So many thanks, but let’s start with Dad

The story I want to share really begins with my father, Jim. 

My dad began his journalism career at the age of 20 after his buddy said, “Hey, you like sports, why don’t you come be a sports editor?” 

That guy worked for the Waseca County News in the ‘80s when it was locally owned. Dad went on to work for two larger publications before settling down at the Albert Lea Tribune for nearly 15 years. 

In 2005 the Tribune hired a new editor whose philosophy my father could not agree with. So, he called LaVonne Meyer and told her he wanted to buy the New Richland Star. And he did. 

Two years later the owner of the Ellendale Eagle asked my father if he was interested in her newspaper. He bought it.

During those days I was an infant, going to “day care” first in the back halls of the Tribune and later the Star Eagle. I guess you could say I liked what I saw: When I turned 15, I asked my parents for a job. Thus began my journalism career.

Although I began writing soon after joining the staff, the first time I felt truly invested in a news story was when I wrote about a fundraiser being held for the father of one my friends: he had been diagnosed with cancer. It was the first time in my life I felt meaning. The spark, the excitement, the glow I felt as I wrote that first meaningful article stays with me today. 

I still get that feeling when I’m writing or interviewing folks to this day. This past Saturday I interviewed Rick Sobroack who runs the little kid tractor pulls at all the local fairs. The glow was back, the intensity I feel as I realize I am about to share an inspirational story. 

That’s what I’ve tried really, really hard to do during my journalism career. Capture that spirit, that fire, that’s within each and every one of us, which comes under the spotlight when we pursue our gift. 

“Your gift is the thing that can make you great. Your gift will make room for you. Now what is your gift? It’s the thing that you do the absolute best with the least amount of effort. That’s your gift… Identify what you’re gifted at and do that.”

I heard this online the other day listening to Steve Harvey. I reference this because on Saturday I got to spend half an hour with Rick, who is following his gift. He told me Bill Gates ain’t got nothing on him because he does what he loves. 

I feel the same way: I get to do what I love at the newspaper. 

I’ve been at it surprisingly long, perhaps, for someone who isn’t yet 25 years old. I became the editor of the Star at 19, after my father’s health prevented him from working. In 2019 I helped my mother start the Janesville Journal. Then, two years ago, my dad’s health sat him down fully and it was my responsibility to take over the entire newspaper. After a year as editor, I purchased the Star from him and became its publisher in April of 2021. 

I have many, many stories I look forward to sharing with readers, and after having drafted and redrafted this introductory column four times, I decided the short version would suffice for now. As they say, and as my favorite English teacher once said, “We’ve got time.” 

Acknowledgements

I have to thank several people for helping me get to where I am today. My father is number one. I will write about him again, one day soon.

Deb Bently is a local English teacher with expansive writing and editing skills who has joined our staff at the Pioneer. Her contributions are invaluable. 

Our staff. I have been blown away by our two new young journalists who have been working in the office. I don’t have words.

Michael, my co-publisher. He has a heart of gold and the work ethic of a horse. 

Melanie. She is a Star Eagle writer/editor who has been with me, and the paper, since I was seven years old. She has had my back and the paper’s that whole time. When I bought the paper, besides our local columnists, it was just me, her, and the next person on my list. 

Reed Waller. A famous artist, who gets mad if you say “kinda famous,” whom I have known just a little bit longer than Melanie. Reed was included in the purchase of the Star in 2005 and at 72 is as fiery and creative as he’s ever been. I do not have words for the value I place on our friendship. He is family, through and through. 

My family: My mother, brother, and sister. You have been by my side through thick and thin. Every fit, every overflowing toilet caused by my sister (but blamed on me), and every noogie that Nathan gave me growing up. It can’t be said enough how much each and every person named here means to me, along with the many, many other incredible people in my life who are too numerous to list here. (But here are a few more anyway) Kyle, Anastassia, Jake, Mark, and many more. 

And lastly our readers. 

There wouldn’t be a newspaper to put out if it were not for you. 

I have been incredibly humbled by the kind words and encouragement I have received speaking with the hundreds of people who made this first edition possible. I feel we have reached a pretty high mark with this paper. With a little aid and direction from our readers, I believe we’ll meet or exceed the standard in future editions. 

I hope you’ll tag along for the ride.