Regions: Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
West Division Central Division
East Division
APG ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
MINNESOTA
Bill Albrecht, current Regional President of Wyoming, moved to the position of Regional President of ECM in Minnesota, reporting to Jeff Patterson, Central Division President. balbrecht@apgecm.com 330-749-7509
Jeremy Bradfield, who served as Senior General Manager, moved to a newly created role of Vice President, ECM Advertising Revenue
WYOMING
Vince Bodiford, longtime media executive with GateHouse, as well as family media organizations, a Regional President of Wyoming. Vince was recently CEO of various multimedia organizations. Vince reports to Tim Gruber, General Manager of the West and Chief Revenue Officer.
vbodiford@wyomingnews.com 307-287-9860
CHESAPEAKE
Orestes Baez, former regional president of the APG Southern Wisconsin region, who left to become an executive of TravelHost, returned to APG as Regional President of Chesapeake, reporting directly to Jim Normandin. Betsy Griffin will continue her role as Assistant General Manager of Sales and Marketing. Chad Campbell, currently General Manager of Operations, assumed oversight for Production. obaez@chespub.com 269-503-2287
Mark Adams, CEO and President APG, said of these moves:
“Being able to provide career path opportunities for associates in the organization, with Bill Albrecht moving from Wyoming to Minnesota, demonstrates our flexibility in cross- market training and provides a fresh perspective in Minnesota. Attracting new talent like Vince Bodiford to APG helps strengthen our management team to further enhance operations in Wyoming. It’s always rewarding when we can have an executive like Orestes return to our organization. He brings familiarity and experience from his previous role and new experiences.”
Nick Monico, COO of APG, said: “ These management changes will strengthen APG’s. leadership team. All appointments were effective September 30, 2024. Please join me and welcome these associates to their new positions in APG.”
Nick Monico COO
Adams Publishing Group
HUMAN RESOURCES
OPEN ENROLLMENT 2025
Welcome to APG’s Benefit Open Enrollment period!
IT’S TIME
APG is pleased to announce that the Open Enrollment period for your benefits plans will begin on November 4, 2024 and end on November 22, 2024.
This is your once-a-year opportunity to review and make changes to your medical, dental, vision, other voluntary benefits.
Prior to Open Enrollment, take time to evaluate your existing coverage to ensure it meets your needs and if it’s time to make changes explore different plans and select the coverage that best suits your family.
The 2025 Benefit Guide and Virtual Benefit Fair will be available in ADP on the first day of Open enrollment.
REMEMBER
Don’t miss this opportunity to secure the best benefits coverage for you and your family for the upcoming year.
Please contact your Regional HR Manager for further questions.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
THE DEADLINE TO ENROLL IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
HAS YOUR MAILING ADDRESS CHANGED THIS YEAR?
If it has, please login to ADP and update your address in advance for end of year W-2’s and 1095-C’s distribution.
KERRY O’ROURKE, MULTIMEDIA REPRESENTATIVE
The Question Was: How many pies can a bushel of apples make?
The Answer Was: About 21
DO YOU KNOW YOUR PAID TIME OFF BALANCE?
Many have built up their PTO and we will be selectively approving PTO over the holiday season to ensure we have a full staff to operate our newspapers at all sites.
Consider a long weekend with a Friday/ Monday combination. You are allowed to carry over 80 hours into the new year so please schedule your PTO soon so you can receive the time off you ask for now as later it may be restricted depending on how many Associates ask for the same days off.
We know how hard you work and recognize the importance of providing you with time for rest and relaxation.
Free Medicare education and enrollment resource for employees, retirees and their friends and families
Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans | Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans | Ancillary Coverage
WHAT IS SMARTCONNECT?
The SmartConnect team helps employees, retirees and their family members compare their current health insurance to Medicare with the goal of identifying the most cost-effective option, whether that’s Medicare or their current coverage. We also provide enrollment assistance and continuous support for those employees who elect to go onto Medicare.
WHO CAN USE SMARTCONNECT?
Anyone who is Medicare-eligible including employees, retirees, spouses, children, parents, neighbors, and friends.
IN WHICH STATES ARE YOUR AGENTS LICENSED?
SmartConnect agents are licensed and appointed in all 50 states.
DID YOU KNOW?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Nothing! SmartConnect is a NO COST service for everyone. The only cost a beneficiary will incur is for a monthly premium (if there is one) that goes to the insurance provider they choose. There are no hidden fees or extra costs associated with our services.
WHEN SHOULD AN EMPLOYEE CALL SMARTCONNECT TO SPEAK
WITH A LICENSED
AGENT?
Right now! We can help people eligible for Medicare for the first time understand their options, help current Medicare beneficiaries compare their existing coverage, and assist retirees who want to transition onto Medicare.
Thursday, November 28, 2024 CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
SmartConnect agents offer unbiased advice and are not incentivized to favor any plan over another. Our licensed agents will help each person understand their options and which plan types may work best for them based on their unique circumstances.
Knowing where to go for the right care can help save you time and money. Get familiar with your options now, before you need care.
MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE
TODAY
Common medical and mental health concerns addressed by phone
Online care
Colds, cough or flu, bladder infections, mental health*
Convenience clinic
Minor illnesses or injuries, screenings and vaccinations
SOON Office visit
Preventive care, screenings and vaccines, mental health therapy or referrals to specialty care
CARE NOW Urgent care
Minor cuts, sprains and burns, skin rashes, fever and flu, X-rays and lab testing
Emergency room (ER)
Chest pain, shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, poisoning, risk of harming yourself or others, or other life-threatening illnesses or injuries
Call your clinic for availability.
Visit doctorondemand.com/ bluecrossmn 24 hours a day, seven days a week or check with your provider.
No appointment necessary. Often available nights and weekends. short
Call your clinic to schedule an appointment. Days and hours vary. varies
No appointment necessary. Available seven days a week, but specific hours vary. varies
Immediately call 911 or go to your nearest ER anytime. longer, unless life-threatening
Please note: The conditions listed are for example only and not a complete list.
988 If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or in suicidal crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling or texting 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
*Mental health visits are by appointment only, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
Doctor On Demand® by Included Health is an independent company providing telehealth services. Make sure your doctor and clinic/hospital are in your network before receiving care. This will make sure you receive the highest level of benefits. Each healthcare provider is an independent contractor and not our agent.
Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PACKING LIST SAFETY
When a natural disaster gets close to your home and authorities recommend you evacuate, it’s important that you leave immediately. Don’t wait to be “ordered” to leave. Departing right away—before a mandatory evacuation is declared—can help you avoid being caught in the fire, floods, or road congestion. It also means you’ll need to have a plan in place and your evacuation kit ready to go.
Here are a few tips for packing an emergency supply kit:
■ Pack your items in crates or bags you can easily carry. You’ll store them in your car but may need to cart them to other locations.
■ Include food and water for everyone in your household. Three gallons of water per person and a three-day supply of non-perishable food is a good start.
■ Pack a change of clothes for up to a week and personal hygiene items.
■ Bundle up what you’ll need for the little ones. Infant supplies, such as formula or milk, bottles, baby food, diapers, and wipes, may be hard to come by, so pack what you’ll need
■ Don’t forget your pets. Include food, water, medications, travel crates or cages, leash, and/or litter box and litter for your furry friends.
■ Remember medication. Pack a supply of prescription medications and eye care, if needed, such as contact solution and glasses.
■ Carry your ID, important papers, and cards. You’ll want to bring your driver’s license, passport, health insurance cards, legal documents (birth certificates, social security cards, will, vehicle registration and ownership papers, marriage/ divorce papers, etc.), financial records, such as bank account information, credit and debit cards, government benefits, retirement and investment account statement, tax returns, as well as copies of your insurance policies.
■ Include a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, and a flashlight.
■ Bring your cell phone and charger, along with some cash in case power is out in the area and ATM’s are not available.
■ If you have time, pack valuables, family photos or other irreplaceable items, laptop computers, etc. If you don’t have room for computers, you can bring just the hard drive or a thumb-drive with your important data stored on it. It’s best to back-up all of your computers to a cloud or put the data on a disk or drive to be stored somewhere safe, ahead of time, so you don’t have to do it in a rush.
■ Don’t forget a first aid kit with supplies to treat injuries.
■ Pack blankets or sleeping bags if you’re unsure of arrangements at your destination.
APG EAST
ENC STARS WINNER FOR Q3 OF 2024
APG EAST
Kudos to Bryan Wilson for being the STARS winner for the second quarter in a row for Eastern North Carolina. Bryan achieved 166% overall, 149% to digital as well as 244% to print goal for the quarter. He hit all 6 goals for the quarter generating just over $128,000 in revenue. Congratulations!
We want to hear what is going on in your neck of the woods. Submit your stories to SUBMITNEWS. ADAMSPG.COM to be featured in the quarterly newsletter.
SUBMISSION CALENDAR
JANUARY 10TH for the FEBRUARY newsletter
APRIL 10TH for the MAY newsletter
JULY 10TH for the AUGUST newsletter
OCTOBER 10TH for the NOVEMBER newsletter
SENIOR EXPO’S DRIVING REVENUE IN SOUTHEASTERN OHIO
LOGAN DAILY NEWS
Four Senior Expos hosted by three Southeastern Ohio markets have brought much success over the years and continues in 2024.
The concept for a senior expo in Perry emerged back in 2019 and was designed to bring together a multitude of businesses, agencies and organizations to provide services and information catered specifically to seniors and their caregivers.
The Perry County Market played host to the first of four this year in March and this fifth annual event saw over 300 attendees and 38 participating vendors.
In April, the Logan Market hosted their fourth annual event and like Perry, since it was launched, it has steadily gathered steam, drawing bigger crowds and becoming better known. It was because of that success and space limitations at the original venue, this year’s expo had to be moved to a new, larger facility.
Building on the success of the Perry and Logan events, 2023 saw us branch into neighboring Fairfield County and on one of the hottest days of the year, in late August, we had 400 seniors come through our doors to visit with
approximately 40 vendors…an event that we considered a great success. However this year, the second annual event shattered everyone’s expectations, garnering 60 vendors and over 550 attendees.
“With such a positive response to the expos we’ve held in Logan, Perry and Fairfield, it only made sense to offer one in Athens as well,” said Brenda Carney, Logan Daily News and Perry County Tribune General Manager.
In September, with unwavering support from Regional Publisher Paul Reynolds and using idle building space in the Messenger he converted to an event center, that is exactly what we did. This event was the perfect opportunity to welcome the community into the Messenger Building, showcase the newly repurposed space and provide attendees with valuable information.
The turnout from vendors, as well as attendees, did not disappoint, as they were lined up to get in before doors opened and there was a steady stream of attendees throughout the day.
“Besides providing reliable local news coverage, our papers want to be active, contributing members of the communities we serve,” commented Reynolds, adding, “These events are a way we can leverage our resources to improve the quality of life for our readers and their families, by providing information and access to resources they may not realize are out there.”
Carney describes these events as a win-win for everyone involved, adding that “In 2009, my mother became ill and ultimately passed away a few months later. My sister and I were at a complete loss in knowing what to do or what services were available to her. The saying goes, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know until I didn’t know it and I don’t want anyone to ever feel like we did” She went on to say, “I am grateful to work for company that supports my efforts to help families get the information they need as well as generate some revenue for my company, and myself.”
In 2024 alone, these expos have generated approximately $45,000 for the APG Ohio.
APG CHESAPEAKE CELEBRATES THREE PUBLICATION ANNIVERSARIES
APG CHESAPEAKE
APG Chesapeake celebrated three publication anniversaries in 2024, the Maryland Independent (now Southern Maryland News) turned 150, Record Observer (now Bay Times-Record Observer) had its 200th and the Star Democrat celebrated 225 years. Each publication had its own unique way to mark the occasion, but all included a special section and proclamations from local, state and federal elected officials. The last celebration, the Star Democrat was held October 3, at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, Maryland, coinciding with the appointment of Orestes Baez as APG Chesapeake’s new regional president. What a welcome! And congratulations to the people who have helped to build and grow the centuries of publications.
THE DAILY TIMES MORNING BRIEFING PODCAST
The news team at The Daily Times has taken the first significant step in developing a morning briefing podcast -- all using AI tools.
Executive Editor Mike Sisco, after attending the first session of a monthlong course on bringing AI into the newsroom, began investigating various content-generation tools with the goal of producing a morning “briefing” of the top stories contained in the morning newspaper.
For the initial test, Mike used a story published in the Oct. 3 edition about the tragic death of a motorcycle rider along “The Dragon,” a popular and sometimes dangerous stretch of road. Using Google AI tools and Adobe audio processing software, the result was an engaging, accurate and informative “conversation” about the story.
The attached QR code will take you to the audio sample and to the published article on which it is based.
This is only the first step in what we believe will develop a saleable product that will stimulate reader engagement and serve as a potential for revenue growth.
SECOND ANNUAL
BEST OF AWARDS DINNER
THE DAILY REFLECTOR
APG ENC Region held our 2nd annual Daily Reflector’s Best of Event on Wednesday, September 18th. Where we awarded the top 3 vote getters in over 164 categories with their plaques and certificates. The event brought almost 300 attendees to Rock Springs Event Center for a night of food, fun and community. Miss North Carolina emceed the event and Miss Greenville USA volunteered to assist this year as well. This year’s contest resulted in 8043 people casting 179,472 votes.
Thank you to all who helped make The Daily Reflector’s Best of 2024 a huge success.
APG CENTRAL
APG SOUTHERN WISCONSIN DISCOVER MAGAZINE BOOSTS SALES BY 107%
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN REGION
For over two decades, APG Southern Wisconsin has proudly published Discover, a biannual glossy magazine that highlights Jefferson County’s best recreational, shopping, dining, and tourism attractions. Discover has served as a trusted guide for both residents and tourists, offering seasonal activities, comprehensive event calendars, and directories filled with things to do and places to explore.
In 2024, APG made the strategic decision to expand Discover’s editorial coverage beyond Jefferson County to feature destinations and attractions across the entire state of Wisconsin. This expansion has opened new distribution channels, enabling Discover to reach audiences through all 14 of APG’s paid publications and giving all sales offices an opportunity to generate additional revenue.
The results have been remarkable. Fall 2024 saw a 107% increase in sales revenue, soaring from $13,000 in Fall 2023 to $27,000. The advertiser count also jumped, growing from 36 advertisers in Fall 2023 to 54 this year.
The expanded content allowed sales teams to prospect new clients more effectively by leveraging upcoming features, attracting businesses such as dog sledding tour guides, cheese manufacturers, and railroad museums—industries previously untapped for advertising.
Discover also introduced new revenue streams, including sponsored content opportunities. For an additional fee, businesses could enhance their print ads with a quarter-page story and accompanying photo. While only two of these upgrades were sold in the Spring edition, the reenergized initiative gained momentum, leading to the sale of 9 sponsored stories this Fall.
In the movie “A Christmas Story,” what was the name of the next door neighbors whose dogs ate the Christmas turkey?
SEND IN YOUR ANSWER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
Submit your answer to AskHR@adamspg.com. The winner will be drawn on Friday, Nov 15.
APG CENTRAL
We are excited to share a major success story from our work with the Lake Geneva Business Improvement District (BID) for this year’s Oktoberfest. By expanding our marketing efforts, we successfully increased the event’s ad spend by 62.5% from the prior year.
Last year, our focus was solely on Chicagoland, but this year, we strategically expanded into Dane County. With our established presence in print and digital formats in that region, we included sponsored content in two of our publications to promote the event, a strategy that continues to appeal to advertisers due to its strong engagement and results.
Our multi-channel approach didn’t stop there. We incorporated traditional streaming TV ads, targeted email campaigns, and SEM (Search Engine Marketing). Additionally, we directly purchased ads through Disney/Hulu, expanding the event’s reach on popular streaming platforms. This process was seamless, and we added value by charging a management fee for handling the purchases.
By blending traditional media, targeted digital strategies, and streaming services, we achieved a robust and effective promotional campaign for Oktoberfest.
DAVE SEARCY: WITH GREAT SMILE AND WIT, HE WAS A GUIDING LIGHT
Dave Searcy lit up Sauk Centre and West Central Minnesota for more than 40 years. His good-natured spirit was a fixture that business owners and managers counted on seeing on a regular basis to brighten up their days or weeks.
Customer service was Dave Searcy’s game — and he was good at his craft whether it was as sales manager for Bernick’s, the owner of a Brownberry Bakery bread route, or as a multi-media account executive with the Dairyland Peach.
Dave loved his clients and his clients loved Dave. Family and friends were heartbroken and business associates were shocked Sept. 1 when Dave unexpectedly died in a tragic motorcycle crash on Highway 10 about 10 miles northeast of Little Falls at Randall. Dave’s wife Ruth was seriously injured as a result of the crash.
The couple was riding their 2011 HarleyDavidson Touring trike — something Dave and Ruth found great joy in as a way to spend time together.
The Dairyland Peach and Morrison County Record are embarking on a motorcycle safety campaign with a message aimed at “staying aware to show bikers you care” in Dave Searcy’s honor.
Starting a family
Dave was born in Glenwood on June 12, 1955. He graduated from Belgrade High School in 1973.
“We met at a festival in Greenwald and then started going out together,” Ruth recalled.
The couple was married on October 29, 1977 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Greenwald and settled in Sauk Centre.
They have four children: Mike, Chris, Rachel, and Matt.
Business beginnings
Dave began his career in sales early on when he went to work for Bernick’s. He was with the beverage distributor for 37 years. In his early days, Dave had sales accounts and sold mostly beer. He worked his way up to sales supervisor for a Central Minnesota territory that included Sauk Centre. There were five sales people under Dave, who also managed promotions of products distributed by Bernick’s.
“He enjoyed getting to know people,” Ruth said.
People enjoyed getting to know Dave, too.
“When Dave called on people, he was always mindful of how they were doing.He was real good at that,” she said.
Dave eventually left Bernick’s for what turned into a partnership with sons Chris and Matt.
While still at Bernick’s, Dave helped finance Chris’ acquisition of a Brownberry Bakery bread route.
Within two months, he left Bernick’s to work the bread route full-time and not long after another bread route was acquired.
“We had massive routes with lots of stops between towns,” Chris said.
Dave was a natural along the bread routes because he had built relationships with many of the store owners and managers throughout his nearly four decades with Bernick’s.
Eventually son Matt joined the team and a third route was acquired.
The trio was running bread routes throughout the region, encompassing Sauk Centre, Alexandria , and Litchfield.
“He was definitely a mentor to me and taught me everything I know about bread and financing,” Matt said.
Dave eventually added a second job as a sales associate at the Dairyland Peach in Sauk Centre.
The Peach had become a joy in Dave’s life.
Dave’s co-workers, Annette Gruber and Beth Claussen recall his signature “Happy Wednesday” when he would bring them a Sausage Egg McMuffin from McDonalds.
“He was a great co-worker and would always check with us to see if there was anything we needed from him,” said Beth Claussen.
“He really enjoyed working at the Peach and the relationships he formed with his customers.” Ruth said.
“People say his work ethic was second to none — and that is completely true,” Chris said of his father.
Love for motorcycles
Ruth recalled how her and Dave enjoyed motorcycles years ago. Dave liked snowmobiles a lot, but he really loved his bike, she said.
“About 10 years ago we rented a trike and really liked it,” Ruth said.
“So we bought a Harley,” she said.
Dave and Ruth would go out on the open road — usually on Saturdays or Sundays.
“We’d pack a little picnic lunch and find a nice park to stop at,” Ruth said.
Those weekend trips would take the couple “all over the place,” Ruth said, but favorite destinations were in Morrison County locals such as Swanville, Randall and Little Falls, she said.
As Ruth noted, Dave enjoyed snowmobiling, as well.
“He rode a lot with friends over the years,” Dave’s son Chris recalled.
“He’d go on trips upon trips — weekend trips and day trips, sometimes as often as once a week,” Chris said.
APG CENTRAL
Man of many passions
One of Dave’s real passions was hunting.
“He loved to go duck hunting. It was one of his passions,” Chris recalled.
Dave and his sons Chris and Mike created special memories in duck blinds in the Starbuck area where Dave enjoyed duck hunting for about 20 years. Before Starbuck became the hunting site of choice, Dave hunted in the Sauk Centre area.
Deer hunting was another favorite activity of Dave’s.
“He was sometimes known to have a lucky shot, but had a good shot more often than not,” Chris recalled.
Just last year, Dave experienced a new thrill when he bagged his first deer with a muzzle loader, a sign that he was keeping his passion for deer hunting alive.
“There are a lot of stories to remember from hunting,” Matt said.
When Dave wasn’t riding or hunting, you could find him and Ruth at music festivals.
That includes rarely missing a year attending the country music-centric WE Fest outside of Detroit Lakes and about 20 years attending the music festival as a VIP.
Garth Brooks was maybe his favorite.
Dave also loved Minnesota pro sports. He liked the Timberwolves and Twins, and to this day son Mike doesn’t know how Dave sat through the number of Twins games that he did on television.
But it was Vikings football that was Dave’s greatest sports passion.
Remembering Dave
Dave was one of those guys who always wanted to know how you’re doing or if there was something he could help you out with, Ruth said.
“He was very good at that,” she said. Ruth recalled her husband as someone who was always friendly and always there to say hi.
“And if he had time, he’d stop to visit,” said Ruth, noting that means that Dave usually had “time” because he loved to visit.
Dave was one of those kind and fun-loving guys, Mike said.
“He was always willing to help people outand did the little things for people that people might not even notice,” Mike added.
Matt says his Dad was nothing but a good guy — but jokes that growing up not all his friends saw Dave that way.
“My friends would say that the first time they met my Dad they thought he was scary,” Matt said with a laugh.
“But when they got to know him, they found he had a joyful personality and was always smiling. He was actually the farthest thing from being scary,” he added.
When it came to “life matters” Dave could also be a guiding light.
“Dad always had great wisdom and from him I learned a lot. I will always remember that,” Matt added.
“However, Dad could get on me when he needed to, and I respect him for that,” Matt said.
Son Mike said Dave was also a role model to him and made sure he would take the right path in life.
“Dad was a pretty good role model,” Mike said. “He taught and showed me a lot of things over the years.”
Not only did Dave share good advice with his children, he played the role of “Devil’s Advocate” very well.
“Dad had a way of looking at things from the other side and sharing that view,” he said.
He also could have a calming effect and encouraged his family to “slow down” and not take things so fast.
“But he never sugar-coated anything,” Mike added. “He always told the truth and what we needed to hear.”
Dave was also known for his outdoor Christmas decorations, which many say were unmatched.
“With a whole yard of reindeer and Santas’ his yard was hands down the best Christmas display around,” Matt said.
Chris says his father will be remembered as a friendly and caring person who treated
everyone the way he wanted to be treated.
“He was hard-working, but knew how to balance his family life and work life while always being there to take care of his children and grandchildren,” Chris said.
For that reason, Dave was not just a great father in the eyes of his daughter Rachel. He was also one of his daughter’s role models, Rachel said.
“I always looked up to Dad,” she said.
“He was a great role model who worked very hard for a living,” Rachel said.
“He taught us that,” she added.
Rachel says her father was a kind and gentle guy, but at the same time a very outgoing guy. And serious.
Through Dave Searcy’s lifelong work in sales, he met a lot of people.
“He built wonderful friendships at work,” Rachel said.
Those friendships lasted a lifetime.
Dave was also one of those guys that always showed up with a great smile on his face, Mike added.
Dave was the nicest guy possible and always had a funny story to lighten up the mood.
APG WEST
ANN JANTZ TAKES OVER AS RAWLINS TIMES/ROCKET MINER MANAGING EDITOR
APG WEST
ROCK SPRINGS — Second time’s a charm.
Rock Springs native Ann Jantz has accepted the position of managing editor at the Rocket Miner and Rawlins Times newspapers in southern Wyoming, owned by Adams Publishing Group.
Jantz’s new position was effective Sept. 24.
“I am very excited to take on this new adventure,” Jantz said. “We will continue to focus on local news and do our very best to provide our public a platform to tell their own special stories. We strive to be the voice of our community, and I hope residents will join us on our adventures.”
Jantz, 59, was born and raised in Rock Springs. She attended Rock Springs High School and graduated with the class of 1983.
Following high school and several years at the University of Wyoming and Western Wyoming Community College, Jantz moved to Denton, Texas, to attend Texas Woman’s University. It was there she received a Bachelor of Science in Dance in 1988.
After a year of post baccalaureate work at the University of Utah, Jantz returned to Texas Woman’s University to complete a Master of Fine Arts degree in dance, with emphasis in choreography.
Jantz worked as an adjunct faculty member at Western for many years before turning to a career in journalism. She started working as a beat reporter for the Rocket Miner in 1997, where she worked for 3 years before moving over to the Green River Star newspaper in 2000. She was the people section editor for the Star from 2000 to 2005. “When the reporter job at the Rocket
became available, I thought it would be great to get back into writing again,” Jantz said. “So I applied, and here I am!”
After a break from journalism to raise her children, Jantz returned as a reporter at the Rocket Miner in 2016. After three years in this capacity, she took the managing editor position in 2019. She was in this position before moving on to a digital news gig for a short period of time.
Jantz was hired back as a reporter at the Rocket in May 2024.
“The newsroom has changed somewhat, as technology has changed and improved. It’s a little faster paced, but that helps keep me on my toes,” she said. “I really missed the writing and getting around in the community speaking with people about their stories.”
While working as a reporter, Jantz continued to be involved in the local arts scene, teaching at various dance studios.
She eventually formed her own local dance company named Converge Dance Works. It was with this group that she choreographed and produced four evening-long dance performances. Her final show was titled “Life: Our Stories,” which was choreographed for the Dance Club at Western Wyoming Community College and performed in the spring of 2023.
She is married to Keith Jantz and has two grown children, Joseph and Isabel, and one granddaughter, Brielle.
As for the future of the two twice-weekly publications, Jantz said, “I know I want to put out a good-looking product, and will always be focused on how a page is designed. We will continue to provide the news that is important to our community, and my goal is to get a sports writer to join our close-knit team.”
BEST OF SKAGIT 2024
APG WEST
The Best of Skagit Event, held on September 24th at the Swinomish Casino, was a resounding success. The Skagit sales team not only achieved their goals for the special section and digital advertising but also sold out the event, attracting nearly 400 attendees.
INTRODUCING THE NEW REGIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR FOR SKAGIT, ANACORTES, AND STANWOOD CAMANO
Melissa Jenkins has joined the WA team as the new Regional Advertising Director for Skagit, Anacortes, and Stanwood/Camano.
Melissa brings a robust digital background from her previous role as Vice President at McClatchy Northwest.
Her extensive experience in leading sales teams through KPIs and digital product training is expected to significantly enhance WA’s advertising performance.
EAST IDAHO, NAMPA AND UTAH
SHARE RESOURCES
APG WEST
East Idaho, Nampa, and Utah have come together to share resources aimed at boosting digital sales. Nampa has recently appointed veteran digital leader Tim Matthews as their Advertising Manager and Digital Lead. Tim will now serve as a resource for both East Idaho and Utah along with his duties in West Idaho.
30 YEARS AND COUNTING...
Eugene Neal celebrated his 30th anniversary with the Lewistown News-Argus on Aug. 15.
Eugene has been a press operator with News-Argus Printing since 1994. He also handles all of the company’s commercial mailings, and several other important duties.
Eugene and his wife Alice, have three boys.
Congratulations and thank you Eugene!
SKAGIT PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST
Skagit gears up for Halloween with a pumpkin decorating contest.
To help simplify your employment at APG, we have built this Associate portal as a resource for you. Inside, you will find quick links and easy access to: human resources staff, benefits contacts, job openings, newsletters and more…
This is a great place to start when you are searching for HR information. Of course, if you can’t find what you are looking for or need additional help, our HR team is always available to assist you. You can find their contact info at hr.adamspg.com/contact or you can send them a quick message to AskHR@adamspg.com.
LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT POSITION WITHIN APG? CHECK OUT AVAILABLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HR PORTAL.
Have a question, but don’t know whom to ask? The Human Resources staff is listening! You can always send an email to Ask HR if you have questions or concerns. Emails will be kept confidential and, if we print your question in the APG newsletter, we will not use your name.
Questions may be emailed to AskHR@adamspg.com or sent interoffice to your regional HR representative.
KATHARINE GLASS
APG Vice President of HR kglass@adamspg.com 865.981.1101
DEB BROOKS
HR Manager - APG West dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com 360.416.2187
