Videtto, former editor of the Lincoln Leader and Prairie Grove Enterprise in Washington County, dies

Videtto received multiple journalism awards during her newspaper career, including Best Editor, Best Graphic Artist and a first place award for best front page design. She worked as an editor, reporter, photographer and page designer from 1974 until retirement.

Julie Martin Videtto of Lincoln, a former editor of the Lincoln Leader and Prairie Grove Enterprise, now the Washington County Enterprise Leader, and Westville Reporter in Oklahoma, died Feb. 8, 2023 in Springdale. She was 73.

She was born in Fort Monroe, Virginia, to the late Wendall Holmes and Lois Jean (Ringler) Martin

“When I first came to the EnterpriseLeader in the summer of 2011, Julie served as page designer, responsible for laying out the content of news and photos throughout the A section for each issue,” wrote Enterprise-Leader columnist Mark Humphrey in a tribute to Videtto in the newspaper. “The late Pat Harris, thenmanaging editor for the Enterprise-Leader, worked virtually hand-in-hand with Julie, [who was] only a phone call away, working out of her home in Lincoln to produce each issue. Because of Julie’s extensive background in journalism, things that could throw a wrinkle into the production schedule, such as breaking news stories or elections, could be smoothly integrated into the weekly edition — sometimes at the 11th hour.

“Julie was a consummate professional,” continued Humphrey. “She knew the business and there never was the slightest hint of micro-management by a page designer, who once managed the very pages she was now laying out. Pat frequently tapped into Julie’s expertise and incorporated her suggestions into the page design and news content. … She was a colleague and friend, champion of freedom of the press, tireless advocate for the underdog with sincere connection to Lincoln and one who understood the value of local journalism.”

Videtto was active in many civic functions and served on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Country Doctors Museum, was a founding member of the Arkansas Apple Festival and a Lincoln City Council member.

She is survived by her husband, Al Videtto; sons and daughters-in-law Steve and Ann Zega of Fayetteville and Joel and Karen Fineberg of Cincinnati (Washington County) and three grandchildren.

A memorial service was held February 15 in Fayetteville.