, and I’m excited to be part of the team at Adams Publishing Group. I bring over 20 years of experience in successful leadership roles across both newspaper and digital media.
Most recently, I served as the Digital Manager for Cumulus Media and Gray Media in Charleston, SC. Prior to that, I held key roles with Nexstar and BH Media, helping to drive Print and digital growth and develop impactful marketing strategies.
Now based in Johnson City, TN, I live with my partner Tony—a spirited retired veteran—and our two feisty furballs, Klaus and Cleo. I’m blessed with four daughters, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild who all keep life wonderfully full.
Outside of work, you’ll often find us camping, hiking, traveling, or gathered around the table for one of our big family dinners.
I’m thrilled to bring my experience, passion, and energy to APG and to work alongside local businesses as they grow in the print and digital space.
From Gene Fowler: We are so excited to have Sharon here with us. Her years of Newspaper experience and the success she’s had in the past will certainly translate well into all that we planned to do with The Greeneville Sun and our entire menu of products.
APG OF SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
TAKES IN 20 AWARDS AT MINNESOTA NEWSPAPER CONTEST
The Southern Minn editorial team took in 20 awards across seven of our newspapers at the Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest, including nine first-place awards. We won first place in the Dave Pyle New Journalist category for all dailies for the second year running - last year for a Faribault reporter and this year for an Owatonna reporter. We’re excited about what this says for the growth of the young journalists on our team.
Rebecca Gilseth is our newest addition at APG of East Central Minnesota. She joined the staff as an editor at the Mille Lacs Messenger in February.
This was a return home for Gilseth who attended college in Des Moines, Iowa, but grew up in Minnesota.
According to Gilseth, “When I returned home, I was reminded of many things. My love for turtlenecks for one, boxes filling up the back of my car, my love for nature and how much more exists here in Minnesota and my passion for creativity,” she said in a column announcing her new role at the Messenger.
Faribault Daily News winners:
Human Interest Story - First Place - Colton Kemp
Social Issues Story - First Place - Colton Kemp
Business Profile - First Place - Colton Kemp
Arts & Entertainment Story - First Place - Colton Kemp
Local Breaking News Coverage - Third Place - Colton Kemp
Owatonna People’s Press winners:
Dave Pyle New Journalist - First Place - Josh LaFollette
Human Interest Story News Feature - Third Place - Rose Korabek NEW EDITOR WELCOMED
“I did not know that when I returned I would immediately adopt a tiny Yorkipoo, or that I’d see gray on my other dogs’ fur. I did not know how things had changed. All I knew is I would show up for work and figure it out.”
And that’s what she has done.
She is a graduate of Grand View University where she also served as editor of Diverse Voices Book Prize and Alumni Book Prize projects. She is a native of Zimmerman, Minnesota, located just 57 miles south of her new role in Isle.
Hard News: Coverage Courts/Crime - First Place - Annie Harman
Investigative Reporting - Second Place - Annie Harman
Business Story - Second Place - Annie Harman
Arts & Entertainment Story - Third Place - Annie Harman
Northf ield News winners:
Social Issues Story - First Place - Pamela Thompson
Business Profile - Third Place - Pamela Thompson
St. Peter Herald winners:
Hard News - First Place - Carson Hughes
Le Sueur County News winners:
Hard News - First Place - Carson Hughes
Business Profile - Second Place - Carson Hughes
Arts and Entertainment Story - Second Place - Carson Hughes
Local Breaking News Coverage - Third Place - Carson Hughes
Sports Story - Second Place - Ben Camp
Waseca County News winner :
Human Interest Story - Third Place - Lucas Dittmer
Caledonia Argus winner :
Peter
APG OF SOUTHERN WISCONSIN TAKES HOME THE HARDWOOD AT WISCONSIN NEWSPAPER CONVENTION
BELOIT DAILY NEWS
Adams Publishing Group of Southern Wisconsin newspapers was well represented at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Convention held March 6-7 in Madison, Wisconsin.
APG SOWI newspapers ’stories, photography, advertising layouts and advertising campaigns were recognized in a number of categories, capturing more than 40 awards in the WNA Foundation’s Better Newspaper Contest. See Next Page for Winners.
CONGRATS FEBRUARY WINNER!
JAN THOMPSON
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
APG OF EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA
The Question Was: What major invention was patented on Valentine’s Day?
The Answer Was: The Telephone
Photo caption: APG of Southern Wisconsin reporter Ed Zagorski (from left), with editor Tim Sullivan, general manager Phil Jimenez, editor Roberta Baumann, editor Karyn Seamann, and reporter Ryan Spoehr display the first-place awards at the WNA Convention. (Chris Mertes, WNA)
APG CENTRAL
The following is a list of the winners:
Antigo Daily Journal
First Place - Investigative Reporting
Second Place - Localized National News Story
Second Place - Spot News Photo
Second Place - Investigative Reporting
Beloit Daily News
First Place - Sports Action
Second Place - Local Column
Second Place - Best Multiple Advertise Spread
Third Place - Local Sports Column
Honorable Mention - Best Special Section (Editorial)
Daily Jefferson County Union, Fort Atkinson
First Place - Best Special Section (Advertising)
Eagle Herald, Marinette
First Place - Artistic Photo
First Place - Sports Feature Story
First Place - Lindsey Witter (designer)
Second Place - Feature Photo
Second Place - Best Front Page
Second Place - Health Coverage
Second Place - Spot News Photo
Second Place - Reporting on Local Government
Second Place - Sports News Story
Third Place - General News Story
Third Place - Artistic Photo
Third Place - Sports Action Photo
Third Place - Sports News Story
Third Place - Breaking News Story
Honorable Mention - General News Story
Honorable Mention - General Excellence
Honorable Mention - Ongoing/Extended Coverage
Lake Mills Leader
Second Place - Feature Story (Non Profile)
Third Place - Sports Feature Story
Lodi Enterprise and Poynette Place
Second Place - Reporting on Local Government
Milton Courier
Third Place - Best Special Section, Editorial
Sun Prairie Star
Second Place - Reporting on Local Education
The Gazette, Janesville
First Place - Breaking News Reporting
First Place - Editorial Award
First Place - Best Newspaper Promotion
First Place - Best Special Section (Editorial)
First Place - Bill Payne Award
First Place - Best Ongoing Niche Publication
Second Place - Feature Photo
Second Place -Sports News Story
Second Place - Reporting on Local Government Second Place - Best Use of Art Service
Second Place - Best Feature/Lifestyle Page
Third Place - Spot News Photo
Third Place - Best Special Section (Advertising) Honorable Mention - Best Front Page
Honorable Mention - Localized National Story Honorable Mention - General Excellence
Honorable Mention - Rookie Reporter of the Year
The Herald Independent and The McFarland Thistle
Third Place - Reporting on Local Government
Watertown Daily Times
First Place - Spot News Photo
Third Place - Spot News Photo
Third Place - Rookie Reporter of the Year
DANCING WITH THE STARS
APG CENTRAL
Owatonna People’s Press Associate Editor Annie Harman represented herself and the newspaper in the community by competing in Dancing with the Steele County Stars. Her routine was a success, and she helped push our Local Like You branding by taking part.
APG COLLECTS MORE THAN 100 AWARDS AT STATE CONVENTION
APG
CENTRAL
APG of East Central Minnesota had a strong showing at the annual Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest in January. It finished with a total of 94 awards, including 28 firsts, 34 seconds and 32 thirds.
APG’s SouthernMinn group added another 20, with nine firsts, five seconds and six thirds. And Northern Minnesota picked up one more, a first, for a total of 115 for APG of Minnesota.
Forest Lake led all ECM papers with 11 awards, while six other papers had six or more awards. ECM also swept four different categories, including Sports Reporting, 3,001-7,000; Human Interest, 1,001-1,500; Business Story, over 7,000; and Photo Portrait & Personality, 3,001-7,000.
Josh LaFollette, Owatonna People’s Press, and Alex Kautzman, Edina Sun Current, also received first and third respectively in the Dave Pyle New Journalist category. LaFollette’s first place came in the Multi-day circulation class, while Kautzman’s was in the Non-multi-day group.
The awards were presented during a three-hour ceremony where every winner, from first to third, was acknowledged by name and newspaper.
The annual convention, spanning three days, also featured several trade sessions focused on top editorial and sales issues.
ECM also had the privilege of seeing two of its journalists inducted into the Half Century Club, a recognition of 50 years of work in the industry: Jeanne Schram, a reporter based in the Aitkin office was inducted, along with Tom West, a former general manager at Morrison County Record and Dairyland Peach, and current member of the editorial board.
APG of ECM members gathered for a group shot after the Better Newspaper Contest awards ceremony Jan. 30, 2025. Pictured are, from left, front: Lauren Flaum, Hannah Davis, John Sherman, Anja Wuolu, Alaina Rooker, Alex Kautzman, Jason Jenkins, Taylor Kiel, Natalie Cierzan, Kaitlin McCoskey; back row: Jack Wiedner, Andy Rogers, Jessica Charpentier, Alicia Miller, Jay Morgan, Dominic Bisogno, Jeff Hage, Jason Olson, Ian Wreisner, John Wagner, Bill Albrecht and Matt DeBow.
LAURENCE A. RAYMER HEADLINER AWARD PRESENTED TO MARC PERRY
BELOIT DAILY NEWS
Beloit Daily News Editor Clint Wolf presented the Laurence A. Raymer Headliner Award to Marc Perry, executive director of Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties, during the 98th Annual Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Dinner on March 11 in Beloit, Wisconsin.
The Beloit Daily News has presented the Headliner Award to an outstanding community member at the chamber dinner since 1980. The award has been presented to a single individual most years, but two recipients have been honored in some years. This year, Marc Perry was the 50th recipient of the award.
Perry was honored for his work with young people and families in the area, heading up programs to ensure the stability of families, and helping ensure children have a future when they can reach their full potential. Some programs Perry oversees include the YouthBuild program, which takes high schools students who may be facing challenges in a traditional classroom setting and putting them in a construction site so they can learn home building skills. Once the home is built, it is sold to a first-time home buyer.
Perry also is partnering with Family Services of Southern Wisconsin to open a child care facility in the newly opened Next Steps Family Resilience Center. There is room for 70 children in the new day care facility in Beloit.
The Laurence A. Raymer Headliner Awards was named after Laurence Raymer who was executive editor of the Beloit Daily News and was executive vice president of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce. Because of his strong ties to both organizations, the award is presented each year at the chamber dinner.
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
APG CENTRAL
Late last summer a dear friend and APG colleague, Dave Searcy, was killed while riding his cycle in Central Minnesota. His wife, a passenger, also later died of injuries from that accident. Dave had been a member of the sales team in the Sauk Centre, Minnesota, office of the Dairyland Peach.
It was a tremendous blow to the staff and community as Dave was so beloved.
In his memory, the Peach and Morrison County Record staff created a motorcycle awareness campaign to help prevent accidents on Minnesota roadways.
Because motorcycle season was nearly complete at the time of Dave’s death, the campaign was suspended as snow dominated the landscape and bikes were stored for the season.
But as a new season arrives, the awareness campaign will now run for the entire season, with the hope that it will reach thousands of motorists who often don’t look for motorcyclists on the roadway.
This annual campaign will always be in honor of Dave and his wife Ruth.
A ROARING GOOD TIME
The staff of the Morrison County Record in Little Falls, Minnesota stepped back in time to the Roaring 20s at the Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 10 at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls. Attendees were encouraged to help the Chamber of Commerce celebrate its small and large businesses of the year, as well the organization’s volunteer of the year – roaring 20’s style. A night of casino games followed the evening’s awards presentations. The Record staff dressing for the Roaring 20s were, left to right, Business Manager Judy Espino and multi media account executives Kim Plettl and Kerry O’Rourke.
(Photo used with permission of www.christinajohnsonphotography.com).
WTE EARNS SEVEN AWARDS IN REGIONAL JOURNALISM CONTEST
WYOMING TRIBUNE EAGLE
Wyoming Tribune Eagle staff members received seven awards recently from the Society of Professional Journalists Region 9 in Denver.
During a ceremony last weekend at The Slate Hotel, the following Top of the Rockies awards were received:
• Milo Gladstein, first place, Spot News Photography/Videography, “Meeting gets heated: Community responds with support after City Drug ordered to close.” Judges said: “This photo captures a moment that shows how heated a meeting had gotten.”
• Noah Zahn, first place, Breaking News Story, “Meeting gets heated: Community responds with support after City Drug ordered to close.”
• Milo Gladstein, first place, Photo package, “What does freedom mean to you?” Judges said: “Milo Gladstein’s portfolio of environmental portraits are a creative storytelling device for capturing people’s thoughts on freedom ahead of the 2024 election. He showed a lot of enterprise getting a diverse group of people to talk about freedom, including jail inmates.”
• Milo Gladstein, second place, Sports Photography/Videography, “Grit, dirt and determination.”
• Hannah Shields, third place, Health News, “Experts: Medicaid expansion critical to saving Wyoming’s health care industry.”
• Matt Atencio and Alyte Katilius, third place, Multimedia story, “One for the ages.”
• Milo Gladstein, third place, Social Justice Photography, “Group organizes after racist incident at South High School.”
The contest for professional journalists has been administered for more than a decade by the Colorado Professional Chapter on behalf of SPJ chapters in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming.
This year, more than 80 news media outlets and 20 freelancers from Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico entered the contest, which was judged by the Los Angeles Press Club. In all, the contest saw more than 1,850 entries.
“The competition continues to grow each year, and we are honored to highlight outstanding journalism throughout the four-state region,” said contest coordinator Deb Hurley Brobst. “These are hard-working journalists who deserve recognition of their efforts.”
Top of the Rockies is a regional, multi-platform contest for reporters and news organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The contest grew from a Colorado-only contest on the heels of the closure of the Rocky Mountain News in 2009 to ensure a robust and competitive field. Entrants compete in four divisions based on newsroom staff size: extra-large newsrooms, large newsrooms, medium newsrooms and small newsrooms. The WTE competed in the medium newsrooms division.
TYSSEN WINS 1ST PLACE MNA AWARD
THE MESABI TRIBUNE
The Mesabi Tribune’s Linda Tyssen recently won a first place writing award at the Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention, which was held from Jan. 29-31.
Tyssen captured the top spot for her story on Ana Senarighi , who died February 15, 2024, at the age of 29.
The story was headlined “Ana Senarighi was mentally aware ‘simply trapped inside a broken body.’ “The March 9, 2024, story
outlines Senarighi’s fight after being diagnosed with a brain stem glioma and also MELAS-motochondrial encephalomyopathy.
The judge’s comment on Tyssen’s story said it was a “touching story on a woman’s battle with MS and her loving family’’
Tyssen’s first place was awarded in the Human Interest Story-News Feature category for multi-day newspapers of 5,00110,000 circulation.
DAILY RECORD REPORTER ANNA ROSE ADMITTED
INTO THE ERASMUS MUNDUS MASTER’S IN JOURNALISM, MEDIA AND GLOBALIZATION PROGRAM
THE DAILY RECORD
Ellensburg Daily Record reporter Anna Rose was one of 90 from around the world admitted into the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Journalism, Media and Globalization program.
After one year studying in Aarhus, Denmark, Rose will move to London to finish her specialization in Crisis & Conflict. “This opportunity will bridge the gap between the experience I’ve gained working in community newspapers and my dreams of being a foreign correspondent,” Rose said.
“I’m beyond excited to hone my skills alongside other young journalists from around the world and get out there reporting in the thick of things,” she added.
Rose will leave for Denmark in September. Rose, 24, joined Adams Publishing Group in 2023.
At the Daily Record, Rose has covered city government, education, arts & entertainment and breaking news, including coverage of the 2025 Southern California wildfires.
Before joining the Daily Record, she was a reporter and then interim editor of The Leader, a weekly newspaper in Port Townsend, Wash. Rose is a graduate of National University and holds a Master of Arts in English. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Northwest University, where she was managing editor of the college newspaper, The Talon.
LOY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF EDITOR & PUBLISHER’S
You can read the feature on Isabella in the latest edition at this link: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/tomorrows-news-trailblazers-meet-journalismsrising-stars,254822
We are all incredibly excited to have Isabella on our team and proud of her outstanding accomplishments.
Daily Record reporter Anna Rose on the way to cover firefighters battling fires in Southern California in January 2025.
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