SMR-07-23-2014

See Pages 4-9

The Awards Edition

FACE TO FACE

The First AmendmentCongress 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.

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.

Gerry Burke, PublisherCrystal Lake, IL 815-526-4400

Greg Wallace, EditorBureau County RepublicanPrinceton, 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

Sarah Brown, Creston Publishing CompanyCreston, IA 641-782-2141

Mandi Lamb, News Printing CompanyNewton, IA 641-792-3121

Allison McCaleb, Suburban GroupCrystal Lake, IL 815-526-4485

Kris Boggs, Sauk Valley MediaSterling, IL 815-625-3600

with Tom ShawCEO

Shaw Media

TO 2

2 • Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 www.SHAWMEDIA.com

Continuing a tradition of excel-lence, the Journalists of Shaw Media have distinguished them-

selves once again among our statewide peers, and in multiple arenas. Illinois Press Association recognizes those companies that win the most individual awards with the coveted Sweepstakes…Best-in-the-State…Trophy. Out of the four contest categories in which we compete, and sometimes against other Shaw papers, we grabbed five Best in State recognitions…two firsts, two sec-onds, and a third. We won a first or a second in every class for which we were eligible, and a first and a third in one of them.

In the Illinois Associated Press competition this year, the North-west Herald and the Dixon Telegraph took two of the three top places in the General Excel-lence category. The judges' com-ments about the Telegraph's first place this year gives an insight as to why these awards come to our journalists.

“All the top finishers in this closely contested division are examples of why print journalism still matters, and why print will not only survive, but thrive in the future. These three newspapers fulfill the most important mission of a community newspaper, which is to

focus on the community they are in and put their emphasis on local people and issues. The Telegraph did this a little better than the others. The newspaper devoted its resources to local events and concerns – whether it was covering the complexities of a strike by local teach-ers, the debate over the need for a hel-met law or the efforts to find a man who went missing in a river. The Telegraph's front page consistently contained noth-ing but well-written local stories, and it made excellent use of sidebars, charts

and info boxes to better inform its readers.”

Yes, we relish having our news teams winning these recogni-tions, but I espe-cially am proud of the accom-plishments for more funda-mental reasons. They have been true to our brand promise of “Rel-evant Informa-tion” and being “Advocates for our Com-munities” dur-ing times of economic and resource chal-lenges.

The “purposeful journalism” crafted by our news staffs this year in captur-ing these awards is commendable. How they have done it against the backdrop of the challenges our com-pany faced last year is outstanding!

Congratulations to our new class of 2014 press association award winners.

Purposeful Journalism

““All the top finishers in this closely contested

division are examples of why print journalism still matters, and why print

will not only survive, but thrive in the future."

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 3 www.SHAWMEDIA.com

SIX STAR UPDATE

Face to Face ................................... pg. 2

Cover Story ................................ pgs. 4-9

In Memoriam ................................ pg. 10

Technology .....................................pg.11

Graphically Speaking ...................... pg. 12

Digital .......................................... pg. 13

Human Resources/Safety Update .pgs. 14-15

In Focus ........................................ pg. 16

Sauk Valley Media .................. pgs. 17-18

Suburban Group ..................... pgs. 19-23

Shaw Media Selfies ................ pgs. 24-25

Bureau County Republican .............. pg. 26

News Printing Co. ................... pgs. 27-28

Creston Publishing Co. ............ pgs. 29-30

Service Anniversaries ............. pgs. 31-34

New Faces .................................... pg. 34

New Responsibilities ..................... pg. 35

The Back Page .............................. pg. 36

UPDATEPerformance Through June we are within 1% of our sales targets, and 10% ahead of our profit budget. In both cases, we are significantly ahead of last year. If we maintain course, we are on track for a successful year of growth. These results do not happen apart from hard work, strong audience and customer relationships, disciplined expense control, and enhanced by our recent strategic acquisitions. We thank you for your diligence, Team Shaw!

Phil Metka We were stunned by the sudden death from a massive stroke of our dear friend and former Chief Financial Officer. Tears, condolences to the fam-ily, and wonderful memories flowed like a river during the week of his passing. For the memories of those who knew, and for those who might wonder what kind of a man he was, you will find reprinted on page 10, a tribute column which ran in this publication following his retirement.

Sauk Valley Publisher Welcome to Sam Fisher who assumed the responsibilities of both the Sauk Valley Media and the Bureau County Republican. Sam has been with our company for 31 years and we wish him the best in this new role. See the back page for more.

The Gold, Silver, & Bronze Congratulations to our boatload of editorial award winners who pro-pelled their companies to the Illinois “Best in the State” sweepstakes recognitions, including Northwest Herald (1st), Daily Chronicle (1st), Bureau County Republican (2nd), Downers Grove Suburban Life (2nd), and Sauk Valley Media (3rd). Awesome results!

Chicago Football As the 2014 NFL, collegiate, and Chicago prep football season draws near, our newest publishing platform, chicagofootball.com, will be play-ing to a wide suburban and alumni audience in this powerful niche.

Strategy Coordinator Peter Shaw has been hired to assist Leadership in understanding, participating, communicating, and promoting the alignment of Shaw Media's strategies with its core values. This alignment will help ensure that we continue to adhere to the principles upon which our success has been built.

By Gerry BurkeDirector of Sales DevelopmentShaw Media

Recent trends within the media industry have made us an easy target for critics who say that deci-

sions made to increase efficiency in the newsroom and other departments have left us without the human resources, or right attitudes, needed to inform our read-ers and put out quality products.

If peer recognition were to be consid-ered, and it should be, then these critics should be politely told to hush up.

Shaw Media has a rich history of being honored by the state press associations in Illinois and Iowa, as well as by the AP and other industry groups for content, quality, and innovation. Our current and past employees have displayed the kind of dedication to their craft that shows our readers and others that, despite what may be happening around us, we aim to provide the quality, relevant content they desire and deserve.


COVER STORY

4

Sometimes in life,you get what you deserve

Daily Chronicle News Editor Jillian Duchnowski (left) and Features Editor Inger Koch with the Patrick Coburn Award of Excellence, awarded by the Illinois Press Asso-ciation to the best daily newspaper with a circulation less than 10,000. The Daily Chronicle reclaimed the trophy in 2013.

Northwest Herald staff from left: Report-

er Emily Coleman, Managing Editor

for Production and Design Scott Helm-chen, Editor Jason

Schaumburg, Senior Web Producer Erick

Ward, Business Editor Brett Rowland, Web

Producer John Sahly, Reporter Jeffrey

Engelhardt, Reporter Stephan Di Bene-

detto, Senior Reporter Kevin Craver and

Allie Goodrich with the Mabel S. Shaw Memorial Trophy.

Photo by H. Rick Bamman

8 See Awards on PAGE 5

That trend has continued in 2014 as papers and individuals within our com-pany were recognized at contest time.

Overall this year, our properties have won over 220 news and advertising awards. Included in the top Illinois Press Association awards were the Mabel S. Shaw Memorial trophy (Northwest Her-ald) and the Patrick Coburn Award of Excellence (Daily Chronicle) awards. Win-ners of these trophies are determined by the overall number of awards newspapers win within their circulation categories. It was the fourth consecutive year the Northwest Herald has won this award.

In a story announcing the Northwest Herald achievements, editor Jason Scha-umburg said "It's always great to be rec-ognized for the work we do to make our communities better. The newspaper's success is a tribute to the many talented journalists we have on staff who are dedi-cated to serving our readers in McHenry County."

Fellow editor Eric Olson of the Daily Chronicle agreed in a news story after the awards were announced. “It is gratifying to see our staff recognized for their work”.

“We're very lucky to have a talented group of people working to report the news every day. Making a great newspaper and a great news website for DeKalb County on a daily basis takes a lot of creativity and effort from many people. It is exhilarating to see them honored for their work.”

Another exclusive award is that of General Excellence (won by Sauk Valley Media) presented by the Illinois Associ-ated Press Media Editors.

It was the third time in the past 5 years that Sauk Valley has won the General Excellence award for mid-size news-papers. Judging for General Excellence is based on an evaluation of the entire newspaper on dates randomly selected by contest organizers. Sauk Valley also placed third in the running for the Mabel S. Shaw trophy.

Larry Lough, executive editor of Sauk Valley Media, said “Our small staff has done an incredible job in producing a lot of good journalism. Although we're per-haps the smallest newspaper in this cir-culation class, we compete very well. I've never been more proud of a newsroom crew.”

The award total included 51 first place and 43 second place awards. For details of award winners and categories at each publication please look for stories written about specific properties.

While most readers do not understand the dedication and pride in our work that produces relevant content and advertis-ing, hearing from others in our industry who believe we are doing it better than our peers is news worth recognizing.

A salute to all those who contribute to our success!


COVER STORY

5Photo by Erick Ward

Northwest Herald Photo Editor H. Rick Bamman won First Place in Sports Action and the News Photojournalism Sweep-stakes Award from the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors.

8 Awards from PAGE 4

For the fifth consecutive year, the Northwest Herald was recognized as the best medium-sized daily newspaper in Illinois, winning the Mabel S. Shaw Memorial Trophy in the Illinois Press Association's annual editorial contest.

Mid-sized newspapers include any publication with a daily circulation between 10,000 and 40,000.

The Northwest Herald staff earned 31 other awards, includ-ing first place in sports features, enterprise writing, general

news photography, illustration, best web project and investiga-tive reporting.

First-place winners included sportswriters Jeff Arnold and Maureen Lynch; news reporter Jim Dallke; photographer Lathan Goumas; managing editor for production and design Scott Helmchen; web producer Erick Ward and sports media reporter Les Johnson.

The Northwest Herald also won the Knight Chair Award for best investigative/enterprise

reporting. The editorial staff took the top honor for the four-day series “Strapped in Subur-bia,” which examined the rise of poverty in McHenry County.

In the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors annual news contest, The Northwest Herald won both editorial and photo sweepstakes awards among medium-sized papers.

“Strapped in Suburbia” won the AP's editorial sweepstakes for best in show, and Photo Editor H. Rick Bamman won the photography sweepstakes.

Northwest Herald photojournalist Kyle Grillot placed first in the Spot News category in the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors annual con-test for his image of police officers arresting a man at his home on Hoy Avenue in Woodstock in the early morning of September 26, 2013. Kyle Grillot

Northwest Herald Photo Editor H. Rick Bamman won best of show in the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors annual contest for his image of Prairie Ridge's Rachael Underwood completing her final tumbling pass in the floor exercise to the delight of her teammates Feb. 15, 2013, during the IHSA State Gymnastics meet.

Five in a row!

Grillot takes a first

The Creston News Advertiser staff won four awards in the Iowa News-paper Foundation’s 2014 Better Newspa-per Contests.

The CNA advertis-ing department won first place for best ad featuring automotive, boats, aircraft, tires, gasoline, etc. category for daily newspapers with circulation less than 10,000.

The ad — built by CNA Ad Designer Amber Hayes — fea-tured a NCAA Final Four sale at Creston Automotive.

“This is a great con-cept with an effec-tive, striking execu-tion. I can see why the advertiser was pleased,” judges said.

The advertising department also won first place for best ad series for Creston Automotive adver-tisements that featured classic Ford trucks. Those ads — also designed by Hayes — were featured in the Creston News Advertiser Progress edition last year.

“This was a fantastic idea,” judges said. “Tying in old-fashioned cars and trucks with a modern advertisement message is a great way to go. Love the

design as well. A per-fect example of a well thought-out cam-paign, paired with wonderful design.”

The advertising department also won third place for a web advertisement for Matura Action Corpo-ration done by CNA Systems Administra-tor Dorine Peterson and former CNA Ad Designer Debbie Linderman.

As well, CNA Associate Editor Jake Waddingham took third place in the best news photo category for a photo he took of a bareback bronc rider at the 68th annual Lenox Rodeo last July. (See photo above.)

The Kane County Chronicle won seven awards – including one first-place award – in this year's Illinois Press Association editorial contest, which took place June 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Spring-field.

Designer/copy editor Rose De Leon won first place for best headline writing.

Third-place awards were for best special section (staff), best sports section (sports staff) and best sports column (sports report-er Kevin Druley).

Honorable men-tions were for best website (staff), best sports column (sports editor Jay Schwab) and best sports feature (Kevin Druley).

Participants in the IPA contest includ-ed more than 100 daily and non-daily newspapers. There were 35 categories in which to compete, and more than 3,500 entries were submitted for judging, according to a news release from the IPA.

Last year, the Kane County Chronicle won 10 awards in the IPA contest, includ-ing two first-place awards. The year prior to that, the Chronicle won five awards, including one for first place.

COVER STORY


Dorine Peterson

Amber Hayes

Jake Waddingham

Rose De Leon

Morris Daily Her-ald won two awards at the Illinois Press Association's annual editorial contest as follows:

Third Place:News Reporting - Series – Christina Chapman-Van YperenHeadline Writing – Sammie Kiesel

Christina Chapman

Morris wins two

Chronicle wins 7 IPA

awards

This photo — taken by CNA Associate Editor Jake Wad-dingham — won third place for best photo in the 2014 Iowa Newspaper Foundation's Better Newspaper Con-tests. The photo is of Kyle Brink of Deer River, Minn., during the bare-back bronc riding competition at the 68th annual Lenox Rodeo held last July.

CNA Advertising Director Craig Mittag, middle, stands with Rick Benson, left, and Terry Freeman of Creston Automo-tive in February. The News Advertiser received two first-place awards at Iowa Newspaper Conference Saturday for ads designed for Creston Automotive.

Creston wins in Iowa Contest

The Daily Chronicle won the Illinois Press Association's Patrick Coburn Award of Excel-lence in the Illinois Press Association's annual Excellence in News contest.

The trophy is awarded to newspapers with circulations less than 10,000 that win the most awards in the annual contest. The Daily Chronicle won nine first-place awards and placed in 27 other categories.

"Making a great newspaper and a great news website for DeKalb County on a daily basis takes a lot of creativity and effort from many people," Editor Eric Olson said. "It's really gratifying to see our journalists rec-ognized for their work."

The staff won Best Lifestyle Section and Best Sports Section. The sports staff won Best Sports News Coverage for "Orange Bowl makes immediate impact on NIU recruit-ing," Best Web Project for "Heisman history: Jordan Lynch's journey to New York City," and Best Sports Feature.

News Editor Jillian Duchnowski and for-mer Daily Chronicle reporter David Thomas won the Best Coverage of Taxation for articles exploring tax increment financing districts. Former Daily Chronicle Photo Editor Rob Winner captured first place for photo illustration and personality portrait, while photographer Monica Maschak won Best Photo Series.

The MidWeek also won two first-place awards. Editor Dana Herra won the per-sonality portrait category for "A mother fights heroin," while former reporter Curtis Clegg won Best General News Photo.

The Bureau County Republican brought home several advertising and editorial awards from the annual Illinois Press Association convention, held at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. More than 100 daily and non-daily Illinois newspapers competed in the editorial contest, and more than 70 daily and non-daily Illinois newspapers competed in the advertising contest. Since the BCR publishes three times a week, it competes in the non-daily categories.

Each newspaper has the ability to enter items that were published in 2013, including writing, photography, advertisements and classified ads. The different categories are judged with other newspapers of similar sizes. The BCR placed in all of those categories.

"It's always so impressive to see how well the BCR does when it competes against our peers from throughout the state," said BCR Editor Terri Simon. "While I already know we employ a group of winners here at the BCR, it is nice when our work is appreciated by other members of the media. There's some validation there, and I'm contin-ually impressed with how well our work stacks up against other newspapers."

See a listing at right of the awards won by the BCR Advertising Depart-ment and the BCR Editorial Depart-ment.

Overall, the BCR won second place for the top newspaper in its circulation division in the entire state of Illinois. The Galena Gazette won the top honor. Third place went to the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.

Dana Herra

Rob Winner

Jill Duchnowski

Monica Maschak

The BCR's Advertising Department brought home several awards from the annual Illi-nois Press Association convention, held in Springfield. Pictured (seated, from left) are multi-media consultants Erica Oertel and Pam Marsh, and advertising coordinator Phyllis Fargher; and (standing) multi-media designer Teresa Gleason, multi-media consultant Ashley Oliver, multi-media designer Todd Olin and multi-media consultant Angie Jones.

The Bureau County Republican's Editorial Department is pictured with the awards it won during the annual Illinois Press Association convention. Pictured (seated, from left) are BCR Editor Terri Simon, staff writer Goldie Cur-rie and senior staff writer Donna Barker; and (standing) BCR Sports Editor Kevin Hierony-mus, associate editor Rita Roberts, copy editor Sarah Maxwell, design/graphics editor Greg Wallace and night editor Lyle Ganther.

BCR Advertising Dept. received awards in:Second place:Best Ongoing Special SectionBest Niche PublicationThird place:Best Spot Color AdBest Newspaper-Designed InsertBest Classified AdHonorable Mention:Best Classified SectionBest Ad Less Than a Full Page

BCR Editorial Dept. received the following:First place: Sports Section — Kevin HieronymusSecond place: Sports Column — Kevin HieronymusSpot News Photo — Terri SimonMost Innovative Project — BCR staffThird place: Lifestyle Section — Rita Roberts/Sarah MaxwellHeadline Writing — Kevin HieronymusNewspaper Design — BCR staffHonorable Mention: Enterprise/Feature Writing — Goldie CurrieBest Web Project — Rita Roberts

BCR correspondent photographers won the following awards:

First Place: Feature Photo – Mike VaughnSecond Place:Feature Photo – Becky KramerPersonality Portrait – Mike VaughnThird Place:Personality Portrait — Daniel AckerHonorable Mention:Sports Photo – Mike Vaughn

BCR brings home some hardware

Daily Chronicle captures awards

COVER STORY


West Chicago Suburban LifeFirst Place: Business/Economic Reporting – Mary Beth Versaci, "West Chicago community sup-ports its own during Thanksgiving season."Sports SectionSecond Place:News Reporting Series – Wiant House Series, Mary Beth Versaci and Anna SchierSingle Page Design – Dave Lemery, "West Chicago Suburban Life is your new West Chicago Press"Newspaper DesignThird Place:Enterprise/Feature Writing – Mary Beth Versaci, "D-33, community partners 'go together' for West Chicago families"Special section – "Touchdown 2013"Honorable Mention:Sports News – Scott Schmid, "Wheaton Academy's Rugglessets new shooting mark"Feature photo – Mark Busch, "Despicab-limp is watching"

Berwyn Suburban LifeFirst Place: Newspaper DesignSecond Place:Sports SectionSpecial Section – "Touchdown 2013"Third Place:Feature Photo – Sarah Minor, "Dancers on parade"Honorable Mention:Business/EconomicReporting – Joe Sin-opoli, "Rudolph gets added to holiday menu."Single Page Design – Laura Mihelich, "Worth the Drive"

Lake County Suburban LifeFirst Place: Enterprise/Feature Writing – Cassandra Dowell, "Once homeless, now in apart-ment of her own"

Special Section – "Forefronts"Second Place:Enterprise/Feature Writing – Cassandra Dowell, "Coal today, coal tomorrow?"

Downers Grove Suburban LifeFirst Place: Business/Economic Reporting – Ed McMenamin, "Owner wants to know: Why won't Downers Grove allow food trucks?"Single page Design – Dave Lemery, "'We had to do something'"Second Place:General ExcellenceGovernment Beat Reporting – Ed McMenamin, Downers Grove Village Board coverageBusiness/Economic Reporting – Ed McMenamin, "Shelves empty quickly as Downers Grove Dominick's prepares to close"Sports Photo – Bill Ackerman,"Perfect balance"Sports SectionLifestyle SectionThird Place:Editorial pageSpot News Photo – Bill Ackerman, "Canoeing through floodwaters"General News Photo – Bill Ackerman, "At odds over gay marriage"Honorable mention, Personality Portrait, "A tasty hot dog"Newspaper DesignHonorable Mention:Business/Economic Reporting – Ed McMenamin, "Eagles Restaurant named to Vienna Beef Hall of Fame"Feature Writing – Ed McMenamin, "Downers Grove North finds inspiration in homecoming queen with Down syn-drome"Spot News Photo – Lorae Mundt, "Checking on ducklings"Sports Photo – Matt Piechalak, "Joyful moment"

The weekly newspapers of Suburban Life Media took home seven first-place awards June 13 from the annual Illinois Press Association luncheon in Spring-field.

Among weekly newspapers with a cir-culation above 10,000, the Downers Grove Suburban Life took home two first-place awards and was sec-ond in general excel-lence.

The first place award in business/economic reporting went to reporter Ed McMe-namin. The newspa-per also received first place in single page design for Managing Editor Dave Lemery.

In the division for medium sized weekly papers, those with a circulation of more than 3,000 and less than 10,000, the Lake County Suburban Life won two first place awards and the Berwyn Suburban Life won one.

Lake County won for best special section, and former News Edi-tor Cassandra Dowell earned first place for enterprise/feature writing.

The Berwyn Sub-urban Life took first place in overall news-paper design.

In the division for small weekly papers with a circulation below 3,000, the West Chicago Suburban Life claimed a pair of first-place awards, one for News Editor Mary Beth Versaci for business/econom-ic reporting and another for best sports section.

Mary Beth Versaci

Ed McMenamin

News Printing Company received the following awards from the Iowa Newspaper Asso-ciation:Investigative Reporting - Skip Weber Award – Mike MendenhallSecond Place:Best Newspaper Website

Best Sports Columnist – Jocelyn SheetsThird Place:Best Editorial PageBest Coverage of BusinessBest VideoBest Sports Story – Kate MalottExcellence in Editorial Writing Jocelyn SheetsKate MalottMike Mendenhall

Suburban Life Media brings home the goldCOVER STORY


NPC takes Iowa awards

8

COVER STORY

SVM collects honors

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 9www.SHAWMEDIA.com

Illinois Associated Press Managing EditorsSauk Valley Media was cited for a front page that "con-

sistently contained nothing but well-written local stories" by judges who, for the second year in a row, honored it with the General Excellence award as best mid-size daily in a statewide contest sponsored by Illinois Associated Press Media Editors.

It was the third time in the past 5 years that Sauk Valley Media has won the General Excellence award for mid-size newspapers. Judging for General Excellence is based on an evaluation of the entire newspaper on dates randomly selected by contest organizers.

The award was among 18 honors the Telegraph and Daily Gazette received during the APME's annual awards lun-cheon in Springfield. Those included seven awards for first place.

Other awards were won by:

A set of bookends

Illinois Associated Press Media Editors' General Excellence award for best mid-sized daily is based on evaluation of complete edi-tions from three dates randomly selected by contest organizers. Sauk Valley Media has won the honor for the second year in a row, and the third time in the past five years.

Illinois Press AssociationFor the seventh year in a row, Sauk Valley Media has been hon-

ored for its work in promoting the public's right to know.The Telegraph and Daily Gazette won two awards – first and third

– in that category of statewide competition sponsored by the Illinois Press Association. Those were among 18 honors the newspapers received at the IPA's annual awards luncheon.

The newspapers also won awards in broader categories of com-petition:• Best Sports Section, first place• General Excellence, second place• Best Lifestyles Section, second place• Best Editorial Page, third place

The two awards for Best Promotion of the Public's Right to Know brought to 11 the number of honors the newspapers have won in that category during the past 7 years.

Other awards went to:

First Place• Matt Mencarini for investiga-tive reporting, for his examina-tion of spending practices in the Ogle County sheriff's office. The reporting also won second place in editorial sweepstakes, which judges all first-place winners in the contest.• Christopher Heimerman for public service• Angel Sierra for the newspa-per's website• Jeff Rogers for headline writ-ing, a category in which the newspaper swept the top three awards• Brian Weidman for sports feature writing• Alex Paschal for photo illus-tration

Second Place• David Giuliani and Derek Barichello for breaking news • Christopher Heimerman and Dan Woessner for sports breaking news• Dan Woessner for sports feature, for sports column, and for headline writing• Tara Becker and Derek Bar-ichello for enterprise reporting• David Giuliani for business reporting• Alex Paschal for pictorial photo

Third place• Christopher Heimerman for headline writing• Alex Paschal for photo illus-tration

First Place• David Giuliani, government beat reporting (coverage of townships and pensions)• Tara Becker and Derek Bar-ichello, news reporting/single story (Figuring it out, a preview of Rita Crundwell's sentencing)• Jim Dunn, local editorial (Don't let swindler off easy – Crundwell pre-sentencing)• Brian Weidman and Dan Woessner, sports news reporting (Drive for 5 complete)

Second Place• Matt Mencarini, investigative reporting (Spending in Ogle Coun-ty sheriff's department)• Derek Barichello, school board coverage (Dixon teachers strike)

• Christopher Heimerman, sport feature (Natural Selec-tion)• Alex Paschal, personality portrait (Getting into his work)

Honorable Mention• David Giuliani, Angel Sierra, web project ("I thought it was the end of us")• Phil Marruffo, sport photo (Big win)• Alex Paschal, general news photo (Smile)

And the newspapers fin-ished third for the Mabel S. Shaw Memorial Trophy, a sweepstakes award based on the number of awards and their placing.

CertificationKris Boggs, HR Director, Sauk Valley Media

Certification received: Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Date completed: May 31, 2014Reason for taking class: Continu-ing education in human resources.Additional comments: Passed the national exam at the PHR level in 1997, tested and certified at the senior level (SPHR) in 2005, and have since maintained senior-level certifi-cation through continuing education and leadership credits.

We are quite pleased in this issue to shine a deserv-

ing spotlight on Phil Metka, Shaw Newspapers' CFO who retired July 31, 2007. From the cover, to the cover story, and the myriad of images from his retirement activities in late July and early August, we wanted to honor him one last time for his friendship and service to this company.

Our Board of Directors recognized Phil with a heart-felt resolution of gratitude, which is now permanently recorded in the company's official Minutes. Friends from the community and our company enjoyed an all too brief afternoon at Lowell Park on the Rock River in Dixon to acknowledge that their dear friend and his wife, Nancy, were beginning the new retirement adven-ture in their life…one that would take them away from Dixon, yet closer to their family. And, company own-ers & executives, the ones that worked closest with

Phil, roasted and toasted their unique friend, his wife, and their precious family. As for those of us who shared an office with Phil and labored with him daily, we were quite honestly in denial that Phil was really leaving us.

Well, he was, and he did. In the many tributes

and accolades bestowed upon him, “being a true friend” was most common. Although I am not sure if it was expressed during the festivities, my tribute to Phil is a concept that is histori-cally noble, yet modern cul-ture has changed it so much that it takes a bit of explana-tion.

I have observed during the 20+ years that Phil & I co-led this company that he was a MEEK man, through and through.

By today's understanding, this may not seem like much of an accolade…but bear with me. A good working historical and biblical defini-tion of “Meek” is “Strength under Control”. It is quite the opposite of weakness, which is a common misun-derstanding of the concept. It is not an attitude of allow-ing everyone to run over you because you are afraid of them. In fact, some of the strongest men/women and greatest leaders who have ever lived have been meek.

By virtue of his office and reputation with the Board of Directors and owners of the company, Phil carried a “large sword” in terms of his authority. Yet, he exer-cised his authority in wise, considerate, compassion-ate, and responsible expres-sions of genuine Meekness.

A significant manifesta-tion of Meekness is the abil-ity to curb the very humanly natural desire to rebel, to fight, to have our own way, to push our self forward, etc.

Quite honestly, I can't say how Phil was able to be the leader that he was. I believe all motivation and behavior is quite complicated and deeply personal. But, I do know what I observed… and, we saw a man with power and strength put the good of the company and that of others ahead of his own interest, and all of us are better for it today.

Thanks Phil. You served your company, your friends, and the Shaw Family well!

IN MEMORIAM

10 yearsCEO Tom Shaw

(left) awards Chief Technology Officer Ben Shaw with a cer-tificate recognizing 10 years of service with Shaw Media.

Reprinted from Shaw Newspapers Reporter / Fall 2007, Volume 21, Number 2

Mr. Metka <> Mr. Meek

Phil Metka1938 — 2014

Kris Boggs

PEOPLE OF SHAW MEDIA


By Matt WoodstrupDigital Production CoordinatorShaw Media Corporate

In most occupations we have ways of tracking our work, reporting success or failure and monitoring per-formance.

In IT Support, an effort to gauge our performance is underway in 2014. Pro-viding services to users with limited resources, we have started to implement a Shaw Helpdesk Service. We have partnered with a company called Freskdesk http://shawmedia.fresh-desk.com/support/login. They will provide us with feedback and tracking of tickets for each reported support issue within Shaw Media. Each ticket will be assigned to a region and a support specialist.

Using "Shaw Mail" (FirstClass email) we have made the pro-cess of requesting a help ticket painless. If you need help, just type "Shaw Help" in the To: field of your email. Putting a subject

with the nature of your request and making sure you have a sig-nature with your email address will allow us to reply. From that point the IT staff will be notified of the request ticket.

With a user name and password supplied, you can also access the helpdesk website and request a ticket there.

As I wrote in a past Reporter article, informa-tion is key to troubleshoot-ing problems. In the body of the email, state the problem with as much detail as pos-sible.

We will be implementing the Shaw Helpdesk at our Sauk Valley Media loca-tions first. Vinus Williams will be monitoring new request tickets for these locations once we have a work process designed. As we move forward, we will be able to help multiple sites from around Shaw Media. Using tools like ARD (Apple Remote Desktop), we can support various locations with remote management.

TECHNOLOGY

It never hurts to ask

Can you hear me now?

The week of March 24th, we installed the new IP phone system for the Sterling office. Once the system was up and run-ning, it was time to take out the old system.

This year we started the installation of new phone systems for the com-munity group. We started with Sterling. Before we could begin, we had several networking projects that needed to be completed. One such proj-ect was the installation and configuration of new network racks and wires.

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 11www.SHAWMEDIADIGITAL.com

12GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING

One of the under used features of FirstClass is the Personal Calendar. I have been conducting training in Calendar usage recently. One feature is adding notifications to other calendars, within FirstClass and/or external calendars.

Here is how to add an event to other’s FC calendars:

Sharing Calendars in FirstClassBy Brian HurleyMedia Applications CoordinatorShaw Media Corporate

Double click on a date in your FC Calendar to bring up the event dialog.

Fill out all the information you want to, then click on the Participants tab.

Input FC users there that you want to invite.

The recipient will get an e-mail invite.

Opening it will show the Event dialog box.

Clicking Accept or Tentative will add it to the recipient’s calendar.

Selecting Decline opens an e-mail addressed to the original sender of the event.

While the Inviter will not receive an e-mail with the invitee response, selecting the Calendar Event and choosing Message > History will show you who has read the invite message and their response.

12 • Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 www.SHAWMEDIADIGITAL.com

By J. Tom ShawChief Digital OfficerShaw Media

Small business owners have more mar-keting options available than ever. With emerging technologies, advertisers have a new world of tools to help them target consumers more efficiently.

One of the fastest growing segments of marketing for small business is through content. Content marketing can take on many forms, such as a Facebook post or a company blog.

Native advertising, or sponsored con-tent, is a type of content marketing pro-vided by media companies. Articles and

video are produced for a business, and then delivered in a fashion that matches the form and function of edito-rial content. The sub-ject matter is typically related to the business category as apposed to just the business itself. The content is clearly labeled as sponsored, and linked back to the sponsor's website.

This solution is popular with adver-tisers for several reasons. The content is likely to get noticed by readers, and

the client receives brand exposure with each article. Sponsored content provides a search engine optimization (SEO) benefit. The content links from our news websites to the sponsor's site, and is likely to appear in relevant search results.

As part of our Brand Promise, we continually seek ways to provide effec-tive marketing solutions for our busi-ness partners. Sponsored content is one of several new digital solutions we've rolled out this year. This program is already contributing to our digital revenue growth, and shows promise as a significant driver of new revenue for the future.

DIGITAL

By Ben ShawChief Technology OfficerShaw Media

Shaw Media is growing in many ways. We are not only growing the number of publications we operate, but are growing our portfolio of digital solutions also.

Last fall when the officers were review-ing strategies for digital growth, it quickly became apparent that we needed to invest in digital at all levels if we were to sustain this expansion. J.Tom Shaw and I saw a need for investment in all areas of the

digital operations. We needed more sales associates, content producers, more sales support and more service and more coor-dination if Shaw Media hoped to meet its aggressive growth plans.

As a result of the exciting support for this direction, we have a number of new faces in the company. I’d like to extend a warm Shaw welcome to Rita Walker, Digital Ad Director, her dedicated digital marketing specialist team Joe Keating and Kevin Trusty, our Digital Sales Champi-ons Don Guisinger, Brett Carr, our Digital Services team of Evie Kevish and Marie

Kostecka as well as our Digital Production Coordinator Julia Tseline. In addition to welcoming our new team members, I’d also like to welcome associates that have moved from other roles into dedicated digital roles. Laura Wilson has become our E-Commerce Director, Scott Albertsen has become our Data Manager, Zach Walters has become a Digital Production Coordina-tor and Renee Hermann has become our McHenry Digital Champion. We anticipate adding even more positions this year and next to fuel our exciting digital growth into 2015 and beyond. So Welcome, All!

J. Tom Shaw

Brett CarrJulia Tseline

Zach Walters

Evie Kevish

Laura Wilson

Rita Walker Don GuisingerKevin Trusty

Scott Albertsen Joe KeatingMarie Kostecka Renee Hermann

Going Native

Digital growth

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 13www.SHAWMEDIADIGITAL.com

In June, employees had the opportunity to enter a drawing for an IPad Mini by taking a quiz on summer driving safety. Thank you to all who participated. There were 397 entrants. The win-ner of the IPad Mini is Scott Landry, Account Executive at Suburban Life Media, Down-ers Grove.

Safety committee mem-bers whose locations had a 90% participation rate in the contest were also eligible for special prizes. Four safety committees met the chal-lenge: The Herald-News (Joliet), Sauk Valley Media (Sterling), News Printing Company (Newton) and Creston News Advertiser (Creston).

The following safety com-mittee members won draw-ings for $50-value prizes:

Lee Ann Franklin, The Herald-NewsDale Todd, Sauk Valley MediaBrenda Lamb, News Printing Co.Courtney Dake, Creston News AdvertiserAn additional prize was given to a safety com-

mittee that came close to the 90% participant rate, and was awarded a $25-value prize:

Rob Dancey, Daily Chronicle (DeKalb)The company regards the safety of its employ-

ees as a top priority. Driving accident preven-tion, as well as accident prevention in general, is key in this effort.

HUMAN RESOURCES & SAFETY UPDATE

There were three incidents requiring medical attention in March, April, May and June, one at The Herald-News (Joliet), one at Sauk Valley Media (Sterling) and one at

Creston News Advertiser.

Courtney Dake

Lee Ann Franklin

Scott Landry

Rob Dancey

Brenda Lamb

Dale Todd

Summer Driving Safety Contest

NovaTime is now the official recordkeeper for vacation time, sick time, birthday day off and anniversary day off time.

This article explains how you can see how much time off you have available.

After you login to Novatime, go to Attendance >> Accruals.

How much paid time off do you have?


On the accrual screen you will be able to see detail of what days or hours you have taken off, and how much you still have available. By clicking on the gray plus signs on the left hand side of the screen you can expand the view for any type of time off type you have available. This allows you to see more details, including specific days taken, and future days that have already been scheduled and approved by your supervisor.

Hourly employees can also see a summary of current time off hours available on the timesheets screen at the bottom in the section called “Accrual Summary.”

For questions regarding the number of time off hours you have available, please see your local human resources or payroll administrator.

HUMAN RESOURCES


Jordan Scher of Mesirow Financial recently made a tour of the majority of Shaw Media sites. Here are two topic highlights from those meetings.

Roth Contributions versus Traditional 401(k) Contributions

Roth Contributions are contributions that are made on an after-tax basis, while traditional 401(k) contributions are made on a pre-tax basis. The Roth contribution option may afford sig-nificant tax advantages to certain individuals. As a general rule, this option may be a good one for those in lower tax brackets and who are younger, because designating 401(k) contributions as Roth gives individuals the opportunity to pay taxes on money now and avoid paying taxes at retirement. Such individuals will likely be in a higher tax bracket when they retire.

June 401(k) Meetings Highlights

Featured SpeakerOn May 21, Newton Daily News Senior Staff Writer/Pho-

tographer Ty Rushing served as the keynote speaker for the Newton leg of the Iowa Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Each year, more than 500 Iowa Law Enforcement officers carry the Special Olympics Torch along planned routes, covering all corners of our state. The Final Leg of the run involves officers statewide converging on Hilton Coliseum to pass the torch to a Special Olympics Athlete who, in turn, lights the Olympic flame at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Iowa State Summer Games.

Ty Rushing said "I was honored to have been chosen to be a part of this ceremony and I had a great time encouraging our Newton athletes to bring us home some medals."

Joined a BoardSteve Vanisko, Advertising Director, The Herald-News

What Board did you join? Joliet Region Chamber Of CommerceIn what Capacity? Director

Featured SpeakerBob Wall, GM The Herald-News, The Herald Life, The Morris Daily Herald

Presentation Subject: Introducing the new Herald-News under Shaw ownership. Type of Audience: Joliet Lions Club

Joined a BoardBob Wall, GM The Herald-News, The Herald Life, The Morris Daily Herald

What Boards did you join? • Will County Center for Economic Development Board of Directors, as a Director• Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, as a Director

Steve Vanisko

Bob Wall

How to Help Improve Your Retirement OutlookAre you saving enough for retirement? Experts say that you

should save as much as possible as early as possible, and the 401(k) Plan makes it easy to do with convenient payroll deductions enhanced by company match.

Nationwide has a tool, the Interactive Retirement Planner, to help give you some guidelines as to how much to save. It can be found at: https://isc.nwservicecenter.com/iApp/isc/rpt/launchRetirementTool.action

If you decide to increase your 401(k) contribution percent-age, complete a change in contribution form that can be found in the benefits folder in ShawMail. This form is also available from the human resources contact for your loca-tion. You should save at least 6% to take full advantage of company match.

Still have questions about investing in your 401(k)? Contact Jordan Scher at [email protected] or at tele-phone numbers 800-453-0600 or 312-595-6215.


By David Giuliani

Steve Sarley sells advertising for Shaw Media in Lake County, but he's most known for his love of

the outdoors.Sarley, who started working in Shaw

Media's Grayslake office in September, has written for various newspapers and magazines since 1998. He has written an outdoors column for the Northwest Herald for a decade.

"The favorite thing I have done in the outdoors is write for the Northwest Herald," said Sarley, who mainly sells advertising for Shaw Media's Great Lakes Bulletin. "Readers are not afraid to call me out when I'm wrong, and they give me praise when they think I'm right. It's the most responsive read-ership I've ever had."

From 2002 to 2005, Sarley, a Wheaton resident, hosted the hunting and fish-ing show, "Great Outdoors," on CLTV. Until taking the Shaw Media job, he had a radio show, "The Outdoors Expe-rience," on WIND AM-560 for a decade.

In the outdoors, he mostly fishes, but does a little hunting. His favorite places to fish are Lake Geneva, Lake Delavan and the Chain O' Lakes.

He said his best fishing trip was to Tetu Island Lodge in northwest Ontario with influential McHenry County attorney Herb Franks; his son, state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo; Shaw Media President John Rung; and Rung's

father-in-law, Ron Branum.In 2003, Sarley went fishing with

then-Cubs manager Dusty Baker, using that opportunity to suggest a team lineup. Baker went with it.

"When he was asked by the media

why he penciled in such an odd lineup, he said it was my suggestion," Sarley said. "There was a media firestorm. It was in every newspaper."

The Cubs won the next game, Sarley said.

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 employee in the company. It features one of many who makes a difference

by striving for excellence.

MEET : Steve Sarley


Photo provided by Steve SarleySteve Sarley is holding two bass at Lake Delavan in Wisconsin.

In touch with the

great outdoors

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 17www.SAUKVALLEY.com • www.SAUKVALLEY SPORTS.com

15 yearsPhoto submitted by Jenny Young

Kelly Null celebrates her 15 year service anniversary in the Sauk Val-ley Media breakroom on March 28. Coworkers gathered to congratulate Null and help her eat a huge cake.

By Jenny Young

Like all of us in the Shaw Media fam-ily, Sauk Valley Media takes the Free-dom of Information Act seriously.

The Illinois Press Association has honored SVM for Best Promotion of the Public's Right to Know for 7 consecu-tive years. SVM has collected 11 awards in that category, including two this year.

Executive Editor Larry Lough is proud of his staff for holding public officials accountable.

"That's a pretty impressive record," he said.

One award was for an investigative report headlined, "A lock on public access?" It featured two articles by David Giuliani and Matt Mencarini dur-

ing National Newspa-per Week.

"It felt good," Men-carini said. "It was a big newsroom effort."

Giuliani wrote about last year's appellate court rul-ing that exempted state's attorneys from following the FOIA. He named local ones who no longer were releasing information.

Mencarini reported that the Ogle County sheriff and state's attorney denied requests to see a search warrant and police affidavits.

"I felt those things should have been public," he said, "and I still do."

Mencarini was thankful the ruling was reversed in May. State's attorneys must release public records again.

"It's a transparency thing," he said.

SVM's second award was for Giuliani's article on closed-session records. He exposed local public bodies that failed to review them, as required by the state, to evaluate the need for secrecy.

He also exposed a city council for discuss-ing public matters behind closed doors.

Mencarini offered advice for other report-ers seeking public records.

"Don't take 'no' for an answer."

Photo submitted by Mary Near

A sweet rideLuke Eisenberg, sales representative,

shows a unique bicycle won by the advertising department in a February raffle. The woman's bike is decoupaged with old Telegraphs. David Giuliani, former investigative reporter and news editor, won the bike at an auction, then donated it to Sauk Valley Media for an employee committee fundraiser that raised $167. Advertising employees dis-played the bike for a while, and some-times rode it around the office. Then, on behalf of the entire department, Eisenberg gave it to graphic designer Melanie Brooking, just because she loved it so much.

David Giuliani Matt Mencarini

SVM recognized for promoting open government

Photo submitted by Jenny YoungAdvertising Director Jennifer Barratta

(right) praises Kelly Null for her work ethic and congratulates her on 15 years of service.

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

18 • Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 www.PLANITSAUKVALLEY.com • www.OGLECOUNTYNEWS.com

Photo by Alex Paschal

A popping good timeOn a quiet February afternoon, Marla Seidell grabs a bag of popcorn to hand out to her coworkers, while Mary Near contin-

ues popping. Members of the Sauk Valley Media Employee Committee, Near and Seidell often use an old-fashioned popcorn popper the committee bought to spread cheer throughout the office.

Photo submitted by Mary Near

Raffle WinnerGraphic designer

Melanie Brooking mod-els a handmade scarf she won in a raffle in April that raised $20 for the employee commit-tee. The committee also held an Easter bake sale that raised $176.Photo submitted by Jenny Young

2013 Sales Representative of the YearSauk Valley Media Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta

(right) names Lori Walker the "2013 Sales Representative of the Year." The senior account executive was the top sales leader in territory growth, increasing sales by 22.7 percent. Baratta gave her an advertising excellence award and pro-vided lunch for Walker and her coworkers on May 5.

SUBURBAN GROUP

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 19www.NWHERALD.com • www.KCCHRONICLE.com • www.DAILY-CHRONICLE.com

Shaw Media, in partnership with Daily Herald Media Group, teamed up with veteran sports analyst Hub Arkush to launch a new magazine called "Chicago Football". Hub Arkush's former website has been rebranded ChicagoFootball.com and is the accompanying website to the glossy magazine which will publish weekly during the football season and monthly in the offseason. The first edi-tion debuted in April, and was followed by a launch party which was held at Water Tower Place in Chicago.

"The NFL's popularity is at an all-time high, and many fans have an affiliation with at least one college and high school program while many follow more than one," Arkush said in a statement. "Chi-cago Football will be unique in its look at the sport from a geographical perspec-tive, and our singular focus will allow us to go more in-depth than other media."

At right, Hub Arkush, wearing an early-series Blackhawks

playoff beard, speaks to the crowd at the launch party for "Chicago Football" magazine.

Above, Tom Shaw, CEO of Shaw Media, Peter Shaw, trustee of the Mabel Shaw Trust, and John Rung, Pub-lisher of the Northwest Her-ald and President of Shaw Media, were among many who attended the "Chicago Football" magazine launch party in Chicago.

Party4: Tom Shaw, CEO of Shaw Media, Ben Shaw, Chief Technology Officer of Shaw Media, and Steve Sulouff, IT Director of Shaw Media Suburban Group, mingle with the crowd gathered at the "Chicago Football" magazine launch party.

Are you ready for some football?

Photos by Dan Mott

SUBURBAN GROUP

20 • Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 www.MORRISDAILYHERALD.com • www.MYSUBURBANLIFE.com • www.PLANITLAKE.com

20

Woof And HootMascots "Daily the Dog" and "Mid-

night the Owl" were busy entertain-ing the crowds at the annual Castle Challenge Basketball game between rivals DeKalb and Sycamore. The Daily Chronicle helps sponsor the event.

Call Center Conversion

Featured SpeakerKate Schott, editor of The Herald-News, Morris Daily Herald and Herald Life

• Presentation Subject: Presented on May 6 to the Rotary Club of Joliet, with former Shaw Media Vice President/JHN Publisher Don Bricker, on Shaw's acquisition of The Herald-News, our progress in the first few months of being in Joliet and our future plans for the publication.Type of Audience: Joliet civic and business leaders.

• Presentation Subject: Presented on May 19 to the Kiwanis Club of Joliet on Shaw's acquisition of The Herald-News, our progress in the first few months of being in Joliet and our future plans for the publication.Type of Audience: Joliet civic and business leaders.

• Presentation Subject: Served as celebrity bartender for fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will & Grundy Counties, at the invita-tion of the organization, on June 4. Discussed with attendees the plans the company has for The Herald-News.Type of Audience: Residents of Will and Grundy counties.

Kate Schott

"Daily the Dog" and "Midnight the Owl" pose with students at the annual Castle Challenge Basketball game sponsored by the Daily Chronicle.

George Vallejo works to dismantle framing of the former imaging area to make room for the new call center in Crystal Lake.

Matt Woodstrup helps a customer service representative settle in to her new digs in the Crystal Lake office.

Cubicles were erected and network wir-ing installed for the new call center in Crystal Lake.

Brand new carpeting was laid in the for-mer imaging area of the Northwest Her-ald in preparation for the new call center.

The finished product.

Photos by H. Rick Bamman

Customer Service for Shaw Media suburban group was recently moved to the former tearsheet/imaging area at the back of the Northwest Herald building in Crystal Lake. The process required the dismantling of the former imaging room, as well as wiring up the computer network, assembling cubicles and carpeting the floor. Great job to all those involved in the process!

SUBURBAN GROUP

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 21 www.LAKECOUNTYSUBURBANLIFE.com • www.MYMCLIFE.com• www.PLANITLIFE.com

21

The Northwest Herald hosted a "Done With Winter Party" in mid-March, unaware that win-ter would persist for another two months, and eventu-ally snow on May 16. After one of the worst Chicago winters on record, the staff at the Crystal Lake office enjoyed pizza, soda, salad and lemonade, as well as bright, festive dec-orations in the lunch room, all courtesy of the Social Connection.

Blitzed Out!Congrats to the

Suburban Life Sales team for securing $15,469 in post it note revenue from the post it blitz! A special shout out to Mark Miller for selling the most post it note revenue on the team with $5,988! Mark Miller

In May, McHenry County Magazine recognized seven area women who have led by example and bettered their communities because of it in the third annual Women of Distinction lun-cheon. Held at the Crystal Lake Coun-try Club, the luncheon featured key-note speaker Kathleen Caldwell, as well as the women themselves who gave brief talks when accepting their awards. These seven women were nominated by members of the community and the winners were chosen by the Women of Distinction winners from the previous year. The event was well-attended and quite a success.

Staff members at NWH clamor for food and hope for a thaw from a rough Chi-cago winter.

Soooo over this winter!

Photos by Marla HartThe third annual Women of Distinction luncheon was well-attended at the Crystal Lake Country Club.

Keynote speak-er Kathleen

Caldwell enjoys the Women

of Distinc-tion luncheon

celebration with Meredith

Schaefer.

Distinctly Different

Kane County Chronicle features editor Kara Silva wrote a two-day series about eating disorders, which ran during National Eat-ing Disorders Awareness Week. KCC photo editor Sandy Bressner shot photos for the series, and Scott Helmchen assisted with design. The series included a use-ful information about the signs of eating disorders and where to get treatment, and it received positive feedback.

A unique front page designed by Scott Helmchen.

A look at eating disorders

SUBURBAN GROUP

22 • Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 www.LAKECOUNTYSUBURBANLIFE.com • www.MYMCLIFE.com• www.PLANITLIFE.com

Neato For Zito!Advertising Sales Representative Sam

Zito celebrated 40 years with Shaw Media! In honor of the momentous occasion, he was treated to a surprise party which also featured his wife, Cheryl, dropping by to add to the enjoyment, as well as an enormous cake, specially-framed Certificate of Achievement, and congratulations from NWH Publisher and Shaw Media Presi-dent John Rung. Congrats, Sam! Only 40 more until retirement.

NWH Sales Representative Sam Zito and Northwest Herald Publisher and Shaw Media President John Rung celebrate the momentous occasion.

Photos by H. Rick BammanNWH Sales Representative Sam Zito has his cake and certificate too as he pauses for a picture during his 40th anniversary surprise party in Crystal Lake.

Rick Peterson's account, Butcher on the Block, recently participated in the Big Deal program on Planit Northwest. Butcher on the Block, located in Algonquin, Illinois, is a local family owned gourmet meat and deli market. Planit members bought 1,404 vouchers in 3 days and broke the record of most deals purchased in a single market deal! We also acquired over 280 new regis-trations from this deal! With grilling season right around the corner, this proved to be a perfect fit for the demographic of our deal buyers. Congratulations Rick - this was truly a BIG deal!

In honor of National Fun At Work Day, the Morris Daily Herald team once again enjoyed the Morris Daily Her-ald Annual Treasure Hunt and Fun At Work Week. Throughout the week, the team had an opportunity to find keys in origami boxes hidden throughout the building. Everyone was given a list of clues to try to find the boxes. At the end of the week, the treasure chest was set up to see what keys would open the lock and the winners were able to pick a prize out of the chest. There were also Minute-To-Win-It games to play which included Paper Boy, Chandelier and KaBroom. In true Morris Daily Herald style, there was plenty of food all week and a picnic style lunch at the end where Advertising Director Rich Ponu-lak grilled hot dogs.

A look at the assortment of prizes Morris Daily Herald staff could win during National Fun At Work Day (or week, as MDH celebrates it).

Advertising Director Rich Ponulak sports his style at the KaBroom marshmallow game.

Festive With Festivities

Big news in Big Deals

SUBURBAN GROUP

Shaw Media suburban group had great response to the then newly-acquired Joliet Herald-News back in March. Despite winter conditions hampering some subscription sales efforts, 64 single copy buyers were converted to subscribers as a result of inserts scheduled in the last two weeks of February. The "subscribe" page on the website brought in 57 new subscribers as well, and nearly 200 readers called in to start delivery as a result of a $1/week introductory offer.

NWH Advertising kicked off Spring with a colorful bang generating $44,910 in digital sales from the "April Showers Bring May Flowers" contest. Two teams (The Incredibles & Ninjas) competed to see which team could grow the most flowers during the month of April. The contest focused on selling three key programs (one of the programs included our new digital offering, Sponsored Content). The winning Incredibles team including Rick Peterson, John Kranz, Kelly Rosenberg and Debra Hackett lived up to their Incredible team name earning 18 flowers.

Photo by Lathan GoumasJoliet Herald-News staff stand outside the building for a group photo. First row, from left: Pam Tezak, Debbie Faulhaber, Dan McCaleb, Kate Schott, Lauren Leone-Cross, Vikaas Shanker, Carolyn Dornbos, Stacy Broske. Back row, from left: Rob Winner, John Rung, Don Bricker, Bob Okon, Brian Stanley, Bob Wall, Dick Goss, Felix Sarver, and Steve Vanisko.

Recruiting more readers

A visual display of progress in the "April Showers Bring May Flow-ers" contest for NWH sales reps, assembled by Renee Herrmann.

April Showers Bring May Flowers: Spring 2014 Digital Contest

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 23www.NWHERALD.com • www.KCCHRONICLE.com • www.DAILY-CHRONICLE.com

SHAW MEDIA SELFIES

Pictured, from left, are Candra Brooks (front office), Amy Hansen, (editorial) and Ed Buesch (advertising) at Osceola Sentinel-Tribune.

Northwest Herald photojournalists (from left) Sarah Nader, Kyle Grillot and H. Rick Bamman.

This is the selfie image for Suburban Life Media (Downers Grove office). We taped a cell phone camera to the end of a monopod so we could get as many people as possible into the image. We figured as long as someone is physically holding the camera out, it still counts as a selfie. The picture includes all departments: advertising, editorial, digital and legals.FIRST ROW: Paulette Bremer, Carol Belchak, Ryan Terrell, Mark Busch (our photographer), Dave Lemery, Scott Schmid; SECOND(ISH) ROW: Debbie Kukielski, Valerie Esrig, Linda Siebolds, Renee Tomell, Laura Burke, Don Guisinger, Dan Farnham, Sherri Dauskurdas, Kelsey Rakers, Rita Walk-er, Dan Santaromita, Nick Steffan; BACK ROW: Debra Sherman, Anna Schier, Ed McMenamin, Bill Ackerman, Evie Kevish, Jes Spivak, Erica Benson, Jason Rossi, Mary Beth Versaci, David Good, Bill Korbel; IN BETWEEN ROWS: Mark Miller Sr. (behind Linda Siebolds), Danny Ciam-prone (between Ronee Tomell and Laura Burke), Kathleen Sargent (behind Dan Farnham), Carol Manderfield (behind Sherri Dauskurdas), Scott Landry (between Kelsey Rakers and Rita Walker), Diane Swaim (between Rita Walker and Dan Santromita). PRESENT BUT NOT VISIBLE (sorry!): J. Tom Shaw, Mark Miller Jr., Deborah Alcozer, Matt Hendrickson, Kristin Pedicini, Mari Grigaliunas. COULDN'T BE THERE ON THE DAY: Denis Dungo, Sarah Minor, Kyle Galas, Marcial Hernandez, Terri Landa, Nathan Lurz, Joe Sinopoli, and Matt Piechalak.

To thine own selfie be trueThe people of Shaw Media turn the camera on themselves

Carol Wallace ((lower left), Rose Henry (back) and Dawn Drake (right) of CNA accounting department.

Kane County Chroni-cle Administration Staff (clockwise starting from left) Jennifer Winder, Kim Pippin, and Vicki Foley.

Part of the advertising staff at the KCC (l-r): Dani-elle Leach, Scott Schafer, Maureen Ringness, and Vince Langman.


SHAW MEDIA SELFIES

The KCC editorial staff, clockwise from bottom: Sandy Bressner, Charles Menchaca, Eric Shelkopf, Melissa Hutter (intern), Kara Silva, Kathy Gresey, Samantha Kummerer (intern), Al Lagattolla, Jay Schwab and Brenda Schory.

Staff at the office at Creston, pictured front to rear: Craig Mittag, Mary Jo Borcherd-ing, Teresa Pendegraft, Lori Fletcher, Kayla Mensing, Brooke McIntosh, Amber Hayes, Dennis Kuyper, Jeff Levine.

CNA Associate Editor Jake Waddingham wears

a Tshirt displaying a selfie of the CNA editorial staff. Pictured, back row,

are Jake Waddingham, Scott Vickers, Sarah

Brown, Larry Peterson. Front row are Bailey

Poolman, Courtney Dake and Kyle Wilson.

Sandy Allison, Teresa Andreasen of CNA circula-tion department.

Newton was caught in a sales huddle when this was taken. Pic-tured in circle format starting at left: Desire' Omann, Miran-da Munson, Pam DeBruyn, Eric Jor-dan, Jeff Holschuh, Jackie Burdess, Sam Van Dusseldorp, and Bette Knott (center).

DeKalb Daily Chronicle Editorial Staff (l-r): Andrea Azzo, Katie Dahlstrom, Lawerence Synett (Daily the Dog), Monica Maschak (lower left center), Jill Duchnowski (center), Danielle Guerra (lower right), Eric Olson (top right), Steve Nitz (Midweek Owl).


BUREAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN

26 • Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 www.BCRNEWS.com • www.PUTNAMCOUNTYRECORD.com

Welcome aboard!

Lisa Lally joined the Bureau County Repub-lican staff on May 8 as the circulation opera-tions coordinator. Lisa and her husband, Mike, have been married for 18 years. They have four children - David, 19, Taylor, 17, Brock, 16, and Sydney, 14. They also have three dogs, one of which just had babies. Lisa enjoys shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She grew up in the local area.

Three Bureau County Republican editorial staff members have celebrated anniversaries. Goldie Currie, BCR staff writer, and Sarah Maxwell, BCR copy editor, celebrated one-year anniversa-ries, while Greg Wallace, BCR editorial graphic designer, celebrated 20 years. Sarah is pictured with BCR Editor Terri Simon and Greg is pictured with BCR Senior Staff Writer Donna Barker.

Lifestyles ExpoLiberty Village Marketing Director Lori Frick (left) and BCR Sales Development

Manager Pam Marsh are pictured during the March 14 Lifestyles Expo held at A Hun-dred Acre Orchard. The expo was sponsored by the Princeton Business Leads Team, a branch of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce. Motivational speaker Karel Murray spoke at the event, which also included a vendor fair and continental breakfast.

Lisa Lally

Helping outThe Bureau County Republican made donations to the five area food pantries in

Bureau County. Each pantry received a check for $561.60, proceeds from different fundraisers held in-house at the BCR and an anonymous donor. Pictured are Janet Heidenreich (front row, from left) representing the Walnut Food Pantry; Jan Martin of the Hall Township Food Pantry; Cynthia DeFreezer of the Western Bureau County Food Pantry; and Vanessa Hoffeditz of the Bureau County Food Pantry. Absent from photo was a representative from the Wyanet United Methodist Church Food Pantry. In the back row are BCR employees Sarah Maxwell, Mona Cruse and Todd Olin.

Editorial anniversaries

In early May, a delegation of Russian business woman visited Newton as part of a program to promote mutual understanding between women entrepreneurs and their Iowa counterparts. The group included Yevgenia Goloshchanova, a proprietor at a gourmet Italian deli; Yelena Lyakh, the deputy executive director at Tolyatti City Economic Development Agency; Tatyana Shikano-va, CEO of a laundry and domestic services agency; and Lyubov Zarubitskaya, proprietor of an accounting agency, along with facilitator Olga Tikhonova.

Hosted by the Organiza-tion Promoting Everlast-ing Neighbors, the group’s intent was to explore public

and private partnerships that support entrepreneurs and encourage regional eco-nomic development.

“Our primary goal is shar-ing our experiences, to find

something from our Ameri-can counterparts, new ideas for our business develop-ment, creating personal con-tacts, getting to know people and keep in touch with

people,” Yevgenia said.The group stopped by the

Newton Daily News office for a tour on May 5. While at NDN, they learned how the paper decides what things to cover, how the printing press works and how the advertis-ing department sells ads.

NEWS PRINTING COMPANY

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 27 www.NEWTONDAILYNEWS.com • www.JASPERCOUNTYADVERTISER.com

Everlasting neighbors

From left to right: Lyubov Zarubitskaya, Yelena Lyakh, Yevgenia Goloshchanova, publisher Dan Goetz, senior staff writer Ty Rushing, Olga Tikhonova and Tatyana Shikanova pose in the press room at the Newton Daily News. The five women Russian delegates toured the newspaper with the Organization Promoting Everlasting Neighbors to learn more about women in leadership and business in the United States.

NEWS PRINTING COMPANY

28 • Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 www.NEWTONDAILYNEWS.com • www.JASPERCOUNTYADVERTISER.com

Contest winnerPublisher Dan Goetz and Carrie Sanders (right) present safety committee member Brenda Lamb

with a $50 gift certificate to Hy-Vee she won in a prize drawing since News Printing Company was one of four Shaw operations that had a 90% participation rate in the summer driving safety contest.

Speed ReadersThe Newton Daily News participated in the recent NAS-

CAR Nationwide Series, "Get to Know Newton 250." The newspaper was placed on "Newton Avenue" along with other Newton businesses to showcase what Newton has to offer to race patrons. There were over 10 businesses with booths at the event and each offered an activity for race fans to participate in. The Newton Daily News created newspaper hats for both kids and adults. The newspaper also gave out complimentary copies of the Newton Daily News and Iowa Speedway Race Preview section.

Advertising Director Jeff Holschuh mod-els a newspaper hat while displaying the

Iowa Speedway Race Preview section of the

Newton Daily News. He and Publisher

Dan Goetz (right) dis-tributed both during the recent NASCAR

Nationwide Series "Get to Know Newton

250".

Race fans were presented with the Iowa Speedway Race Preview section while waiting for the tram to pick them up from touring the garage area for the "Get to Know Newton 250."

CRESTON PUBLISHING CO.

For a cureTo raise money for American Cancer

Society's Relay for Life, Creston News Advertiser employees were encouraged to donate money to the employee they wanted to pie in the face. Collectively, CNA Advertising Director Craig Mit-tag, CNA Production Manager Kevin Lindley and CNA Managing Editor Kyle Wilson raised $253 in two days. Above, Ad Designer Dennis Kuyper delivered a swift pie to the face of Mittag, who raised the most money. Below, to show his support, second runner up Lind-ley took a pie to the face from Mary Jo Borcherding.

Shake, shake, shakeSouthwestern Community College (SWCC) faculty, from left, Mark Evans, Melisa

Crook, Addae Houston and CNA Associate Editor Jake Waddingham bust a move with the SWCC Dazzlers during Jam the Gym in February 2014.

Midwest Free Community PapersPublisher Rich Paulsen (center) and Designer Brooke McIntosh accept awards

from Steve Fisher, president at Midwest Free Community Papers, on behalf of Creston News Advertiser and Osceola Sentinel-Tribune for best single advertise-ment, first place, category three, and second place for best grocery advertisement.

May flowersCarol Wallace, assistant office man-

ager at the Creston News Advertiser, plants geraniums outside the building on a warm sunny afternoon in May.

CNA photo by Kyle Wilson

Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 • 29www.CRESTONNEWSADVERTISER.com • www.OSCEOLAIOWA.com

CRESTON PUBLISHING CO.

Teeing offJeff Levine, Mary Jo

Borcherding and Kevin Lindley of the Creston News Advertiser played in the annual South-western Community College athletic fundraiser golf tourna-ment May 31 at Crestmoor Golf Club in Creston. Not pictured: Ron Pendegraft.

Pot luckBrooke McIntosh breaks away from

designing advertisements to enjoy corned beef and cabbage made by Pub-lisher Rich Paulsen on St. Patrick's Day.

Gift of lifeCreston News Advertiser Publisher

Rich Paulsen gives a smile while donat-ing blood during an American Red Cross blood drive at Trinity Lutheran Church in Creston.

45 minutes from BroadwayAmy Hansen, news editor at the Osceola Sentinel-Tribune, far right, reacts to a

heated scene in the musical comedy, "Forty-Five Minutes from Broadway" held Feb. 15 at Osceola Country Club. Hansen was part of a 13-member cast in the musical — presented by Clark Area Arts Council. Hansen played chorus girl Hilda. The show featured a Broadway director who is in dire need of funding for his musical, a small-town girl with dreams of becoming a big star and a criminal who is on the lam with gangsters hightailing after him.

Winner, winner!Publisher Rich Paulsen pres-

ents safety committee member Courtney Dake with a $50 gas card she won in a prize draw-ing since Creston News Adver-tiser was one of four Shaw operations that had a 90% par-ticipation rate in the summer driving safety contest.

CNA photo by Jake Waddingham

CNA photo by Sarah Brown

30 • Volume 28 — No. 2 • Summer 2014 www.CRESTONNEWSADVERTISER.com • www.OSCEOLAIOWA.com


5 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Danielle GuerraNewspaper: Daily ChronicleYears of Service: 4.5 at Northwest Herald, .5 at Daily ChronicleYears in the newspaper business: 7 yearsPosition: Photo EditorJob description: I shoot photos and video for the Daily Chronicle, as well as coordinate and schedule assignments.What I like best about my job: We have a nice little team in our newsroom over in DeKalb and it's nice to work together to get everything properly covered. I like knowing people see the stories through my eyes when they open the paper each morning. Family: Ryan my husband, Jude my 3 year old (10/8/11), and my boxer Maggie.Hobbies/Interests: sports, photography.Fun fact: I was a Division 1 goalkeeper for Valparaiso University.

Danielle Guerra

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Rich PonulakNewspaper: Morris Daily HeraldYears of Service: 5Years in the newspaper business: 25Position: Advertising DirectorJob description: Working together with fellow staff members to achieve success for our clients.What I like best about my job: Every day is differ-ent, never know what to expect.Family: Married to Bev for 29 years, son & daugh-ter-in-law Ricky & Angie live in Iowa, daughter Katie, dogs Ollie & Sassy, cat Luna, granddogs Wrigley & Leisel.Hobbies/Interests: Sports, spelunking, osculating in a perambulator, non-licensed phrenologist.Fun fact: My parents immigrated from Poland after World War II, attended Polish school for 8 years, fluent in Polish, grew up in Cicero.

Rich Ponulak

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Ryan GlabNewspaper: Shaw Media websitesYears of Service: 10Years in the newspaper business: 10Position: Senior Web Developer/Digital Team LeaderJob description: Developing the company's web-sites, building new products, and overseeing our department's production.What I like best about my job: The creativity and the "known unknown" ... that there's always something new around the corner.Family: Parents, three siblings, eight nieces and nephews.Hobbies/Interests: Reading, writing, watching/playing sports, traveling, and accomplishing things on the ol' bucket list.Fun fact: Although football is my favorite sport, I have Bulls season tickets and I love live basketball.

Ryan Glab

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Mary E. NearNewspaper: Sauk Valley MediaYears of Service: 15Years in the newspaper business: 15Position: Community AssistantJob description: I help with the phones and custom-ers, type and paginate copy for the Community Sec-tion pages in the SV Weekend, babies, obituaries, fair results, and Celebrations.What I like best about my job: Co-workers, and the opportunity to learn new things daily.Please list any Boards or Committees you serve: I serve on the SVM Employee Committee.Family: Husband, Doug, 6 children and spouses, 6 grandchildren, one due in September.Hobbies/Interests: quilting, travelingFun fact: Have called back to the office from a ferris wheel on Navy Pier and at the top of a lighthouse in Key West Fla.

Mary E. Near

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Vic Verway Newspaper: Bureau County RepublicanYears of Service: 15Years in the newspaper business: 25Position: Lead web pressmanJob description: Run press and job shop; mainte-nance; delivery; forklift driver.What I like best about my job: Every day is differ-ent.Please list any Boards or Committees you serve: BCR Safety Committee.Family: Wife, Cindy; twin sons, Mark and Aaron; daughter, Chloe; two cats, Lucy and Taz; and the dog from Iowa, Sophie.Hobbies/Interests: Riding my Harley, antiques.Fun fact: Rode four laps in a race car at the Joliet Speedway, reaching speeds of 167 miles per hour and loved it!

Vic Verway


10 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Tricia WalterNewspaper: Kane County ChronicleYears of Service: 10Years in the newspaper business: 18Position: Senior Marketing SpecialistJob description: Advertising sales in the Kane County Magazine, niche publications and specialty printing. What I like best about my job: I really enjoy working in the community helping customers who I have known for many years and continually meeting new people. Please list any Boards or Committees you serve: Member of Geneva Women in Business.Family: Husband, Paul; Daughters, Lauren & Taylor; dogs, Ollie & Teddie.Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family and following my daugh-ters' soccer, softball and dance.Fun fact: I used to have a paper route delivering the Dixon Telegraph when I was in grade school.

Tricia Walter


5 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Dan MottNewspaper: Shaw Media Video ProductionYears of Service: 5 (Non-Consecutively)Years in the newspaper business: 5Position: Video Production DirectorJob description: Overseeing all things video within the Shaw Media company.What I like best about my job: What I love most about my job is taking an idea, expanding on it and turning it into a form of visual communication. This allows clients, as well as our company to tell a story, sell a product, or showcase their business. It's so much fun to work with various people and teams and to experience so many different businesses and trades. As a major fan of football, our continued push for video content with Chicago Football is probably one of the best parts about the job. The experience of working with the CHF team, along with Chicago Bears and other various teams and media is outstanding. Family: My wonderful wife Brooke, and our two cats Gingie and Cole-man.Hobbies/Interests: When I am not shooting or editing a video, I am usu-ally practicing with my band. I have played drums for over 15 years and music is still a big passion of mine. Fun fact: In addition to my full time job with Shaw Media, I work oc-casionally with a company called Sportvision. I am a local Production Assistant for shows that come to Chicago, in which I set-up HD broadcast cameras and work on various production trucks during the football, base-ball, and hockey seasons. I have worked with FOX SPORTS, ESPN, WGN, and COMCAST SPORTSNET.

Dan Mott

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Jennifer GreenNewspaper: Sauk Valley MediaYears of Service: 5Years in the newspaper business: 5Position: Credit and Collection AssociateJob description: Set up new business accounts. Call for credit references, and extend a line of credit. Also, call on past due accounts.What I like best about my job: The people I work with in the office. I have made some very good friends here.Please list any Boards or Committees you serve: SVM Safety CommitteeFamily: Husband Seth, 2 dogs - Dylan & Cutler. Hobbies/Interests: I am very involved in taking in stray cats in my area, and getting them spayed and neutered and finding loving homes for them. I have been doing this for the last 15 years and have found homes for around 300 cats. I currently have 14 cats that I care for. Fun fact: I was once called 'live" by the Regis and Kathy Lee show and answered the question of the day correctly and won a vacuum cleaner.

Jennifer Green

20 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Al LagattollaNewspaper: Kane County ChronicleYears of Service: 20 yearsYears in the newspaper business: 24 yearsPosition: News editorJob description: Anything that needs to be done – assigning and editing stories, maintaining social media and the website, writing stories, working with the public.What I like best about my job: I always get to know what's happening in the area, and it's a very nice area.Family: Wife: Melissa. Two daughters: Maria Grace, 10, and Rosalie, 8.Hobbies/Interests: Reading, working out, sports.Fun fact: I'm about to run my first 5K event.

Al Lagattolla

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Dan WoessnerNewspaper: Sauk Valley MediaYears of Service: 10Years in the newspaper business: 10 Position: Sports EditorJob description: Manage five-person staff that produces sports sections for the Daily Gazette and Telegraph, and operates saukvalleysports.com. What I like best about my job: The challenge of finding ways to improve a staff and section that has tradition of excellence. Family: Wife, JodiHobbies/Interests: Reading, playing basketball.Fun fact: The SVM sports staff has three members that have worked in the department for 10 or more years. The other two are Ty Reynolds and Brian Weidman.

Dan Woessner

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Renee D. HerrmannNewspaper: Northwest HeraldYears of Service: 5Years in the newspaper business: I've worked in the newspaper business (at the Northwest Herald) on & off since 1988. I worked in Classified in the late 1980's, worked a territory and also was the digital specialist in the mid 2000's and now I'm a digital specialist again in 2014.Position: Digital ChampionJob description: Since the digital world is constantly changing and evolving, my role is to train the salespeo-ple on our new digital products and also help sell our digital offerings to both new and existing advertisers. Growing digital revenue is extremely important.What I like best about my job: Working with a FANTASTIC sales team and finding new business opportunities.Family: My husband and I have been married 19 years. We have two 12-year old children, Michael & Helen. Last year, we brought a Siberian kitten into the family and his name is Cashmere.Hobbies/Interests: Our family has fun traveling around to my son's gymnas-tics meets (he's a 3x State of Illinois All Around Champion gymnast!). I'm a "Gadget Girl" and enjoy anything Internet and techie. For relaxation, I enjoy reading and watching movies. I love cheering on my favorite sports teams: Wisconsin Badgers, Chicago Bears/Blackhawks/Bulls/Cubs. Hanging out with my family is also very important to me.Fun fact: I've had my picture taken with both Henry Winkler (The Fonz!) and O.J. Simpson.

Renee D. Herrmann



5 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Kevin Drake Newspaper: Creston News Advertiser Years of Service: 5Years in the newspaper business: 5 Position: PressmanJob description: Help run press and inserter ma-chines. What I like best about my job: It changes daily to keep you on your toes.Please list any Boards or Committees you serve: Safety CommitteeFamily: Wife-Dawn, Son-DravinHobbies/Interests: Mudd racing, fishing, watching son doing sports, football.

Kevin Drake

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Dennis "kyp" KuyperNewspaper: Creston News AdvertiserYears of Service: 5Years in the newspaper business: 5Position: Advertising AssistantJob description: I do anything and everything I can to help the Advertising Department be successful.What I like best about my job: That my job is "very flexible" and fits into my lifestyle of being a retired vocal music/graphic design teacher and that I have a very understanding boss when retirement is "calling" me to be someplace else other than my desk at the CNA. I also have a great group of people to work with at the CNA.Family: Married to my wife, Barb, for 43 years. Have two married children and 6 grandchildren.Hobbies/Interests: Travel, walking, gardening, cooking and grilling and especially spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren.Fun fact: I have a column in the CNA called "what's cookin' in kyp's kitchen" where I share recipes and I have hand woven over 600 baskets.

Dennis Kuyper

25 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Lori FletcherNewspaper: Creston News AdvertiserYears of Service: 25Years in the newspaper business: 25Position: Ad Services CoordinatorJob description: Layout of newspapers, and tabloids for both Osceola and Creston, legals, handle classified walk-in customers, help at the front counter when everyone else is at lunch, outside customer jobs, design ads, Dorine's and Amber's back up when they are gone.What I like best about my job: I like sitting out front and helping customers at the counter... I am a people friendly person ;-)Please list any Boards or Committees you serve: Relay for LifeFamily: Dave, and our two kids, Dusti (daughter) 19 1/2 yr. old. She will be a junior this fall at Northwest Missouri State University (and it's her only 2nd year of college). Dillon (son) is 15 yrs. old and will be a sophomore this fall in high school.Hobbies/Interests: My family (Dave, Dusti, and Dillon) circle track races in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska (yes our daughter races)...and that keeps me busy. When I am home, I love working in my flower beds and garden.Fun fact: Dave and I have been together 24 years and never been married ;-) maybe someday but we don't want to jinx it...Life is great!

Lori Fletcher

5 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Ashley Sloboda, formerly RhodebeckNewspaper: Kane County ChronicleYears of Service: 5Years in the newspaper business: 8Position: ReporterJob description: I spent my first four years covering St. Charles and moved to the Kane County beat in November 2013. I also get police blotter for St. Charles, Campton Hills and Kane County and handle general assignments, as we all do here.What I like best about my job: There are a lot of things to like about being a reporter. You never know what your day will turn into when you come to work, who you will meet or where you will go. I think what I like best is telling people's stories, espe-cially those who have done something good or made a difference, and telling stories that matter to our readers. Positive reader feed-back is always a favorite of mine. I cherish and save those emails in case I need a pick-me-up some day.Please list any Boards or Committees you serve: I've volunteered for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Walk MS for several years at the St. Charles location. My mom has MS, so I like that I can help in some way that doesn't involve fundraising. Family: Husband, Derrick. We have a cat named Spud we adopted from the Anderson Animal Shelter in 2012. My parents live in Fort Wayne, Ind., and my younger sister recently returned to the U.S. after several years in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer.Hobbies/Interests: I like to read (my goal this year is 40 or 45 books), crochet and do jigsaw puzzles and logic problems.Fun fact: I was valedictorian of my high school class.

Ashley Sloboda

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Sue ArnoldNewspaper: Northwest HeraldYears of Service: 15Years in newspaper Business: 15Position: Accounting A/R and Order Entry (Pre-Prints)Job Description: Monthly billing for all the Publications. Process the A/R payments for all of the Publications. Enter all of the Pre-Prints in Vision. Handle customer service calls and work closely with the Classified Team. What I like most about my job: The Group I work with. The feeling of accomplishment when we make the daily deposit to the bank!Family: Husband Harry (for now), 3 sons, Westley (25), Korey (22) and Brett (17), 3 Lab Dogs (all girls) and a Gecko :)Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time in Wisconsin (where most of my family lives). I like spending time outside in the yard gardening and playing with the dogs.Fun Fact: My parents had 6 kids in 7 years so we are all in our 50's for 3 years!

Sue Arnold



30 YEAR ANNIVERSARYName: Bev Rogman Newspaper: Northwest HeraldYears of Service: 30 yearsYears in the newspaper business: 30 yearsPosition: Graphic Designer Team LeaderJob description: I help Megan out with anything in the AdOps department and I do special sections. What I like best about my job: The daily challenges.... And the people.Please list any Boards or Committees you serve: Safety CommitteeFamily: 1 Daughter, 2 sons, and 2 step sons. 1 grandson and 2 step grandchildren.Hobbies/Interests: Camping and shopping (which my husband doesn't like to do (shopping)). Fun fact: My real name is Bev but my nickname is Debbie. When I was born, my brother couldn't say Bev and it came out Debbie and all of my family call me Debbie. For years, my nephews and nieces didn't know that my real name is Bev. I do favor being call Debbie. I think I look more like a Debbie then a Bev.

Bev Rogman

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

5 YEARSKimberley Leva 8/10/14 Crystal LakeDan Mott 9/18/14 Crystal LakeKevin Drake 9/21/14 CrestonJennifer Green 9/28/14 SterlingDanielle Guerra 10/4/14 Crystal LakeAshley Sloboda 10/23/14 St. CharlesRich Ponulak 11/11/14 MorrisRenee Herrmann 11/13/14 Crystal LakeDennis Kuyper 11/25/14 Creston

10 YEARSRyan Glab 8/30/14 Crystal LakeDan Woessner 9/15/14 SterlingTricia Walter 9/20/14 St. Charles

15 YEARSVic Verway 9/27/14 PrincetonSusan Arnold 10/6/14 Crystal LakeMary Near 10/18/14 Sterling

20 YEARSAl Lagattolla 11/2/14 St. Charles

25 YEARSLori Fletcher 8/14/14 Creston

30 YEARSBeverly Rogman 10/18/14 Crystal Lake

NEW FACES

March

Robert Peters 3/4 Crystal LakeSarah Dilg 3/5 JolietDanielle Guerra 3/10 DeKalbKayla Mensing 3/10 CrestonKelly Milnes 3/17 PrincetonKatrina Milton 3/17 DeKalbChristopher Yeazel 3/17 PrincetonLenell Pikelis 3/18 CrestonMarla Hart 3/27 Crystal LakeArthur Arkush 3/31 Crystal LakeShneeka Armstrong 3/31 Crystal LakeCheryl Deininger 3/31 Crystal Lake

April

Michael Bendinelli 4/7 Crystal LakeTerri Landa 4/7 Downers GroveMary Murdy 4/7 Crystal LakeSara Hendrickson 4/7 Crystal LakeDaniel Karlin 4/8 Crystal LakeMichael Mendenhall 4/8 Newton

Joan Oliver 4/9 Crystal LakeJessica Hanley 4/13 Crystal LakeKatherine Hohn 4/13 Crystal LakeRita Walker 4/15 Downers GroveHannah Kohut 4/16 JolietYesenia Garcia Geron 4/17 Crystal LakeChristopher Kunde 4/17 SterlingSeth Johnson 4/22 SterlingPam DeBruyn 4/28 NewtonDanielle Leach 4/28 St. Charles

May

Evie Kevish 5/5 Downers GroveBenjamin Schuff 5/5 NewtonKatherine Weber 5/5 Crystal LakeAlex Kantecki 5/6 Crystal LakeElizabeth Reis 5/7 Crystal LakeLisa Lally 5/8 PrincetonBreanne Hunter 5/12 SterlingAngela Kariotis 5/12 Crystal LakeTaylor Payne 5/19 SterlingEmily DeFries 5/22 Crystal Lake

Melissa McDonald 5/27 SterlingMichelle Long 5/27 SterlingJoseph Keating 5/27 Downers GroveKevin Trust 5/27 Downers Grove

June

Isaac Avila 6/2 Crystal LakeMarie Kostecka 6/2 Downers GroveRosalyn White 6/2 Crystal LakeJoseph Kaufman 6/9 Crystal LakePeter Shaw 6/9 DixonNicholas Samuel 6/11 Downers GroveTami Abell 6/13 Creston Gloria Carroll 6/16 SterlingAllison Goodrich 6/16 Crystal LakeJessi Haish 6/16 DeKalbDavid Sheets 6/16 SterlingSusan Sperling 6/17 SterlingDeanna Harman 6/23 Crystal LakeMichael DeFabo 6/23 Crystal LakeJonnelle Jannusch 6/25 Crystal LakeAllison Simmons 6/30 Newton



NEW RESPONSIBILITIESZach Walters, Digital Production Coordinator, Northwest Herald .................................................................2/1/14Cody Gum Pressman, Sauk Valley Media ....................................................................................................2/3/14Rob Winner, Photo Editor, The Herald-News .................................................................................................2/3/4David Good, Senior News Editor, Suburban Life Media .............................................................................2/17/14Jami Kunzer, Entertainment Editor, Northwest Herald ...............................................................................2/17/14Edward McMenamin, Senior Reporter, Suburban Life Media ....................................................................2/17/14Ty Rushing, Senior Staff Writer, News Printing Company ..........................................................................2/17/14Alex Soulier, News Editor, Suburban Life Media ........................................................................................2/17/14Mary Versaci, News Editor, Suburban Life Media ......................................................................................2/17/14Kelly Limbach, Advertising Sales Assistant, The Herald-News ..................................................................2/27/14Scott Albertsen, Data Manager, Northwest Herald .......................................................................................3/2/14Brett Carr, Digital Champion, Northwest Herald ...........................................................................................3/2/14Tom Devereux, Circulation Manager, Northwest Herald ..............................................................................3/2/14Mike Mueller, Circulation Manager, Northwest Herald..................................................................................3/2/14Jennie Robbins, Audience Development Manager, Northwest Herald .........................................................3/2/14Katie Sherman, Director of Sales and Marketing, Northwest Herald............................................................3/2/14Caleb West, Graphic Designer, Northwest Herald, Chicago Football ..........................................................3/2/14Corey Knalsen, Machine Operator, Sauk Valley Media ..............................................................................3/16/14Susan Feick, Circulation Billing Clerk, Northwest Herald ...........................................................................3/31/14Nicolle Lundin, Circulation Billing Supervisor, Northwest Herald................................................................3/31/14Kim Vanderstappen, Layout and Ad Traffic Manager, Northwest Herald ....................................................4/13/14Rebecca Grosso, Magazine Coordinator, Northwest Herald ......................................................................4/14/14Patrick Mason, Sportswriter, Sauk Valley Media ........................................................................................4/14/14Stephanie Barrons, Ad Sales Leader, Chicago Football ............................................................................4/21/14Robert Oesterle, Assistant Sports Editor, Morris Daily Herald.................................................................... 5/11/14Jerri Siedschlag, Accounting Clerk, Sauk Valley Media .............................................................................5/12/14Kathleen Schultz, News Editor – Days, Sauk Valley Media .......................................................................5/19/14David Giuliani, News Editor, Lake County Suburban Life ..........................................................................5/20/14Sam Fisher, Publisher, Sauk Valley Media and Bureau County Republican ..............................................5/27/14Michele Parks, Senior A/R Specialist, Shaw Media Suburban .....................................................................6/3/14Nancy Zadworny, Group Credit Manager, Shaw Media Suburban ...............................................................6/9/14Karen Pletsch, Regional Publisher West, Shaw Media Suburban .............................................................6/17/14


Over a break-fast

of bagels and muffins, the staff of Sauk Valley Media greeted new publisher Sam Fisher on the morning of June 3.

A week earlier, on his 58th birthday, Fisher was announced to the staff as publisher.

Of course, Fisher is not new to Shaw Media. He has been publisher in Princ-eton since 1993 and has held several positions during his 31-year career with Shaw.

In announcing him as publisher of Sauk Valley Media, company President John Rung said Fisher would assume oversight of publications of the Tele-graph, Daily Gazette, Ogle County Newspapers and Prairie Advocate, in addition to the Bureau County Republi-can, Putnam County Record and Toni-ca News. He will be based in Sterling.

"I am excited about this opportunity, as we will be able to blend the strengths of both organizations together,” Fisher said. "I still plan on being active in the community in both markets."

A graduate of the University of Mis-souri School of Journalism, Fisher

joined Shaw Media in 1983 and held various management positions at the Northwest Herald in Crystal Lake and at the Kane County Chronicle. He also had been a corporate sales trainer before he was promoted to publisher of the Bureau County Republican 21 years ago.

Fisher has been active in the newspa-per industry and his community. He is incoming president of the Illinois Press Association Board, and he has been involved in Princeton with Rotary Club,

Chamber of Commerce, Princeton Main Street, Bureau County United Way, Princeton Youth Soccer, and Princeton Public Library, among other organizations.

Fisher lives in Princeton with his 13-year-old daughter, Meg, and he has two grown children, Brooke Miller of Kewanee and Ben Fisher of Princeton.

And, as Rung noted in his announce-ment of Fisher's appointment, “Sam is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan ... but nobody's perfect."


THE BACK PAGE

Sam Fisher

A meet and greet for Sauk Valley Media's new Publisher Sam Fisher took place at the Sterling office.

Fisher takes over at SVM

Documents

SMR-07-23-2014