SMR-3-14-2013

See Pages 2, 4 & 5

FACE TO FACE — Volume 27, No. 1

Discovering that something special

TO with Trevis Mayfield VP, Shaw Media Shaw Community Media Group Publisher

Shaw Media Reporter is the official magazine of Shaw Media, 444 Pine Hill Drive, Dixon, Illinois 61021.

Shaw Media publishes the Reporter three times a year to keep employees and friends informed.

If you have any questions or suggestions for articles or would like to be put on the mailing list, please contact one of the editors listed below.

Karen Pletsch, Publisher DeKalb, IL 815-756-4841

Greg Wallace, Editor Bureau County Republican Princeton, IL 815-875-4461 Peggy Campbell, Content Coordinator Shaw Media Corporate Services Dixon, IL 815-284-4000

Contributing Editors

Rita Roberts, Bureau County Republican Princeton, IL 815-875-4461

Stephani Finley, Creston Publishing Company Creston, IA 641-782-2141

Bob Eschliman, News Printing Company

T

here is a lot of talk about best practices these days. It’s a popular term in every industry, and it’s a concept we talk about here at Shaw Media all the time. But what exactly is a best practice, and how exactly do you find one?

In some cases – such as with the agriculture publishing franchise Shaw Media has launched – it begins with a happy accident. The franchise I’m speaking of is the recently launched line of magazines carrying the title of Ag Mag, the first joint issue of which published in Princeton, Newton, Creston and the Sauk Valley in February. The inaugural issue generated more than $100,000 in brand new revenue.

The idea was so successful we couldn’t believe we hadn’t thought of it before. And that demonstrates that good ideas – or best practices– aren’t “thought up” as much as they’re discovered – found as if they were hiding right in front of you all along!

The Ag Mag initiative began with a problem.

Sauk Valley Media had been publishing a product titled Charisma. It was an old, tired product that was generating about $8,000 a year and seemed to have no potential to do much better. We gave it the deep six.

But that meant we had an $8,000 deficit, and we had to find something to fill it.

The sheet-fed printing operation Sauk Valley Media had put in place the year before had made the production of high-quality glossy magazines much easier. As we were trying to figure out how to replace Charisma,

someone suggested an agriculture magazine. We decided to give it a try.

Our goal was not overly ambitious.

We merely hoped to fill the $8,000 void.

We started making calls, and ads began selling with ease. That got our attention.

We then became super attentive to our advertisers to try to figure out why they liked the concept so much.

That led to some adjustments, which made them like the concept even more. The first issue exploded, generating more than $35,000 in revenue.

The size of the product created major challenges for many parts of SVM’s operation, but the staff, realizing the opportunity, committed to making it spectacular no matter what it took. When the Ag Mag reached the market, feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We even got calls from non-advertisers who were disappointed that they didn’t have an ad in the publication and wanted to know when the next issue would publish.

That’s when we knew we had something special. We came away with a nice increase in revenue, but more important, we had found a concept around which we could build.

This experience made us think of the old cliché that “it’s better to be lucky than good,” but that doesn’t really tell the whole story. While everybody gets lucky once in a while, the key to long-term success is being smart enough to fully take advantage of it.

When it comes to best practices, at least much of the time, that’s how it’s done.

Newton, IA 641-792-3121

Allison McCaleb, Suburban Group Crystal Lake, IL 815-526-4485

Kris Boggs, Sauk Valley Media Sterling, IL 815-625-3600

2 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

The First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

www.SHAWMEDIA.com

SIX STAR UPDATE — Volume 26, No. 3

UPDATE Performance

Face to Face ......................................... pg. 2 Cover Story . .................................. pgs. 4-5

2012 was a strong year, punctuated by two important acquisitions. Those achievements did not happen without your smart, honest, and hard

Featured Employees ............................. pg. 6

effort. Last year was successful because you and your teams relentlessly pursued your goals. On behalf of our Board of Directors and Officers…

Multi-media........................................... pg. 7

THANK YOU!

Google Surveys

Human Resources/Safety Update .... pgs. 8-9

These once-a-day surveys are helping to keep our flow of digital information open and free. Quality journalism brings people to our sites,

Graphically Speaking ...........................pg. 10

and the revenue generated from the surveys assists us in providing that journalism.

Higher Taxes Do something about it! Our 401(k) program allows you to set aside a portion of your income and defer some taxes. On top of that sweet deal, we will match 25% of your savings up to 6% of your deferral in our

Technology . ......................................... pg. 11 In Focus ..............................................pg. 12 Sauk Valley Media ........................pgs. 13-18

retirement savings program. The combination of deferring taxes and a 25% return on your investment make this an opportunity that is hard to

Suburban Group ..........................pgs. 19-25

“match.”

Ag Mag Our new farming magazine initiative has gotten off to a strong start! The Community Group has generated sales in excess of six figures for the first of three issues this year. The “Laws of the Harvest” apply to building a new branded publication just as they do to farming. The forecast looks like a bountiful Ag Mag harvest this year.

Growing We have launched, acquired, or agreed to manage the publication of a

Bureau County Republican .......... pgs. 26-27 Creston Publishing Co. . ..............pgs. 28-30 News Printing Co. ........................pgs. 31-34 Service Anniversaries .................pgs. 34-38 New Faces ..........................................pg. 38

number of new titles recently. The Gurnee Life, Barrington Life, Putnam County Record, Tonica News, Jasper County Tribune, Lake Carroll News,

New Responsibilities . .........................pg. 39

and Ag Mag are all now published by Shaw Media. Albeit small bets, the collective impact is notable and ripe with opportunity.

The Back Page .................................. pg. 40

Selling Gerry Burke, former Morris Daily Herald Publisher, was tapped to lead new revenue initiatives as Director of Sales Development. He will help implement a sales culture consistent with our One Great Company goals. www.SHAWMEDIA.com

On The Cover See Ag Mag success story on pages 4-5.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 3

COVER STORY This graphic by Alex T. Paschal (Sauk Valley Media) was used on the cover of the first Ag Mag published at SVM.

Tending the crop S

haw Media has turned to agriculture to help grow profits while serving an underserved audience.

Here's how it works: • Plant a good Concept.

• Fertilize with Cooperation.

• Water frequently with Communication.

• Then reap the harvest of your Collaboration.

And oh, what a harvest it promises to be!

The first issue alone brought in more than $100,000 in essentially new revenue among the four properties.

Ag Mag, a highly successful 68-page magazine published once last year by Sauk Valley Media, will have three issues for 2013 in each of the four markets of the Community Group. The publication has taken advantage of the booming agricultural sector, which is riding a wave of all-time high land values 4 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

and record crop wa est Io thw prices to avoid Sou the doldrums of most of the economy.

Both editorial content and advertising are intensely localized in each market – two in Illinois, two in Iowa – to make the direct-mailed Ag Mag different from other farm-related publications that are distributed regionally and nationally.

And that makes it special to our readers and advertisers.

Shaw Community Media Group Publisher Trevis Mayfield kickstarted the 2013 magazines by organizing a mid-November meeting in

Newton involving publishers Sam Fisher of Princeton, Dan Goetz of Newton, and Rich Paulsen of Creston, as well as SVM editor Larry Lough.

The group brainstormed on content and resources for the February issue, as well as client targets, ad rates, sales materials, production schedules, and mailing lists.

Because the magazines were dummied and designed by SVM, staff members at the four properties worked out issues of ad entry, manifests and Vision Data accounting.

The editorial plan for issue No. 1 was no less intricate.

SVM reporters handled the five Tier 1 stories: Drought (cover story), Digital Farming, Tax Planning, Wind Farm Leases, and

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www.SHAWMEDIA.com

COVER STORY

The first page of a story about how farmers feel about Congress deciding to extend the Farm Bill by another year instead of adopting a new, longerterm bill. This page is from the Central Iowa Ag Mag (Newton).

The first page of the cover story about farmers' worries about a continued drought in 2013. This page is from the Central Iowa Ag Mag (Newton). Each of the magazines had a specialized lead written for this story.

The first page of a story about how farmers are becoming more and more dependent on technology in making their decisions. This page is from the Southwest Iowa Ag Mag (Creston).

Political Issues. Reporters from Creston, Newton and Princeton wrote local anecdotes to give the cover story a market-specific lead in each magazine, and they provided local sidebars for the four other Tier 1 subjects.

Reporters from all properties also wrote four local articles for Tier 2 stories: oldest farmer profile, FFA student profile, profile of a favorite restaurant where farmers have breakfast, and report on a local cookbook with down-home recipes.

And each property provided Tier 3 “filler” material: schedules of local fairs, advances on workshops, columns from local farm experts, etc.

Reporters were urged to embrace the opportunity to do magazine-style writing.

“That means writing with all senses (sight, sound, smell, feel) and reporting something more than just what people say,” editors www.SHAWMEDIA.com

were advised in a note from SVM Executive Editor Larry Lough. “The ‘old farmer’ profile probably should involve description about how the farmer looks and moves and gestures. The restaurant story could probably use a description of décor as well as the aromas wafting from the kitchen.

“Reporters need to be keen to not only what sources say, but how they say it. Reporters should keep their eyes and ears open to details that enhance writing. What is the atmosphere, the environment? That doesn't mean all those things should be written into every story, but reporters should be aware of their surroundings and incorporate those details into the writing when appropriate.”

The Web-based Roxen content handling system facilitated the sharing of articles and photographs. And as SVM managing editor Jeff Rogers

completed design work of each publication, staffs from Creston, Newton and Princeton were able to review the editing, headline writing, and layout of their magazines through the Roxen Editorial Portal.

Printing was done on SVM's recently acquired sheet-fed press, the Shinohara 66, which allowed the production of the glossy niche magazine to be even more profitable.

August and November editions also are scheduled.

"This effort shows what can be accomplished when you work hard as an institution to understand customers and market conditions," said Mayfield. "Opportunities will become visible, and with good planning, a team culture and good execution, we can accomplish great things."

Concept + Cooperation + Communication = Collaboration.

Yep, Ag Mag is promising a bumper crop this year.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 5

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

Joined a Board

Employee name and position held: Alese Campbell, General Manager Lake County Journal What Board did you join? Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce

Employee name and position held: Rich Paulsen, publisher Creston News Advertiser and Osceola Sentinel-Tribune

In what Capacity? Director Alese Campbell

What Board did you join? Iowa Press Association In what Capacity? President of the Foundation for 2013 Rich Paulsen I also serve: Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and am the Alternative Revenue committee chairman for 2013.

Employee name and position held: J. Tom Shaw, publisher Kane County Chronicle and Suburban Life Media What Board did you join? The Taos (NM) News In what Capacity? Board Member

Employee name and position held: Ben Shaw, Chief Digital Officer

J. Tom Shaw

What Board did you join? Local Media Association Foundation Board

Employee name and position held: Kris Boggs, SVM/BCR HR Director

In what Capacity? Director What Board did you join? Pioneer News Group (Seattle, WA) Board of Directors

What Board did you join? Rock River Human Resources Professional Association Ben Shaw

In what Capacity? President-elect (VP)

In what Capacity? Director Kris Boggs

Featured Speaker Employee name and position held: T.G. Smith - Morris Daily Herald Sports Editor Presentation Subject: Mr. Smith was invited to be a speaker at Minooka Community High School for its career day by one of its guidance counselors - Ray Liberatore. It was on Halloween morning (Oct. 31) beginning at 9:35 and ran for approximately 40 minutes. Smith's topic included the ups and downs of becoming a journalist in this ever-changing, fast-paced business.

Type of Audience: Juniors in high school whose attendance was mandatory on the day. They had to choose a certain amount of presentations that day to attend in regard to possible career paths. There were approximately 35 students in attendance.

6 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

T. G. Smith www.SHAWMEDIA.com

MULTI-MEDIA

Wendt joins Corporate staff

By Ben Shaw Chief Digital Officer Shaw Media We are pleased to announce that Bob Wendt has joined the Corporate staff in the newly created position of Digital Solutions Architect. In his new role, he will focus his work on supporting our digital initiatives by designing, coding and implementing custom solutions. This will fuel our digital ability to provide relevant information, marketing solutions and to advocate for our communities faster and better.

He is a great fit for this position because of his understanding of

both the process of news and his thorough knowledge of the Roxen CMS and various coding languages. He brings his strong news background, strong digital background and long history Bob Wendt with Shaw Media to this position.

We are confident he will be able to rapidly assess initiatives and design functional digital products that help us grow into our industry's digital future.

And Bob has certainly hit the

ground running. In just his first month with us, he has completed the implementation of an in-house archive system, rolled out the structural backends for four new websites, enhanced the commenting system banning capabilities, launched a new business directory for crestonnews.com, assisted in the technical challenges surrounding our transition between e-edtion vendors, launched the Valentine Store at ShopPlanit.com and is working on assessing many new possibilities for our digital portfolio. You can see why we are excited to have him on the team! Please join me in welcoming Bob to his new role.

30 years

Tom Shaw presented Carol Red with a certificate of achievement marking her 30 years of service to the company. www.SHAWMEDIA.com

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 7

HUMAN RESOURCES & SAFETY UPDATE

Distracted Driving Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distraction include: • Texting • Using a cell phone or smartphone • Eating and drinking • Talking to passengers • Grooming • Reading, including maps • Using a navigation system • Watching a video • Adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 player But because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. In addition, both the states of Illinois and Iowa have banned it.

Also it is worth noting that it has been determined that headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than handheld use.

Regarding cell phone use, in Illinois there is a ban (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers and drivers under the age of 19. There is a ban for all drivers while driving in a school zone or in a highway construction zone. In Iowa there is a ban (handheld and hands-free) for all drivers with a restricted or intermediate license.

Whether banned or not, put away that cell phone or smart phone while you are driving, and pay attention to the road. It might save your life or the life of somebody else.

8 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

The Shaw Media “Don't Take Safety For-Granted” contest for safety committee members had drawings in October and January with four chances to win $50 each time. The winners in October were Kathy Danielson and Kevin Elder from Crystal Lake, Josie Koopmans from Newton, and Rose Henry from Creston. The winners in January were Dorine Peterson, Laurie Claytor and Debbie Linderman from Creston, and Terry Himes from Princeton.

In order to be eligible for drawings, safety committee members must attend safety committee meetings, and their organizations must report accidents in a timely manner to the insurance carrier, or be accident-free.

Safety committees play an important part in keeping employees safe by promoting safety, taking precautions to prevent accidents from occurring, training, and helping the company comply with safety rules.

Kathy Danielson

Kevin Elder

Josie Koopmans

Rose Henry

Dorine Peterson

Laurie Claytor

Debbie Linderman

Terry Himes

There were eight incidents requiring medical attention in November, December, January and February. Here are the results: Creston News Advertiser - 2 Morris Daily Herald - 1 Northwest Herald - 1 Sauk Valley Newspapers - 2 Suburban Life Media - 2 No other locations had incidents that required medical attention.

www.SHAWMEDIA.com

HUMAN RESOURCES & SAFETY UPDATE

Back row left to right: Donald Stamper, Kevin Elder, Ernie Appleyard, Sheryl Gulbranson. Front row left to right: Melanie Clements, Kris Boggs, Brenda Lamb, Terri Swegle, and Karla Ahr.

Annual Safety Meeting The annual safety meeting took place this year on November 14th at the offices of Arthur J. Gallagher Benefits Risk Management Services in Itsaca, Illinois. Presentations were made by personnel from both Travelers Insurance Co. and Arthur J. Gallagher for the benefit of attendees.

Prepare to be amazed!

How do you take maximum advantage of saving for retirement? By participating in the Shaw Media 401(k) Plan, because the company will match 25% on the first 6% of contributions you make to the Plan. It's like getting free money. In order to take full advantage of the match program, you should contribute at least 6% to the Plan.

It's easy to begin contributing or increase the amount you are contributing to the Plan. All you need to do is complete and submit to your local HR representative a change in contribution form which can be obtained from your HR department, or can be found in the benefits folder in ShawMail.

And then prepare to be amazed at how fast your money will grow. www.SHAWMEDIA.com

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 9

GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING

Exporting Messages From FirstClass

By Brian Hurley Media Applications Coordinator Shaw Media Corporate I have had a few calls from users telling me they are having space issues in FirstClass. Exporting mail, and primarily attachments to your computer desktop, is the best way to free up space and stay organized.

Open your mailbox, and select messages you want to export.

To select a group of messages, click on the top message, then shift+click on the bottom of the block.

To select single messages, command+click on multiple messages.

Navigate to the folder you want messages to move to, and click “Choose”.

Once messages are selected, choose File>Export from the FirstClass menu.

You will see a progress bar showing files being downloaded.

Messages will be placed in subfolders labeled with “From”, “Subject” and “Date” information.

Attachments will be placed in an Attachments folder.

Three files will be created, all with essentially the same info. The .rtf is generally the easiest to read.

10 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

www.SHAWMEDIA.com

TECHNOLOGY

Better and faster

Symptoms and cures for IT communication

By Matt Woodstrup Digital Production Coordinator Shaw Media Corporate With the recent flu epidemic, a lot of people are making a trip to the doctor or calling a clinic for advice and are hoping for a quick fix. The symptoms can be different for each person, some worse than others. In order to receive the best treatment, you have to be able to communicate with the doctor and staff your symptoms. Answering some simple questions can go a long way to a fast recovery.

Our computers get sick as well.

To find the cure, we need quality information and communication.

When describing your computer problems to your IT (systems) staff, they need as much information as possible to find a best solution. www.SHAWMEDIA.com

By Ben Shaw Chief Digital Officer Shaw Media

S

haw Media is proudly moving into the future — in every aspect of our business. Sure we spend a lot of time and effort thinking about how we can digitally provide more relevant information to our readers, provide better advocacy and transition to varied digital marketing solutions, but there are many other areas of the business that can be improved as well. Many of our back office functions can be made more efficient by going paperless. One exciting example is that our Board of Directors has chosen to accept digital delivery of their reports. This enables us to provide them with the timeliest information possible and save on shipping and binding time and costs all at the same time. We decided to build our own private and secure cloud platform to distribute the board packets and have chosen iPads as the preferred reading device. Our brave new digital world keeps getting better and faster!

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 11

IN FOCUS Every person at Shaw Media plays an important part in the success of this corporation. This segment is designed to introduce you to an associate in the company.

It features one of many who makes a difference by striving for excellence.

MEET : Meredith Schaefer Meredith Schaefer (at left), a Northwest Herald employee, participated in the 40th annual RAGBRAI. She finally got a piece of pie!

(Bottom center) Part of her team, the Cockroaches, with their pink and blue bus (made it easy to find...anywhere).

(Top center) She ran into her cousin and his daughter on a farm in the middle of nowhere.

(Far right) Dipping her tires in the Mississippi after finishing an amazing week!

A Ride To Remember

By Meredith Schaefer “What is Ragbrai?” That question was only slightly more popular than “Are you crazy?” when I talked about my trip last summer. The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa is a seven-day bike ride… across Iowa. Starting on the Western border and trekking through the heart of the state, nearly 20,000 riders pedaled 470 miles, camped and ate our way to the Mississippi River.

Prior to deciding to do Ragbrai, I had not been on a bike in over 10 years and my first ride left me tired and discouraged. I “trained” for about four months and I thought I knew what it was about. You get on your bike and ride for days on end, eat fantastic food and party like crazy.

That's true. I did all those things. But, I discovered there is a whole lot more to it.

12 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

Meredith is the Executive Assistant for John Rung, but will be starting her new role as Community Relations Manager this Spring. She lives in Cary, IL with her two boys, Ethan and Jacob, and is already planning her next RAGBRAI adventure. She spends her time driving her kids to their sporting events, coaching swimming and frantically looking for a road bike.

It was an incredible challenge that changed the way I look at difficult tasks. It was HOT and the headwinds were so brutal that if I stopped pedaling, I went backwards… while going downhill. But I did it; I lived to talk about it and loved it.

I learned interesting facts during my week in the Hawkeye state, things like, no matter how inclined you are to think this… Iowa is NOT flat.

I prefer blue Gatorade. Apparently most people do. No one likes orange.

Church ladies make the best pie; but it sells out quickly! I was happy with small victories and simple pleasures.

I am truly thankful for a real shower, flushing toilets and the chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

They just announced the 2013 route and I am getting excited! While still not a pro, I consider myself an enthusiast and can't wait to see what this year brings. There are some things I will do differently, like use a road bike. I will add real hills to my pre-ride training. I will get a waterproof tent. Finally, I will remember there is no time clock and I will enjoy every mile…even the ones going uphill. www.SHAWMEDIA.com

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA Our mission is to become an indispensable source of information and advertising for our region.

Rita Crundwell is pictured outside the federal courthouse in Rockford, Ill. The photo – taken by Alex Paschal, Sauk Valley Media chief photographer – was named the Illinois Associated Press photo of the month in November. “Each person reads something differently into the expression of Miss Crundwell,” Paschal said.

The AP also has picked up other SVM photos of the notorious embezzler.

Small town, big story SVM keeps Dixon's crooked comptroller in the limelight

By Jenny Young One name continually makes Sauk Valley Media headlines – Rita Crundwell.

The former Dixon comptroller admitted stealing $53 million from the city over the last 20-plus years to enjoy a lavish lifestyle and build a champion quarter horse empire.

Hers may be "the largest municipal crime in U.S. history,” said Derek Barichello, SVM's Dixon reporter.

SVM, which uses saukvalley.com and social media to keep readers up to the minute, has "always been a step ahead" of national media, said crime reporter Tara Becker.

Coverage has included Crundwell's theft indictment, guilty plea to wire

fraud, horse and property auctions, and the city's lawsuits filed against its accounting firms.

The legal documents reporters dig up are popular reads at saukvalley. com.

“That's one of the biggest compliments from people,” Barichello said.

“They can look online and see those documents themselves."

Angel Sierra, web editor, posts anything and everything Crundwell to the SVM's Facebook page, which has

www.SAUKVALLEY.com • www.PLANITSAUKVALLEY.com

helped boost the site to 8,200-plus likes.

“It helps to fulfill our mission to facilitate communication between government and the people,” he said.

Sierra also has posted 28 videos under a “Crundwell Coverage” tab on saukvalley.com.

When covering Crundwell in court, Becker often tweets the action for her nearly 500 followers; and Barichello uses his weekly column, Dateline Dixon, to answer readers' questions.

Their hard work has not gone unrewarded.

Larry Lough, executive editor, has entered Crundwell articles for a Pulitzer Prize.

“Recognition of the staff – I think – is important,” he said.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 13

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

Readers, reporters select top stories with different outcomes

By Jenny Young “You never know.”

That’s how Sauk Valley Media editors responded to staffers' vs. readers' top story picks for 2012.

Readers “voted” with unique page views, while the news staff ranked headlines. The lists had only one Top 10 story in common.

Web Editor Angel Sierra was not surprised. He recalled a previous year, when reporters focused on government, but a pizzeria opening was number one.

“That one just blew my mind.”

Readers and staff both ranked Rita Crundwell – accused of misappropriating $53 million from her employer, the city of Dixon – number one.

The staff’s second pick was accused spree killer Nick Sheley’s second murder conviction. He still faces trial in the deaths of six others.

Although a major story, it failed to make the online list.

Views show response to an individual story, Executive Editor Larry Lough said, whereas staff picks reflect an overall story. They are, however, “a good measure of what it is that really interests readers."

Lough and Sierra agree that government coverage is crucial, but not necessarily what readers find most interesting. A mysterious creature story, for example, made the online list.

“Another important element in judging newsworthiness," Lough said, "is something bizarre.”

The top video, with nearly 990,500 views, was a homecoming soldier surprising his daughter.

"It’s not those things that newspaper reporters and editors have traditionally thought were important,” Lough said.

"It’s real people stories like that.”

Stories on both lists involved death and crime, Lough noticed. The mostread ones affected readers personally, or people they knew, Sierra said.

SVM published both lists so readers could agree or disagree, Lough said, and to “show that readers are involved in our process of deciding what’s news.”

The lists were different, but reporters are not disconnected, Sierra said; they have a different perspective.

"We have a pretty good tap on the reader’s pulse.”

To read Lough’s column on SVM’s top stories, go to www.saukvalley. com and search for “Top Stories of the Year? Says Who?”

Photo by Phil Marruffo

What happens in Dixon ...

What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Dixon gets reported! Just ask Rita Crundwell. Coverage of her massive $53 million embezzlement netted the SVM newsroom these snazzy T-shirts, displayed here by Dixon reporter Derek Barichello, courts reporter Tara Becker, and web editor Angel Sierra.

14 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

Happy holidays

SVM execs prepare to serve hungry employees at the annual holiday luncheon. Everyone enjoyed socializing and eating chicken, pasta, bakery treats and more. Pictured are Jennifer Baratta, advertising director; Ed Bushman, Telegraph general manager; Ernie Appleyard, production director; Earleen Hinton, Ogle County Newspapers general manager; and Sheryl Gulbranson, circulation director.

Trevis Mayfield, SVM publisher, thanks employees for their hard work and wishes them a happy holiday season.

Sauk Valley Media retirees are invited to and recognized at the annual holiday luncheon. Retirees pictured are (front row, from left) Marlene Hurley, Ruth Ramirez, Irene Haak, Carol Houck, Betty Vaile and Jo Anne Mills; and (middle row) Norm Day, Publisher Trevis Mayfield, and Bob Fenwick.

Photos by Alex Paschal

www.PLANITSAUKVALLEY.com • www.OGLECOUNTYNEWS.com

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA Three generations enjoy Sauk Valley Media's annual Ladies Night Out shopping and services showcase. Pictured (from left) trying on jewelry scarves are Bonnie Graves, 58, mother of Jenny Young, 28, an SVM feature writer and editorial assistant, and Flora Noble, 83, Jenny's grandmother.

Photo by David Giuliani

Three generations enjoy Ladies Night Out

Sauk Valley Media's Jenny Young (right) reads a trivia question to co-workers Kayla Heimerman (left) and Kiran Sood during practice the night before the Stupor Bowl, an annual fundraiser for the Dixon Public School District Foundation. SVM's Derek Barichello and David Giuliani also showed up for the practice held at Sood's apartment.

The SVM team placed in the top 10 of competing teams.

Stupor Bowl

By Jenny Young “An event for women of all ages.”

That is how a Sauk Valley Media news release described Ladies Night Out. After attending with my mother and grandmother, I completely agree.

I always cover the marketing initiative, which offers vendors, cooking demonstrations, hors d'oeuvres and prizes.

But this year it fell on Mom's birthday, Oct. 25, and she planned to visit from Kokomo, Ind. The solution? Combine work with pleasure.

My mom, Bonnie Graves, 58, and grandmother, Flora Noble, 83, said they would love to go with me.

We drove to Brandywine Banquet and Conference Center in Dixon, which was packed with female readers, local businesswomen and SVM volunteers.

I introduced my coworkers to my two best friends. They could not believe my gorgeous, fun-loving granny was in her 80s.

Grandma especially enjoyed vitamin and nutrition booths (which probably explains her youthfulness) and we all enjoyed trying on jewelry scarves. Mom persuaded me to buy an early Christmas present from my husband.

“He wants you to wear it at Thanksgiving,” she joked. “He just doesn't know it yet.”

We eventually left for dinner, taking goodie bags and fond memories with us.

In the car, Mom said every town should have Ladies Night Out.

Photo by Mike Krabbenhoeft.

Sauk Valley Media was well represented during recent Stupor Bowl competition in Dixon. The annual trivia contest, which takes place the day before the Super Bowl, is a fundraiser for the Dixon Public School District Foundation. This year's team participants were (from left) Christopher and Kayla Heimerman, Jenny Young, Kiran Sood, Derek and Julie Barichello, and David Giuliani. All but Julie work in the SVM newsroom.

Jennifer Diehl (at left), classified sales, and Linda Berogan, customer service at the Telegraph office in Dixon, assist with a variety of door prizes awarded to patrons of SVM's Ladies Night Out (LNO) event.

Attendance was high, and some said it was the best LNO yet!

www.SAUKVALLEY.com • www.OGLECOUNTYNEWS.com

Advertising rep Jill Reyna (left) and Kris Boggs, HR director, greet attendees at Ladies Night Out, one of SVM's many community events.

Bake sale

Photo submitted by Kiran Sood

Cookies, cupcakes and other goodies fill the Sauk Valley Media newsroom during the annual bake sale on Oct. 24. Many employees baked or bought treats, and proceeds from the sale – more than $200 – will be used to help pay for office parties and other employee events.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 15

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

SVM reporter enjoys a 'technology detox' on vacation

By Jenny Young Today's journalists rely on technology, but Sauk Valley Media reporter Kiran Sood powered down for a week in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Sood, who covers Sterling and Rocks Falls, wrote about the experience in her blog, "Twin Cities Talk."

Sood left her cellphone and laptop at home.

"The idea was to leave technology behind, unwind and take time to have fun with family in a beautiful location," she wrote.

Instead of texting and checking Facebook, Sood enjoyed walking on the beach, relaxing by the water and reading. She rarely turned on the TV. Her experience was uncommon.

"In my line of work, we are constantly wired and connected to what's going on," Sood wrote.

Even in her free time, Sood follows the news.

"It's a curse and blessing of being a journalist," she wrote. "We have an insatiable appetite for developments around the clock."

Sood checked email once on her mom's iPad, but mostly avoided technology. She has no regrets.

Photo submitted by Jerri Siedschlag

Jerri of Arabia Photo submitted by Kiran Sood

Kiran Sood, Sauk Valley Media reporter, holds a scented candle she made at a resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. She gave up her laptop and smart phone, and avoided the TV, to fully enjoy craft workshops, relaxing on the beach, reading and spending quality time with her family.

"It was very freeing," she said.

Sood encourages other reporters to try powering down on getaways.

"You will feel better," she said.

Go to www.saukvalley.com to view Sood's blog. Select "Twin Cities Talk" under blogs and search for "Taking the plunge – embracing my own technology detox."

SVM employee Jerri Siedschlag takes a “rock 'n' roll ride” on a camel in the desert outside Dubai – the United Arab Emirates' largest city. After Christmas, The Telegraph customer service representative visited her daughter, Katie Jo Siedschlag, who teaches kindergarten in the UAE. Their adventure also included bicycling along the Persian Gulf, riding 4-wheelers over sand dunes, driving to the top of the Jebel Hafeet mountain, and visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world.

Photo by Kali Blackburn

Volunteering Trick or treat

Photo by Alex Paschal

Sauk Valley Media employees dress up for a Halloween costume contest.

Pictured are (back row, from left) Audrey Brown as Fred Flintstone, Jenny Young as a “Smartie” pants, Marla Seidell as a zombie, Colleen Garza as a witch, Robin Norburg as a hippy, Kris Sands as a Hershey bar, and Jennifer Green as an animal rescuer; and (front row) Jessie DeMay as a ladybug and Angela Colville as a hunter. Winners were Young, first place; Seidell, second place; and Colville, third place. They each received a restaurant gift card.

16 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

For Sauk Valley Media, community events rely on employee volunteers.

Among the helpers at the recent bridal fair were, from left, Jennifer Diehl, classified sales, Ed Bushman, Telegraph GM, and Dawne Bohms, display sales. Bushman, who coordinated the event, was highly pleased with both vendor and spectator attendance.

www.SAUKVALLEY.com • www.PLANITSAUKVALLEY.com

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA Jenny Young (at left), reporter and editorial assistant, and Kris Sands, graphic designer, win first place in the Sauk Valley Media chili/ soup cookoff. Young made pineapple chicken chili and Sands made chicken enchilada soup.

It was the first time both women cooked these meals. Each received a $30 Kroger gift card from the SVM Employee Committee.

Gas raffle

Photo by Alex Paschal

The Cookoff The winning entries from Sauk Valley Media's chili and soup contest were so tasty, we thought we'd share:

Jenny Young's Pineapple Chicken Chili Serves 8-12 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces, or shred the white meat from a large rotisserie chicken 14 ounces diced tomatoes 14 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes 6 ounces tomato paste 15 ounces kidney beans 15 ounces black beans 1 diced green pepper 1 diced onion 22 ounces pineapple chunks (save the juice) 1 tablespoon cumin 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon minced garlic 12 ounces salsa (Jenny used salsa from the refrigerated section. "It's fresher and tastes so much better than canned!")

3 dashes hot sauce (optional) Saute chicken, pepper, onion and garlic in pineapple juice.

Mix everything in a slow cooker and cook on low 6-8 hours.

Kris Sands' Chicken Enchilada Soup (This one went so fast we couldn't count how many it served!)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 1/2 cup diced onion 1 clove garlic, minced 4 cups chicken broth 1 cup masa harina 3 cups water, divided 1 cup enchilada sauce 1 pound processed cheese, cubed 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Shred and set aside.

To the pot, add onions and garlic; saute for 2 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Pour in chicken broth.

In a medium bowl, combine masa harina with 2 cups of water and whisk until well blended. To the onions and garlic, add the masa harina mixture, remaining water, enchilada sauce, cheese, salt, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a boil; add shredded chicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, or until thickened.

Executive Editor Larry Lough tastes chili at a cookoff sponsored by the employee committee Jan. 30 in the Sauk Valley Media break room. For $3, employees sampled from each crockpot and filled a bowl with their favorite soup or chili. Employees also voted for the best soup and the best chili. The cookoff raised $95.50, with a net profit of $43.50, to benefit employee events.

Photo by Alex Paschal

www.PLANITSAUKVALLEY.com • www.OGLECOUNTYNEWS.com

Debra Nelson, a Daily Gazette subscriber, wins a $1000 in Shell gas cards in Sauk Valley Media's raffle to raise money for its Newspapers in Education (NIE) program. NIE program provides newspapers to local schools free of charge. The gas cards were donated by a local station owner. Nelson is pictured with Ryan Hubbell, left, and Jason Kutz, SVM circulation district managers. Another raffle is planned later this year.

Photo submitted by Ed Bushman

Children's Christmas Wish Tree Telegraph employees set up a “Children's Christmas Wish Tree” in the office to collect toys, clothing and household items for needy families. Subscribers pick an ornament tag with clothing sizes and toy suggestions and buy the items for members of the Goodfellows to distribute. The Telegraph has supported the charitable organization since its inception 100 years ago. Pictured (from left) are Linda Berogan and Jerri Siedschlag, customer service representatives.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 17

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

StarS StarS are are Shining Shining at at

2012 2012awardS awardS Congratulations Congratulationsto tosauk saukValley ValleyMedia Media aSSOCiatEd aSSOCiatEdPrESS PrESSSPOrtS SPOrtSEditOrS EditOrS(under (under30k 30kcirc) circ) top top1010national national

• Sunday Section • Sunday Section

• Special Section • Special Section iLLinOiS iLLinOiSaSSOCiatEd aSSOCiatEdPrESS PrESSEditOrS EditOrSaSSOCiatiOn aSSOCiatiOn(10k-40k (10k-40kcirc) circ) First Firstplace place

• Business Reporting (staff) • Business Reporting (staff) second secondplace place

• Feature Writing (Jenny Young) • Feature Writing (Jenny Young)

• Sports Column or Blog (Will Larkin) • Sports Column or Blog (Will Larkin)

• Picture Story (Alex Paschal) • Picture Story (Alex Paschal)

• Sports Action Photo (Philip Marruffo) • Sports Action Photo (Philip Marruffo)

• Photo Illustration (Alex Paschal) • Photo Illustration (Alex Paschal)

• Pictorial Photo (Phil Marruffo) • Pictorial Photo (Phil Marruffo) third thirdplace place

• Enterprise Story (Tara Becker, David Giuliani) • Enterprise Story (Tara Becker, David Giuliani)

• Newspaper Website (Angel Sierra) • Newspaper Website (Angel Sierra)

• Pictorial Photo (Alex Paschal) • Pictorial Photo (Alex Paschal) Note: these awards were missing from the Shaw Media Poster. We apologize for the ommission.

Note: these awards were missing from the Shaw Media Poster. We apologize for the ommission.

18 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

www.SAUKVALLEY.com • www.OGLECOUNTYNEWS.com

SUBURBAN GROUP Northwest Herald • Daily Chronicle • Kane County Chronicle • Morris Daily Herald Suburban Life Media • The MidWeek • Lake County Journal • Great Lakes Bulletin

Orange Bowl Mania hits DeKalb The biggest sports story of 2012, and the Daily Chronicle covered it as such.

After the Huskies' MAC title victory on Nov. 30, and their BCS berth on Dec. 2, expanded coverage was rolled out that included a special Orange Bowl preview tab on Dec. 29, on-site coverage of Orange Bowl week with a staff reporter

in Miami, and team coverage of the game itself on Jan. 1. It was followed it up with a commemorative section that was released in January.

Multimedia coverage online was expanded too. NIU videos on our HuskieWire.com site received more than 10,000 views in the month of December.

Words of tribute for former Chronicle publisher Roger Coleman, former Kane County Chronicle publisher died of an apparent heart attack December 31, 2012 in Kentucky. He was 61.

Coleman had worked at Chronicle Newspapers from 1980 through the early 2000s, and most recently was group publisher of the HudsonCatskill Newspaper Corp. in New York.

“I considered him a dear friend,” said Tom Shaw, president and CEO of Shaw Media, which publishes the Kane County Chronicle. “He served us faithfully.”

Coleman was publisher of The Chronicle when Shaw Media acquired the company in 1989. He headed up the transition of the four semi-weekly Chronicles into one unified paper and Roger Coleman eventually a daily paper.

“He had an commanding presence,” said John Rung, Northwest Herald publisher and chief operating officer

of Shaw Media. “He was a great public speaker. It was just so natural for him to talk to people. He taught me a lot about how a publisher should conduct themselves.”

Rung was the Kane County Chronicle's retail advertising manager from 1994-95 when Coleman was publisher.

Bureau County Republican Publisher Sam Fisher worked for Coleman as the Kane County Chronicle's ad director from 1990-93.

Fisher said he appreciated Coleman's trust in him.

www.NWHERALD.com • www.KCCHRONICLE.com • www.DAILY-CHRONICLE.com

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 19

SUBURBAN GROUP

Daily Chronicle mascot "Daily the Dog" and MidWeek mascot "Midnight the Owl" take time to pose with adoring fans during the Castle Challenge Basketball Game between rival schools Sycamore and DeKalb.

Castle Challenge Front pages from the Northwest Herald, Daily Chronicle and Kane County Chronicle during the "Confront the Bully" cooperative effort across markets.

Making our communities better A joint project among the Shaw Media suburban group editorial departments sought to "Confront the Bully." The project was led by reporter Chelsea McDougall (Northwest Herald), News Editor Al Lagattolla (Kane County Chronicle), reporter Caitlin Mullen Puterbaugh (Daily Chronicle), reporter Jessica Cohea (Morris Daily Herald) and the Lake County Journal editorial staff. Some content was shared among properties and then localized according to market. The project culminated with local events in a couple of our markets to involve the community in the project.

An ecstatic Suburban Life sales team rallies toward their first Big Sale success.

Big business!

The Suburban Life sales team participated in their first Big Sale and it was a huge success!! The team generated $151K in revenue and 789 units! Wow! A shout-out goes to Mark Miller for finishing with the most Big Sale revenue on the team, and Jon Zita for the most units sold. Congratulations!

20 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

Mascots from Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College joined Daily and Midnight for a group photo with workers at the game.

'Soup'er Bowl Shawn Lowe and Kandi Tomisek pose for a photo during the Daily Chronicle's "Soup"er Bowl lunch party.

Shrimp Gumbo, Baked Potato Soup and Chili, along with lots of extra goodies were enjoyed by the staff.

www.PLANITLIFE.com • www.HUSKIEWIRE.com • www.VFPNEWS.com

SUBURBAN GROUP

New GM's take the helm

In early November Don Bricker, Suburban Group General Manager/ Publisher - Daily Chronicle, announced that Bob Wall would join Shaw Media as General Manager of the Morris operation.

He began his new role on November 5, 2012. Bob was formerly a Regional Advertising Director for GateHouse Media.

He previously worked Bob Wall at Sun Times Media, serving as a publisher and vice president for advertising. He has also worked as a regional manager for Newspaper Services of America (NSA). Bob holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Bradley University and has done graduate work in public relations at Northern Illinois University.

Shortly after, John Rung, Chief Operating Officer/Shaw Media and Publisher/Northwest Herald, announced that Alese Campbell would be joining Shaw Media as the General Manager of the Lake County operation. She began her new role on November 12, 2012. Alese formerly served as the Alese Campbell Executive Director of the Libertyville/ Mundelein/Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce. She previously worked at the College of Lake County. Alese holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Western Illinois University and an MBA from North Park College.

Halloween Fun

Several Daily Chronicle staffers dressed up for some Halloween Fun. From left, Dana Herra, Doug Oleson, Shawn Lowe, Karen Pletsch, Bill Braksick, Dustin Davis, Rob Dancey and Kandi Tomisek.

Advertising Director, Karen Pletsch shared "love and peace" and her "Pumpkin Witch" (below) takes center stage on the table.

Luke Maring, son of Creative Design Manager Brent Maring, begs for mercy on Santa's lap. Santa was portrayed by Market Analyst Scott Albertsen.

Breakfast with Santa About 50 employees and family members joined together on a Saturday in December to have Breakfast With Santa at the Crystal lake office. A breakfast of eggs, sausage and pancakes was provided, as well as the welcoming lap of Scott Albertsen as the big man himself. Much fun was had by all. www.MIDWEEKNEWS.com • www.LAKECOUNTYJOURNAL.com

The Sales Team made a statement with their theme..."It's so easy, even a caveman can do it" from left Dustin Davis, Shawn Lowe, Bill Braksick and Rob Dancey.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 21

SUBURBAN GROUP

Co-workers mingle at the Suburban Life Media office in Downers Grove for a "welcoming" office party.

Meeting new co-workers Shaw Media welcomed newly-acquired Suburban Life Media into the fold with Suburban Life Media an office party at the Managing Editor Dave Lemery talks frivolSuburban ity with Kane County Life Media Chronicle Photo Editor office in Sandy Bressner.

Downers Grove.

Employees from all properties attended and enjoyed food, drinks and door prizes while mingling with new co-workers.

Many thanks go to Meredith Schaefer for coordinating the party, and to all those who helped including George Vallejo and Marcial Hernandez for set-up and clean-up; Michael Behrens for making the centerpieces; Kathy Hlavacek for general help; and Shawn Lowe for being the DJ of the party.

22 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

Shaw Media Magazine Editor Stephanie Grimoldby (center) regales coworkers (from left) Steve Sulouff, Abby Kane and Dave Spindler with an exciting tale. www.PLANITNORTHWEST.com • www.PLANITLAKE.com • www.PLANITKANE.com

SUBURBAN GROUP

The Fastest Four Minutes Top 10 Northwest Herald Video by: Dan Mott, Jason Pfrommer, Christine Nikolich, Morgan Ellingson, Les Johnson, & Erick Ward In a season which racked up 75,088 combined views on all mchenrycountysports.com and nwherald.com prep football video, The Fastest Four Minutes presented the "Fastest Four Minutes: Ten best of 2012." This video took a look back at the most memorable moments of the 2012 season.

Online Extra!

Click on the photos to view these videos.

Going

viral

New Year's Day Bird Watching

Kane County Chronicle Video By: Nicole Weskerna & Christine Nikolich The Kane County Audubon Society continued a New Year's Day tradition on January 1, 2013 by going bird watching at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia.

Bird-watchers brought binoculars and cameras along to spot a pair of great horned owls and several other birds while hiking around Nelson Lake.

NIU stacks up against FSU DeKalb Daily Chronicle Video By: Erick Ward, Les Johnson, & Dan Mott NIU made its BCS historical debut for the first time at the 2013 Discover Orange Bowl on January 1, 2013. The Daily Chronicle followed the team every step of the way, including a motion graphic piece that compared FSU against the Huskies.

www.PLANITDEKALBCOUNTY.com • www.SHAWVIDEOWORKS.com

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 23

SUBURBAN GROUP

Alongside the NFL wives wrapping presents for local families were LCJ team members Sherry Doyle (far left), Randi Grossman (second from left) and Stephanie Barrons (third from right).

Wrapping it up Bears running back Michael Bush signed autographs at the 22nd annual Toys for Tots charity event sponsored by the Northwest Herald.

Grin and bear it The Northwest Herald sponsored its 22nd annual Toys for Tots charity event in December at Superior 24/7 Health Club in Crystal Lake. Hundreds of attendees donated an unwrapped toy in exchange for an autograph from a Chicago Bears player. Originally, autographs were to be signed by cornerback Tim Jennings, but he was hurt in a game the day before the event. The Marketing team department scrambled and secured running back Michael Bush to fill in. Staley da Bear, the Bears mascot, made an appearance, as did Santa. All toys received went to Toys for Tots and local charities.

Sam’s Club, Salvation Army and the NFL wives organization bought and wrapped gifts for 20 needy families during the holiday season. The Lake County Journal advertising team was invited to participate and were lucky enough to land at a table with Brandon Marshall’s wife. The team wrapped presents for about an hour.

A clip on NBC news featured Office Manager Randi Grossman and Mrs. Marshall. It was a feel-good event that helped many local families.

Celebrating Christmas Non-Traditional Revenue Dustin Davis (left) claimed the top prize for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, followed by Shawn Lowe in 2nd and Kandi Tomisek is 3rd during the Daily Chronicle's Christmas Pot Luck lunch.

24 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

Valley Free Press Editor, Debbie Behrends (left), MidWeek Editor, Dana Herra and Daily Chronicle Managing Editor, Jill Duchnowski enjoy a few laughs during the lunch.

Special Projects Manager Lisa Angel and Marketing Assistant Allison LaPorta worked with the City of DeKalb to create and design a Trade Show Booth. The results were outstanding, with the printing vendor stating this booth design "was better than one they had just completed for HBO".

www.LAKECOUNTYMAGAZINE.com • www.KANECOUNTYMAGAZINE.com

SUBURBAN GROUP

Personality shines through Dominik Barca, 84, of Elburn, formerly of St Charles, has been cared for by his daughter, Debbie Bozedowski since his diagnosis of dementia four years ago.

Comment from the photographer: I wanted to show that Dominik still had a great personality, despite having dementia. At the same time, I also wanted to show him in that chair, where his daughter said he sits whenever he is home.

This hit very close to home since my own dad was diagnosed with dementia several years ago and he, too, still has a great sense of humor.

Kane County Chronicle photo by Sandy Bressner

Slapshot Max Borkowicz, 9, (left) and Sam Mickus, 10, play hockey on an iced-over pond in Geneva.

Comment from the photographer: I was excited to see kids playing hockey as I was on my way to another assignment. With no snow type features to be had this year, I was glad to get something of kids playing outdoors that still said "winter."

Kane County Chronicle photo by Sandy Bressner www.MORRISDAILYHERALD.com • www. MYSUBURBANLIFE.com

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 25

BUREAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN Our mission is to provide information (news and advertising) that meets the needs of, and represents value to, our readers and advertisers in Bureau County and surrounding communities. In so doing we must be profitable and provide a secure and rewarding environment for our employees.

BCR photo by Terri Simon

Former Record Newspapers publishers/owners Elin (center) and Cliff (right) Arnold go through the paperwork during the closing sale of their newspapers with the assistance of Bureau County Republican Publisher Sam Fisher.

Shaw Media acquires Putnam County Record/Tonica News Shaw Media has closed a deal, acquiring the Record Newspapers, which includes the Putnam County Record and The Tonica News.

Sam Fisher, publisher of the Bureau County Republican in Princeton, is overseeing the operations.

The deal between the Arnold family, who has operated Record Newspapers since 1878, and Shaw Media closed Nov. 30. The BCR has been printing the two papers at its 26 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

Princeton press facility for more than 10 years.

“Just like Cliff and Elin Arnold, the BCR, as an organization, is committed to serving its communities and its customers. I have promised to both Elin and Cliff to be as good a steward of the newspapers as they have been through the years. Given the proximity of the markets, we have a tremendous opportunity to leverage existing resources to the benefit of the Record and Tonica News and also

to the Bureau County Republican. It's a great fit,” Fisher said.

Fisher said the BCR along with the Putnam County Record and The Tonica News are sharing a variety of resources, including print, website and niche publications, as well as a staff of professionals whose goal is to provide excellent customer service and timely news/feature coverage. Both news offices in Tonica and Granville have remained open at their previous locations.

www.BCRNEWS.com • www.PUTNAMCOUNTYRECORD.com

BUREAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN

The cake ladies BCR Associate Editor Rita Roberts (left) and BCR Senior Staff Writer Donna Barker celebrated years of service anniversaries in November. Rita celebrated 20 years and Donna celebrated 15 years.

Baking for the Chamber Pam Pratt-Marsh, BCR sales development manager, bakes during a fall fundraising event for the Princeton Chamber of Commerce. Pam is a member of the Princeton Ambassadors, an arm of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce.

Scout tour BCR Copy Editor Terry Himes is pictured with a group of Webelos during a recent tour of the BCR.

15 years BCR Publisher Sam Fisher presented Nancy Sayler with her 15-year service certificate and a cake. www.ILLINOISVALLEYLIVING.com • www.TONICANEWS.com

A decade of service BCR Editor Terri Simon presents staff writer Barb Kromphardt with her 10-year service anniversary certificate and a cake.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 27

CRESTON PUBLISHING CO. Creston Publishing Company is a company engaged in producing and distributing quality community newspaper and shopper publications. Our products are designed to inform, enlighten and entertain our readers, meet the changing needs of our advertisers and promote the interests of the communities we serve.

CNA, OST using story and page templates

By Kyle Wilson CNA assistant managing editor

C

reston News Advertiser and Osceola Sentinel-Tribune staff are currently testing page and story templates in Roxen in an attempt to maximize pagination efficiency at each newspaper.

With the assistance of CNA Systems Administrator Dorine Peterson, Shaw Media Applications Coordinator Brian Hurley and the Roxen team — five different frontpage templates were created for the Creston News Advertiser.

Each day, a template is selected by the paginator and stories are placed in categories, including top story, main story with photo, onecolumn story and photo story, within Roxen.

"The page is essentially built before you even open it InDesign," said Kyle Wilson, CNA assistant managing editor. "When you move

The Good, the Bad and

This is an example of a page template and story templates being used by Creston News Advertiser and Osceola Sentinel-Tribune. the stories into the categories — the headline, byline, copy and cutlines are transferred onto the InDesign page. So, then when you open it, it needs slightly tweaked before it's ready to be proofed and printed."

Osceola Sentinel-Tribune News Editor Amy Hansen has also been using the page templates.

"I like how it offers a regularity of what the pages will look like," Hansen said. "From week to week, people can see reoccurring patterns in what the layout of the front page looks like."

Lori Fletcher, CNA ad service coordinator, builds both the opinion (editorial) and church pages using page templates.

Stephani Finley, CNA managing editor, has been working with story templates — which allows the paginator to select number of columns and photo box. In InDesign, the story is found in the REP Connector and with one click flows onto the page.

"It's much quicker than placing the headline, then byline, then bodycopy, then photo box," Finley said.

"With one click, it flows onto the page and needs very little additional work. It works with both local and wire stories."

the

Ugly Levine wins ugly sweater contest

This is the back of Levine's ugly sweater.

CNA photos by Kyle Wilson

28 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

From left, Dorine Peterson, Jeff Levine, Mary Jo Borcherding and Bailey Poolman participate in the ugly/ holiday sweater contest held in December. Levine's kitty sweater won first prize for ugliest sweater.

www.CRESTONNEWS.com • www.OSCEOLAIOWA.com

CRESTON PUBLISHING CO.

CNA photo by Sarah Brown

Drawing winners Rich Paulsen of Creston News Advertiser announces the winners of the safety committee drawing. Pictured, from left are, Laurie Clayton, Debbie Linderman, Dorine Peterson and Rich Paulsen.

CNA photo by Sarah Brown

First baby of 2013 Craig Mittag, Creston News Advertiser advertising director, presents Dan and Kathryn Coenen of Creston with a welcome package for the first baby born in 2013 at Greater Regional Medical Center. The Coenen family welcomed a son born Jan. 4, 2013.

Devon Joseph Coenen weighed 9 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.

CNA photo by Bailey Poolman

OST photo by Amy Hansen

Trunk or Treat Rich Paulsen, Mary Peterson and Ed Buesch stand by their "Grim Reaper" decoration during the annual community Trunk or Treat event in Osceola, Iowa, in October. Trunk or Treat is a way for children to safely trick-or-treat with their families and friends in one designated area. www.CRESTONNEWS.com • www.OSCEOLAIOWA.com

Church supper From left, Carol Wallace, Rose Henry,Teresa Pendegraft, Mary Jo Borcherding and Craig Mittag serve pizza, chicken, salads and desserts at a church supper at United Church of Christ in Creston. The church holds a free meal every Tuesday.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 29

CRESTON PUBLISHING CO.

Bowling for McKinley Park Creston News Advertiser had two teams participate in the McKinley Park 9-pin bowling tournament January 26th at Panther Lanes in Creston. All proceeds from the bowling tournament go directly to renovating McKinley Park.

CNA photo by Kyle Wilson

Creston News Advertiser partnered with Creston Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) and Dog Gone Rescue this winter and held an animal shelter donation drive. Creston News Advertiser gave $1, up to $100, for every donated item. Pictured from left, Janel McLain of Dog Gone Rescue, Amber Hayes of CNA and Mycale Downey of C.A.R.E. pose for a photo in December with all the items donated during the drive.

Animal shelter donation drives

CNA photo by Kyle Wilson

From left, front row, Courtney Dake, Mary Jo Borcherding, Brooke McIntosh; second row, Teresa Pendegraft, Jeff Levine, Carol Wallace, Debbie Linderman, Kyle Wilson; back row, Dennis Kuyper and Craig Mittag.

OST photo by Amy Hansen

Ariel Sellers with Clarke County Animal Shelter, left, Craig Mittag, advertising director for Clarke County Publishing, center, and Joy Durham, manager of Clarke County Animal Shelter, holding a dog, pose at the Clarke County Publishing office January 2nd with the items collected from Clarke County Publishing's donation drive for the animal shelter. Various items included cleaning supplies, cat litter and dog toys.

30 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

CNA photo by Kyle Wilson

Employee of the year CNA publisher Rich Paulsen, right, names Distribution Manager Sandy Allison employee of the year January 12. www.CRESTONNEWS.com • www.OSCEOLAIOWA.com

NEWS PRINTING COMPANY The News Printing Company is a communication/printing company which publishes and distributes newspapers and shoppers, operates a commercial printing department with both phases of the operation committed to excellence and designed to fully meet the needs of readers, advertisers and commercial accounts.

Daily News hits home run with redesign The Newton Daily News started the new year with a whole new look. And, based on community response, it appears the changes have been warmly received.

In August, the Daily News initiated its redesign effort with a readership survey, which allowed volunteer subscribers to provide direct input as to what they liked and didn't like about the existing format, both in terms of design and content. That input was used to develop the new look and content changes that were used in the redesign.

Daily News employees also got in on the process, with the news-

room staff providing input and ideas for new content and design elements, while all members of the staff were encouraged to create a new flag for the paper. Staff voted on their favorites, providing valuable input to publisher Dan Goetz and editor Bob Eschliman as they made a final decision.

Readers immediately let Daily News staff know they appreciated many of the changes, particularly an increase in the font size of the paper's body copy. A calling campaign initiated shortly after the redesign launched also resulted in nearly 100 new paid subscriptions.

The new look of the Newton Daily News provides a “window friendly” appearance in the rack, as well as a clean overall look. The redesigned paper also features a larger body copy size, which elderly readers said they greatly appreciated.

Wrestling with shadows The PCM wrestlers picked up a win in the first match of the double dual against C-M-B and Knoxville. The Mustangs defeated the Raiders 57-30.

Comment from the photographer: "I used my 50, which allows for better quality low-light shots. I liked the way the light only illuminated the wrestlers, and left the rest of the gym dark, and I wanted to highlight that. I was able to get facial expressions in this shot, which is something I always like to get in a sports shot, because you can see the emotions involved."

News Printing Company photo by Nicole Wiegand www.NEWTONDAILYNEWS.com • www.JASPERCOUNTYADVERTISER.com

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 31

NEWS PRINTING COMPANY

NDN photo by Nicole Wiegand

Newton Daily News publisher Dan Goetz, left, and editor Bob Eschliman welcome Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to a special event held in December to honor the Daily News as the first newspaper company in the state to partner with the Skilled Iowa jobs program. The program became the focus of the newspaper's annual community service project.

Newton Daily News recognized by Iowa Governor

Circled U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack chats with Skiff Medical Center CEO Steve Long during a tour of the facility. Loebsack first stopped in Baxter for an infrastructure tour before heading to Newton.

Following congressional redistricting in 2012, Jasper County is new to the Second District and Loebsack's representation.

Comment from the photographer: "Rep. Dave Loebsack and Skiff Medical Center CEO Steve Long were touring the building, and it was really difficult to get a shot from the front. I was originally trying to take a shot over the top of the CT scanner, but then I realized I could use the opening of the scanner to frame the shot. I originally was concerned I might get in trouble for going around the backside of this expensive piece of medical equipment, but decided the news value of the shot surpassed any reprimand I might get.

They stood in this room for only a few seconds, so I just let the motor drive run, capturing this moment. Skiff Medical Center has a state-of-the-art medical imaging center that is a demonstration facility for a multi-state region, which was one of the elements of the hospital the congressman was most interested in seeing."

News Printing Company photo by Nicole Wiegand 32 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

For its annual community service project, the Newton Daily News decided to tackle a very real problem for its community. And for its efforts, the newspaper was recognized by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Iowa Workforce Development Director Teresa Wahlert at a special event held at the local community college campus.

The Skilled Iowa program is a privately-funded effort by Iowa Workforce Development to close the state's “middleskilled worker gap.”

“There are new jobs available, but the people we have that are unemployed don't necessarily have the right skill to fill those jobs,” Branstad said.”

With a number of manufacturing employers in its market, and after hearing those employers discuss their difficulties finding qualified applicants, the Daily News became a business partner with Skilled Iowa.

Wahlert said she was happy to hear the Newton Daily News was supportive of the program almost immediately.

“I've been to a lot of newspapers and radio stations and television stations, all across the State of Iowa, many, many times,” Wahlert said. “It was the Newton Daily News who stepped up almost that same day. We were going to recognize the first newspaper that becomes a member business.”

www.NEWTONDAILYNEWS.com • www.JASPERCOUNTYADVERTISER.com

NEWS PRINTING COMPANY

Lamb takes seat on Chamber of Commerce Human Resources Committee In January, Newton Daily News business manager and human resources director Brenda Lamb accepted an offer to sit on the Newton Greater Area Chamber of Commerce Human Resources Committee.

The committee is made up primarily of human resources professionals working for Chamber members, and provides a service to the community by discussing common human resources issues, or providing advice to smaller businesses who do not employ human resource professionals. The group gathers monthly at the Newton Hy-Vee for a lunch meeting.

Occasionally, the group will also listen to speakers who are on-hand to discuss human resource issues that may be impactful to Newtonarea businesses. In January, the group heard from representatives of Iowa Workforce Development, who spoke about the Skilled Iowa jobs program

Brenda Lamb and how Newton businesses and the community in general could benefit from it.

13 Years — Not a Day More On the 13th anniversary of his being hired as a staff writer for the Newton Daily News, John Jennings — often voted the “Best Columnist” by readers of the newspaper during the annual Readers' Choice Awards — officially retired from journalism. The newspaper held an open house for the community to personally thank Jennings, and also held a going away party for staff.

St. Nick's Christmas Club Daily News donates to Alumni Association Newton Daily News advertising director Jeff Holschuh presented a check to Newton Alumni Association members Mark Hallam and Leland Smith for $400 in December. The association, founded in 1881, serves as a point of contact for alumni who have moved away from the area. The funds will be used to provide scholarships to the Dollars for Scholars program for Newton Senior High School graduates and represent a portion of the proceeds from the Daily News' Alumni Weekend special section in June. www.NEWTONDAILYNEWS.com • www.JASPERCOUNTYADVERTISER.com

Newton Daily News employees adopted two local families through the St. Nick's Christmas Club in Jasper County, and provided new clothing, shoes, toys and diapers for families during the holiday season.

St. Nick's has been serving the youth of Jasper County for more than 20 years.

Each year, the organization — led by a core group of dedicated people — strives to provide Christmas gifts and muchneeded food for as many Jasper County children as possible.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 33

NEWS PRINTING COMPANY

Daily News enters into management agreement with Jasper County Tribune In January, the Newton Daily News and Jasper County Tribune issued a joint statement in which they announced an agreement for the Daily News to oversee day-to-day operations of the weekly newspaper operated in nearby Colfax, Iowa.

The Tribune had already been a long-time Daily News printing customer. Publisher Dan Goetz said the 1,000-circulation weekly would be a good geographic fit, which would allow for several synergies between the two operations.

Goetz will serve as publisher of the new addition to the Shaw Media family. Daily News editor Bob Eschliman will serve as editor. Matt Nosco, a native of Van Meter, Iowa, will serve as a staff writer for the Tribune and supply news from the western part of Jasper County to the Daily News.

Allyn Arthur, owner/publisher of the Tribune, said the Daily News' resources and staff would help the Tribune grow and improve. He added, “I am pleased to be able to 'pass the torch' on to such a quality news organization.”

At the conclusion of the 12-month agreement, Shaw Media would have an exclusive option to acquire the Jasper County Tribune. At any time during the agreement, Shaw Media could also exercise an option to purchase the newspaper.

“The Jasper County Tribune is a nice addition to our growing family of newspapers,” Shaw Media CEO Tom Shaw said.

“It serves a growing community, and expands our media footprint and brand in Jasper County, Iowa. We appreciate the hard work that (Shaw Vice President) Trevis Mayfield and Dan Goetz invested to make the opportunity a reality."

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Name: Dorine Peterson Newspaper: Creston Publishing Company Years of Service: 25 Years in the newspaper business: 25 Position: IT Manager Job description: Responsible for supporting, maintaining and troubleshooting all computer hardware, software, and networks for Creston Publishing Company...among multiple other duties outside of IT. What I like best about my job: I love the diverDorine Peterson sity and working with everyone and every department. There is always something different and challenging to do each day. It's a job that keeps me mentally stimulated because I must learn new things to keep up with the rapidly changing technology.

Are there any Boards or Committees you serve? Safety Committee Family: Husband, Alan. Two grown children Travis and Aaron (wife Daniell) and two grandchildren, Chandler, 2 and Aubrey, 1.

Hobbies/Interests: Flying, camping, photography, painting, reading.

Fun fact: Earned my private pilot's license in 2009.

Name: Rob Carroll Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 15 (more than that if you count my time as a paper carrier) Position: Neighbors Editor Job description: I edit and design the weekly Neighbors section. The section is entirely made up of reader submitted content.

What I like best about my job: I like seeing the Rob Carroll strange photos people submit for the Neighbors section. How can you not like a photo of a panda sitting on a park bench with two kids or someone dressed as Darth Vader using a computer at a library?

Family: One beagle named Benny, Benjamin T. Beagle when he's in trouble, which is quite often.

Hobbies/Interests: I DJ at bars every weekend in addition to also being a radio DJ at 97 ZOK in Rockford. I also run a DJ business for private events.

Fun fact: I spent two years as a morning radio show cohost using the name Maddog. The name wasn't my choice.

34 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

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PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Name: Dustin Davis Newspaper: Daily Chronicle Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 9 Position: Multimedia Account Executive Job description: I use marketing and budget planning for local businesses using a variety of advertising options to help grow their business.

What I like best about my job: The ladies and gentlemen I have the privilege to work with.

Family: 3 Children - Hannah 10, Kamryn 8 and Dustin Davis Evan 5 Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Softball, Coaching Baseball and Soccer for my kids, Music festivals.

Fun fact: I ran my first Tough Mudder race back in September and I am due for more punishment this coming May for my second round of the 12 mile, 25+ obstacle run. It's a blast!

Name: Debora Jauregui Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Credit & Collection Associate Job description: Contact past due customers to resolve past due balances, process credit applications for new customer accounts, work closely with sales reps, order entry and design to resolve any issues or hold ups with new insertion orders, Debora Jauregui process account reconciliations and take incoming customer calls regarding billing inquiries.

What I like best about my job: Being able to make a positive impact on our accounts receivable by keeping our DSO low and working with my fantastic team and associates.

Family: Father Santos, mother Ofelia, brother Alex, nephew Gabriel and a cat named Prince.

Hobbies/Interests: Boating, fishing, working out, attending art galleries and spending time with family and friends.

Fun fact: I'm fluent in Spanish and can write and speak some French.

35 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Bob Frett Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 35 Years in the newspaper business: 46 Position: I.T. Job description: Taking care of the computers, printers, network, etc.

What I like best about my job: Taking things apart and being able to put them back together with very few parts left over.

Family: A wife, a daughter, a son, and five grandBob Frett kids. Wouldn't trade the grandkids for the world!

Hobbies/Interests: Motorcycle touring.

Fun fact: I remember when the young punk, Sam Zito, started at the Plaindealer. We all thought that he was Gabe Kaplan from "Welcome back Kotter".

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Jason Hickman Newspaper: Ogle County Newspapers Years of Service: 10 Years in the newspaper business: 10 Position: Reporter Job description: I only work part time now, but I do a little bit of everything - writing and taking photos at sports events, covering local community events, paginating the newspaper, and anything else that needs to be done.

What I like best about my job: The people I Jason Hickman work with here at OCN. I also enjoy the fact that I get paid to cover sports and to be able to get people in our coverage area the information they need to know.

Family: My wife Theresa and I have two boys. Jacob is four and Andrew is almost one and a half.

Hobbies/Interests: I love sports, playing as well as coaching, and spending time with my family.

Fun fact: In August I started my teaching career and I teach eighth grade math at Amboy Junior High. This is the reason for me working on a part-time basis.

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5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Sean Downs Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Distribution Coordinator Job description: Run Crystal Lake drop on weekends, run Woodstock drop on Monday and Tuesday, do the Great Lakes Paper on Fridays. Do down routes service run districts 1-4, stack out Sunday inserts along with stacking out TV guides in Crystal Lake warehouse.

Sean Downs What I like best about my job: It is never dull and every day is different and I like working with all the different carriers and interacting with customers when I redeliver their papers.

Family: My wife, Melissa. We will be married 20 years this June.

My son, Jack, who is 11.

Hobbies/Interests: Watching my son play baseball and spending time with my wife.

Fun fact: I like to read Psychology books for fun.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Cindy Rice Newspaper: News Printing Co. Years of Service: 15 Years in the newspaper business: 17 Position: Accountant Job description: Accounts Receivable, assist with Payroll and Newsprint Inventory.

What I like best about my job: Variety Family: Husband (Butch), Daughter (Cassi), Son & Daughter-in-law (David & Sarah), Son (Tyler) and Granddaughter (Hailee).

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with granddaughter and learning new things on my embroidery sewing machine.

Cindy Rice

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 35

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Name: Brenda Lamb Newspaper: Newton Daily News Years of Service: 15 Years in the newspaper business: 15 Position: Business Office Manager/HR Coordinator Job description: I oversee the day-to-day operations of our accounting department, provide financial reports to our management team, coordinate our annual budget for the year, onboard new employees, including new Brenda Lamb employee orientation, assist employees with benefits and "other duties deemed necessary."

What I like best about my job: Every day is a new day and no two days are the same. I like the variety.

Are there any Boards or Committees you serve? Customer Service Galaxy and Safety Committee here at work. Outside of work - Parents Partnering for Student Success, United Way allocations team member, Noah's Ark Preschool Board and Newton Chamber HR Network.

Family: Husband, Bryan, and boys, Devin, 10, and Clay, almost 8.

Hobbies/Interests: My interests surround my family, whether it be going to a swim meet, bowling tournament, basketball or baseball game. You can bet one or all of the guys are there too.

Fun fact: On Thanksgiving morning from 6:15-8:30 you can find me at the YMCA for Turkey Day Workout.

Name: Jami Kunzer Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 15 Years in the newspaper business: 18 Position: Feature writer Job description: I write stories for PlanIt Northwest, including the PlanIt@Life and PlanIt@Play sections.

What I like best about my job: All the people I meet, and all their stories, especially the crazy ones.

Jami Kunzer Family: Husband, Patrick, and five girls, including two sets of twins, Rowan and Finley, 4, Anna and Lilly, 6, and Summer, 9. Cat named Rory (after "Gilmore Girls.") Based on current begging, a dog coming soon.

Hobbies/Interests: I run (not always away from my kids) to stay sane.

Fun fact: I can climb a pine tree in 34 seconds flat in a snow storm to snag a kid hanging on a branch. (This is why I like other people's crazy stories. They put mine in perspective.)

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Karen Pletsch Newspaper: Daily Chronicle Years of Service: 10 Years in the newspaper business: 29 Position: Director of Advertising & Marketing Job description: Handling the day-to-day sales operation for the Daily Chronicle, MidWeek, Valley Free Press and related products. My goal is to continuously provide Karen Pletsch a motivational environment where my team is excited to go out each day to foster longterm business relationships which in turn will grow our customer base. I work closely with my team to develop and implement the right marketing solutions for our businesses.

What I like best about my job: The people I work with and their dedication to getting the job done.

Are there any Boards or Committees you serve? I am currently on the Executive Board for the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.

Family: Husband, Lloyd; son, Christopher and "the girls" Gabby & Maggie (Boston Terriers).

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy reading, antiques, home decorating, gardening and recently became hooked on Pinterest!

Fun fact: My husband is the "football widow" at our home. I love to watch as much college football on Saturday and Profootball on Sunday as I can fit in.

36 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Darrell House Newspaper: Sauk Valley Media Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Circulation shorts driver Job description: Deliver papers to customers who are missed by carriers.

Family: Wife, two girls, four boys.

Hobbies/Interests: I like to travel.

Darrell House

30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Sam R Fisher Newspaper: Bureau County Republican, Putnam County Record, Tonica News, Illinois Valley Living Years of Service: 30 Years in the newspaper business: 35 Position: Publisher Job description: Duties of a publisher, along with those of the ad director and production manager.

What I like best about my job: The variety of Sam R Fisher the job and the staff here at the newspaper.

Are there any Boards or Committees you serve? Illinois Press Association Board of Directors - Executive Committee, Princeton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Advisory Board - Small Business Development Center - IVCC. Family: Brooke and Tim Miller, Ben and Stephanie Fisher, Meg Fisher and Lori Frick.

Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, fishing and pretty much anything outdoors and of course "my kids."

Fun fact: I was named after a field trial champion beagle "Sammy R".

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PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Lester Johnson Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 10 Years in the newspaper business: 10 Position: Assistant Editor/Videographer for mchenrycountysports.com Job description: I populate the mchenrycountysports.com website with highlight videos for local varsity sports, tell stories with video features and all things MCS. What I like best about my job: I like being Lester Johnson out in the field and interacting with people who like sports and the web site. I like that no game is ever exactly the same and, when I start getting tired of a sport, the season changes. I really like the people I work with.

Family: My Sister in California, lots of cousins, aunts and uncles.

Hobbies/Interests: I love to sing and have a band, music, movies, travel, the gym.

Fun fact: I lost 145 pounds and have kept most of it off. I was in three commercials when I was young.

20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Steve Seaburg Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 20 Years in the newspaper business: 20 Position: Collector Job description: Collect money from stores and racks where the Northwest Herald is sold.

What I like best about my job: The opportunity to work with the community and present a positive friendly avenue of communication between the Herald and our customers.

Steve Seaburg Family: Wife of 42 years: Merri-lynne; Three grown sons: Ryan, Brad, and Wade, their wives, and 9 grandchildren; 7 boys and 2 girls.

Hobbies/Interests: Chicago Cubs Fan; traveling and spending time with my family.

Fun fact: Have been to 32 United States President's Homes or Libraries. The current plan is to visit 8 more this year, and complete the remainder in 2014.

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Erica Oertel Newspaper: Bureau County Republican Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: Multi-Media Consultant Job description: Calling on customers in my territory , Meeting department goals, Etc...

What I like best about my job: Building relationships with Customers.

Family: My Husband, Nick, and my 3 yr old Daughter, Avah.

Hobbies/Interests: Arts and Crafts, anything Sports related.

Fun fact: I'm a Cosmetologist in my spare time.

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Erica Oertel

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Dustin Allison Newspaper: Creston Publishing Company Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 6. I was an Independent Contractor before becoming a Press Operator.

Position: Press Operator Job description: Run the Press What I like best about my job: people I work with and the hours Family: I have a wife who works for the CNA also and we have 5 kids.

Hobbies/Interests: Offroading/ watching my kids play sports/ hunting/fishing.

Fun fact: I love Samuri Suzuki's.

Dustin Allison

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Julie Staszak Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 10 Years in the newspaper business: 10 Position: Accounting Job description: Accounts Receivable What I like best about my job: The people.

Family: Husband, Paul; Son, Allen, 15; Dog Buzz (Lightyear of course) and Lizard - Gir (Invader Zim).

Julie Staszak Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with the family, movies and reading.

Fun fact: Huge Pittsburgh Steelers Fan.. Favorite player #43 Troy Polamalu. Here we go Steelers Here we go....!!!

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Name: Don Bricker Newspaper: Suburban Group / Daily Chronicle Years of Service: 5 Years in the newspaper business: 44 Position: Suburban Group General Manager/ Publisher - Daily Chronicle.

Job description: Leading and monitoring dayto-day suburban group operations, building effective and efficient group infrastructure and helping solve problems that arise.

What I like best about my job: I enjoy the Don Bricker people I work with each day, and being able to see the impact made when we successfully complete a project.

Are there any Boards or Committees you serve? I am President of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.

Family: Wife, Karen; five grown kids and their families; and Taggle (a Brittany).

Hobbies/Interests: Softball, golf, travel, continual self improvement, time with family, following politics.

Fun fact: I've flown in a T-38 jet over the Golden Gate Bridge while I was Honorary Commander of Beale Air Force Base.

Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 37

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Name: Teresa Spence Newspaper: Northwest Herald Years of Service: 25 Years in the newspaper business: 25 Position: Graphic Designer Job description: Create ads, special sections, and classified sections.

What I like best about my job: The people I work with, of course.

Are there any Boards or Committees you serve? Social Connection Teresa Spence Family: Husband, Bill; Daughter, Cassie and her husband Sean; Son, Colin; Dog, Jackie.

Hobbies/Interests: I love gardening, cooking, and sadly, the Chicago Cubs! Maybe this year.

S

Name: Larry Lough Newspaper: Sauk Valley Media Years of Service: 10 Years in the newspaper business: 41 Position: Executive Editor Job description: Cogitate, ruminate, agitate, educate and motivate.

What I like best about my job: Agitating Are there any Boards or Committees you serve? President, Northern Illinois NewspaLarry Lough per Association Board.

Family: Jane, wife of 40 years; son Josh, 37; daughter Ashley, 28; golden retriever Peyton, 1.

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, golf, movies, IU basketball.

Fun fact: I've had nine titles and worked in eight offices for six different Shaw publications.

ERVICE ANNIVERSARIES 5 Years

Cindy St Clair Sean Downs Dustin Davis Erica Oertel Debora Jauregui Don Bricker Robert Carroll Darrell House Dustin Allison

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4/14/13 5/8/13 5/13/13 5/15/13 5/19/13 6/26/13 6/27/13 6/27/13 7/19/13

10 Years Dixon St. Charles DeKalb Princeton Crystal Lake DeKalb Crystal Lake Sterling Creston

Lester Johnson Karen Pletsch Jason Hickman Julie Staszak Larry Lough

5/18/13 6/9/13 6/10/13 7/3/13 7/28/13

20 Years Crystal Lake DeKalb Sterling Crystal Lake Sterling

7/13/13 7/14/13 7/24/13

6/26/13

Crystal Lake

25 Years Dorine Peterson Teresa Spence

5/4/13 5/27/13

Creston Crystal Lake

30 Years

15 Years Brenda Lamb Cindy Rice Jami Kunzer

Steven Seaburg

Newton Newton Crystal Lake

Sam Fisher

7/1/13

Princeton

35 Years Bob Frett

6/5/13

Crystal Lake

EW FACES October

David Lemery Monica Maschak Daniel Santaromita Derek Barichello Kayla Heimerman

10/16 10/17 10/23 10/29 10/29

December Downers Grove Crystal Lake Downers Grove Sterling Sterling

November Melanie Brooking 11/5 Christine Rabe 11/5 Bob Wall 11/5 Laura Mihelich 11/7 Alese Campbell 11/12 Kate Malott 11/1 Lindsey Lewandowski 11/12 Bailey Poolman 11/12 Mark Sutton 11/13 Rita Byrd 11/19 Matthew Shepard 11/29

Sterling Princeton Morris Downers Grove Grayslake Newton Downers Grove Creston Princeton Princeton Newton

38 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

James Dallke 12/3 Angela Jones 12/3 Dixie Schroeder 12/3 Kenneth Schroeder 12/3 Katherine Schott 12/6 Alexander Rose 12/10 Jennifer Kuczen 12/10 Kimberly Weinstock 12/10 Jessica Carpender 12/13 Paulette Bremer 12/26

Crystal Lake Princeton Granville Granville Crystal Lake St. Charles St. Charles Sterling Grayslake Downers Grove

January Daniel Ciamprone Scott Graham Lisa Glavan Dana McKenna Sherri Dauskurdas Debra Hackett Alexander Soulier Robin Engels Michael Kaveney

1/2 1/2 1/2 1/4 1/7 1/7 1/7 1/8 1/9

Downers Grove Sterling St. Charles Crystal Lake St. Charles Crystal Lake Downers Grove Crystal Lake Crystal Lake

Bethany Detert 1/14 Dustin Turner 1/14 Tyren Rushing 1/15 Patricia Heckenberger 1/21 Stephanie Hickman 1/21 Katrina Zentefis 1/21 Renee Herrmann 1/24 Samuel Hollis 1/31 Derek Ledesma 1/31 Paul Leigh 1/31

Crystal Lake Newton Newton Grayslake DeKalb Crystal Lake Crystal Lake Grayslake Sterling Crystal Lake

February Dana King 2/1 Kenneth Blackmon 2/6 David Beer 2/8 Skyler Wedeking 2/8 Goldie Currie 2/11 Daniel Karlin 2/11 Adam McCarter 2/11 Linnea Guerra 2/18 Eric Lutz 2/18 Karen Poppleton 2/25 Veronica Jones 2/26

Newton Sterling Sterling Newton Princeton Crystal Lake Crystal Lake DeKalb Morris Morris Crystal Lake

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PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA

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EW RESPONSIBILITIES

Erick Ward, Senior Web Producer, Shaw Media suburban locations................................................................................. 9/17/12 Nicole Weskerna, Reporter/Digital Assistant, Kane County Chronicle............................................................................ 10/1/12 Amy Hansen, News Editor, Osceola Sentinel-Tribune........................................................................................................10/14/12 Christopher McGeHee, Circulation Coordinator, Daily Chronicle....................................................................................10/14/12 Cassandra Dowell, Managing Editor Gurnee Life, Lake County Journal....................................................................... 10/29/12 Abigail Kane, Advertising Sales Assistant, Northwest Herald........................................................................................ 10/29/12 Phyllis Burnett, Group Accounting Manager, Shaw Media suburban locations............................................................... 11/1/12 Kevin Elder, VP of Operations, Shaw Media suburban locations..................................................................................... 11/20/12 Stacia Hahn, Group VP of Finance and Administration, Shaw Media suburban locations......................................... 11/20/12 Kara Hansen, Group VP of Marketing, Shaw Media suburban locations........................................................................ 11/20/12 Laura Pass, Advertising Director, Suburban Life Media...................................................................................................... 12/1/12 Stephanie Barrons, Advertising Team Leader, Lake County Journal.............................................................................. 12/3/12 Bob Wendt, Digital Solutions Architect, from Sauk Valley Media to Corporate Services.............................................12/6/12 Randi Grossman, Office Manager, Lake County Journal...................................................................................................12/10/12 Carol Belschak, Sales Assistant, Suburban Life Media.....................................................................................................12/14/12 Jodi Cook, Graphic Designer, Shaw Media suburban locations.......................................................................................12/14/12 Brent Maring, Creative Design Manager, Shaw Media suburban locations...................................................................12/14/12 Jay Bogardus, Graphic Designer, Shaw Media suburban locations......................................................................................1/1/13 Kelly Buchanan, Special Events & Magazine Manager, Shaw Media suburban locations................................................1/1/13 Paula Dudley, Advertising Director, Shaw Media suburban locations.................................................................................1/1/13 Vickie Foley, Insertion Entry Associate, Suburban Life Media..............................................................................................1/1/13 Jim Ringness, Group Sales Director, Shaw Media suburban locations................................................................................1/1/13 John Rung, Chief Operating Officer, Shaw Media....................................................................................................................1/1/13 Daniel McCaleb, Group Editor, Shaw Media suburban locations.......................................................................................... 1/7/13 Lesley Valadez, News Editor, Suburban Life Media................................................................................................................1/8/13 Amber Krosel, News Editor, Suburban Life Media..................................................................................................................1/8/13 Kristin Pesko, Account Executive, Northwest Herald.......................................................................................................... 1/14/13 Renee Tomell, Features Editor, Suburban Life Media........................................................................................................... 1/15/13 Barb Kromphardt, Managing Editor, Putnam County Record and Tonica News............................................................. 1/21/13 Tyler Angelo, Copy Desk Chief, Suburban Life Media............................................................................................................2/1/13 Michael Kenneally, Graphic Designer, Suburban Life Media.................................................................................................2/1/13 Lindsey Lewandowski, Copy Editor, Suburban Life Media....................................................................................................2/1/13 Laura Mihelich, Copy Editor, Suburban Life Media.................................................................................................................2/1/13 Christine Matuszeski, Circulation Accounting Manager, Shaw Media suburban locations.......................................... 2/13/13 Diane Swaim, Account Executive, Suburban Life Media.................................................................................................... 2/18/13 Gerald Moore, News Editor, Suburban Life Media.................................................................................................................. 3/4/13

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Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013 • 39

THE BACK PAGE

One Great Company Taking on new challenges

E

ffective Jan. 1, John Rung assumed his new responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer of Shaw Media.

Rung will be responsible for the company's operating activities, including revenue growth, strategic development and financial goal management. He will work closely with Trevis Mayfield, who oversees Shaw's community group, and Don Bricker, general manager of the suburban group, to ensure the long-term financial success of the company.

Tom Shaw, Terri Swegle, Mayfield and Rung will continue to operate as the company's executive committee, also known as the Office of the President.

"I am honored that Shaw's Board of Directors has entrusted me with this responsibility. I look forward to working with everyone to continue to improve and grow Shaw Media. We really are blessed to have such talented people working in our company," said Rung.

Rung will remain publisher of the Northwest Herald, a position he's held since 2002.

John Rung

Advancing sales initiatives

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mong the leadership team's top priorities in 2013 is to improve sales efforts across Shaw Media. To help in that initiative, the company also announced that Gerry Burke has been named Shaw Media's Director of Sales Development.

Publisher of the Morris Daily Herald from 2005 to 2012, Burke will facilitate advertising sales training at all Shaw Media locations. He will work with Shaw's publishers and advertising directors to develop training strategies for each of our markets, and lead advertising initiatives across the company. In his new role, Burke will develop advertising initiatives, share ideas and success stories, and help to establish best practices across all of our sales teams.

Gerry Burke 40 • Volume 27 — No. 1 • Spring 2013

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