ASSOCIATE NEWSLETTER
Spring Bringing in New Life Kyle Wirick, The High Road Agency
MAY 2020
CONTENTS
SHARE YOUR AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS! Did you take a photo that you love for an article, a project you are working on, or from your last adventure? Send your image with a description to AskHR@adamspg.com and it may be featured in the next newsletter.
“Bumbling Along” 2
Photo by Rebecca Portis, Mount Airy News
MAY 2020 NEWSLETTER
Human Resources
APG East
APG Central
APG West
BLOOD PRESSURE, CPR TRAINING, PROTECTIVE FACE MASKS
AWARD WINNERS, NEW EDITOR, COMMUNITY SUPPORT
MOVING, BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, SUPPORTING STUDENTS
WINS IN REGION, STRONG SHOWING STATEWIDE WINNERS
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PRESIDENT’S CORNER Hello, APG Associates … I sincerely hope you are all healthy and looking forward as much as I am to returning to some kind normalcy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As you may already know, APG will start calling eligible teleworkers back to our facilities beginning May 11th. For safety reasons, we’ll keep our facilities closed to the public, and continue frequent sanitization. As state economies start to slowly reopen, we’re all hoping for a speedy economic recovery for our communities. Until that happens, APG will continue to carefully manage its resources so that we have enough cash to make it through. These efforts thus far, though painful, have ensured we can continue to provide essential news and information to our subscribers, and marketing and advertising programs to help our business customers get back on their feet. I speak for the whole APG management team in extending our appreciation for all of your efforts and sacrifices. I know we’ll get through this and come out stronger on the other end! On another note, on May 4th, APG’s team in East Idaho took over the operations and subscriber lists of the Blackfoot Morning News, merging with our product, The Bingham County Chronicle. We paid zero for this and will publish the merged news product as the Bingham News Chronicle. Congratulations to the entire East Idaho team, who have been duking it out with the News for the past year. We’ll print the merged product at our own Bear River and Idaho Falls facilities. I hope you enjoy the other info that’s in our May newsletter! Best, Mark
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HEALTH PROTECTIVE FACE MASKS
TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF
Remember, APG will reimburse all full and part- time Associates up to $50 for the purchase of a protective face mask(s) of your choice. This will be for a one-time purchase and one-time reimbursement. To qualify for reimbursement, you must: • Purchase a protective mask(s) of your choice from a third party supplier. • Submit a third party receipt to your local business office. • Wear the mask at all times within reason while in an APG office or press facility. • Work onsite at an APG office or press facility, or tele-work with periodic weekly ‘check-ins’ at an APG office or press facility. • Make your purchase, as evidenced by the date on your receipt, no later than June 1, 2020 This is a voluntary program. Though APG does not currently require its Associates to wear a face mask or face covering material while in an APG office or press facility, we encourage you to take advantage of this reimbursement program. Please refer to the CDC website for additional guidance on protective measures during the COVID-19 outbreak. Thank You! 4
MAY IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE EDUCATION MONTH. Normal healthy blood pressure is under 120 systolic (top number) and under 80 diastolic (bottom number). Elevated blood pressure is 120 to 129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless they act to prevent it. Untreated, a 20-point higher systolic or a 10-point higher diastolic number can double your risk of death from a heart attack or stroke. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS:
Stage 1 HBP is 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic. Stage 2 HBP is 140 systolic or higher or 90 diastolic or higher. If you reach either stage, your health care provider will likely recommend lifestyle changes, maybe medication (depending
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on cardiovascular risks or family history), and regular follow-ups until your BP is controlled. YOU HAVE A 90% CHANCE OF DEVELOPING HBP. IF YOU ARE DIAGNOSED, WORK WITH YOUR PROVIDER TO:
1. Learn how to self-monitor your BP levels day to day. Get a home monitor approved by your provider, and learn the best times for checking your BP, and when not to check it (e.g., within 30 minutes of smoking, drinking coffee or exercising). Have your medical clinic your home blood pressure monitor for accuracy. 2. Adopt a diet-and-lifestyle approach is the recommended first-line treatment for people with stage 1 hypertension who are at low risk for developing heart disease. What works: a diet high in fruits and vegetables (search for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension or DASH at www.nhlbi.nih.gov).
SAFETY
SAFETY AT WORK DURING A PANDEMIC USE CLOTH FACE COVERINGS TO HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
FACE MASKS
GLOVES
The CDC has issued the following guidelines pertaining to how the coverings should fit:
Currently, the CDC has not recommended the use of gloves for general daily activities.
Face Coverings should:
There are a few exceptions, such as:
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the
• Touching the buttons or handles on a gas
• • • •
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. • Handling dirty laundry, kitchen items, or
side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops Include multiple layers of fabric Allow for breathing without restriction Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
pump when disinfecting wipes are not available.
trash from someone who has the virus.
Even in these cases, gloves are only effective when proper procedures are followed.
MAKING SURE YOUR DESK AREA IS CLEAN It’s important to keep your desk setting clean, which is quite easy and doesn’t require much time or product. Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, which reduces the risk of exposure. Disinfection using EPA-approved disinfectants also help reduce the risk. FREQUENT DISINFECTION OF SURFACES AND OBJECTS TOUCHED BY MULTIPLE PEOPLE IS IMPORTANT.
When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions). Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together. This can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. A list of EPA-approved disinfectants can be found at EPA.gov.
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HUMAN RESOURCES DO YOU KNOW YOUR
PAID TIME OFF BALANCE? (COVERS VACATION/SICK LEAVE) We know how hard you work and recognize the importance of providing you with time for rest and relaxation. View PTO Policies online at: hr.adamspg.com/handbook
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TAKE THE BREAK WITH A STAYCATION
It’s that time of the year when everybody starts thinking about taking some time off and hitting the road for a vacation. While COVID-19 continues to put a damper on travel plans for most folks, we don’t have to let the virus stop us from taking a break from work. In fact, we shouldn’t…which is why a Staycation might be a great option.
Plenty of people have gone the Staycation route in recent years and why not? It certainly saves money and you can still do plenty of fun things on your own or with your family. And one of the best things about a Staycation is that you can support local attractions and locally owned small businesses that really need us right now in order to keep their doors open.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR UPCOMING STAYCATION EVEN MORE ENJOYABLE: • Order dinner from your favorite local spot, have it delivered or pick it up and enjoy a great meal that you didn’t have to cook • Head to the drive-in for a movie under the stars • Plant a garden. If you have children, this would not only be educational for them but fun too • Talk walks in your neighborhood or load everyone up and take a road trip and enjoy some of the local scenery • Begin a new exercise regime and take it outside. Work out in your yard, head to the nearest park or map out a new route for a run • Go camping in your backyard • Take up a new hobby. Learn to cook, paint, build a piece of furniture or play an instrument • Take an online art class or watch Broadway plays online – many are available at no cost right now • Work on home improvement projects you’ve been putting off • Learn a second language • Go fishing or boating at a local lake or river • Catch up on your favorite shows on Netflix • Visit a zoo or aquarium virtually • Build a tree-house • Read a book – or three • Take a virtual field trip through the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History • Start a journal There are lots of ways to de-stress and enjoy your time off – and you don’t have to break the bank to do it. So don’t let COVID-19 keep you from taking a well-deserved break from work – a little bit of downtime is never a bad idea!
APG EAST CONGRATULATIONS 2019 APG CHESAPEAKE AWARD WINNING TEAM MEMBERS!
A MINUTE WITH MARK ADAMS: Why Is Re-Investing Important? Watch this month’s video: hr.adamspg.com/minute Submit your question: AskMark@adamspg.com
NANCY CURLEY
Salesperson of the Year Region
SALESTEAM OF THE YEAR
Why is Re-Investing Important?
MIDSHORE Brandon Silverstein-Mgr., David Anthony, Dan Burnside, Jennifer Evans, Iryna Varniaga, Brenda Andrew, Sherry Plummer, Nancy Curley
DEPARTMENT WINNERS
NANCY CURLEY Salesperson of the Year Mid-Shore
KIM SPENCER
Salesperson of the Year Upper-Shore
RYAN EBAUGH
Salesperson of the Year Southern Maryland / DC Military
JAKE MULLEN
Salesperson of the Year Client Solutions Center
PRESIDENTS CLUB
NANCY CURLEY Presidents Club
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APG EAST
MESSENGER HIRES NEW EDITOR ATHENS MESSENGER
The Athens Messenger is proud to announce that Kaitlin Thorne has been named editor of the newspaper. Thorne has been employed by the Messenger’s parent company, Adams Publishing Group Media, at the Gladwin Record and Beaverton Clarion since 2017, having started there as a reporter. She was promoted to editor, and served in that position for a year, before seizing the opportunity to come to Athens. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Photojournalism, and a minor in art. Thorne has come to Athens with her husband, John, and 1- year-old poodle/rottweiler rescue dog, Natasha. Thorne takes over as editor from Tyler Buchanan, who started in the role in 2017. He also served as the editor of the Vinton County Courier (now Vinton-Jackson Courier) from 2015 until the summer of 2019. Buchanan has taken a nonprofit reporting opportunity in Columbus. “I’m excited, very excited, to be here,” Thorne said, noting her lifelong interest in writing and
telling the stories of her community. She noted a deep love of the arts — a field she originally thought to pursue in college, but instead opted for photojournalism. “I always loved writing, I’ve done fiction writing and all different sorts of writing since I was a kid — I was also very interested in art, and considered just being an art major, doing photography and painting,” she said. “But I was concerned about jobs, so I thought photojournalism seemed like a nice balance. I’ve always liked the idea of telling people’s stories.” Thorne said one of her strengths remains her photojournalism background, and enjoys photographing events where she can delve into the topic through imagery. “I TEND TO TAKE MY CAMERA EVERYWHERE,” SHE LAUGHED. Thorne and her husband moved to the area in mid-January, which is a bit of a homecoming for the new editor. She was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and spent the first four years of her life in Coolville. When the opportunity at The Messenger opened up, Thorne jumped on it.
ATHENS MESSENGER LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO INTRODUCE COMMUNITY TO THE TEAM BRINGING THE NEWS TO THEIR HOMES.
“It was time for a change, for both me and my husband,” she said. “This was also a chance to do something different.” She also noted the larger population of Athens County, with about 67,000 residents, compared to the approximately 25,000 residents of Gladwin County, Michigan, where she had previously been living and working. The Messenger also poses unique challenges for Thorne, as the Record and Clarion was a weekly paper, and she is making the leap to a near-daily paper. “Just like approaching any job, I want to leave my mark,” she said. “I’m excited to really learn about the community and dive in to telling the stories of Athens County.”
NEW YEAR. NEW MESSENGER. Meet your Messenger crew!
NEW YEAR. NEW MESSENGER. Meet your Messenger crew!
Q & A WITH HEATHER
Q & A WITH JOHN
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Teleportation - so many people and places I would love to see more often.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? The power of invisibility. Imagine the candid photos I could get.
What’s invisible but you wish people could see? The truth.
What’s invisible but you wish people could see? If you could see everyone’s aura, you could avoid the bad ones.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert, 100%
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I am an extrovert at work and an introvert all other times.
What’s the most ridiculous fact you know? Cookie Monster’s real name is Sid.
What’s the most ridiculous fact you know? Tomatoes were once considered poisonous.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what one would it be? A red panda...or a cat.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what one would it be? A church mouse. I’m very quiet at times.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? A good backpack, a flare gun, and a water bottle.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? Gilligan, The Professor, and Mary Ann.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? Dungeons and Dragons, especially Critical Role.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? “Basketball is my favorite sport. I like the way they dribble up and down the court.” to quote the profound rap artist, Kurtis Blow, 1984.
What motivates you to work hard? The people and stories that I report on. This community is so inspiring.
NEW YEAR. NEW MESSENGER. Meet your Messenger crew!
Q & A WITH KAITLIN If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? The ability to heal people. What's invisible but you wish people could see? All forms of pollution. I think that would cause some actual world-changing action. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? 80% Extrovert, 20% introvert. What's the most ridiculous fact you know? British tanks are equipped to make tea. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what one would it be? A leopard. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? A satellite phone, a knife, and my husband (though he is not an item). What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? Hockey. Go Red Wings!
740-592-6612
kthorne@athensmessenger.com
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What motivates you to work hard? The endless potential of the future.
NEW YEAR. NEW MESSENGER. Meet your Messenger crew!
Q & A WITH JASON If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Flight, because well, duh. Invisibility, for the scoops! Clairvoyance, so I could always ask the perfect question in interviews. What’s invisible but you wish people could see? Intent. Would preemptively end many disagreements/arguments/disputes. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert. It may seem odd given my choice of profession, but it’s easy to be lost in the crowd when you’re only chronicling events and not performing them. What’s the most ridiculous fact you know? Tom McCabe was the head official on the field on the night that Ohio Bobcats quarterback Tyler Tettleton was called for a safety - on the four-yard line. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what one would it be? A bear. Big meals and long naps seem like a righteous way to roll. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? A good towel. A good pillow. A knife. Anything else we’ll figure it out as we go. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? My favorite game to play is the one where I flummox people by simply saying what I mean, or asking questions repeatedly. My favorite to watch is football, because of the myriad of moving pieces that need to flow together to make it work. What motivates you to work hard? Everyone has a story to tell, and too many never have their own heard.
NEW YEAR. NEW MESSENGER. Meet your Messenger crew!
Q&A WITH JEN If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Definitely Nature Manipulation! What’s invisible but you wish people could see? True feelings. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? 100% Introvert. What’s the most ridiculous fact you know? It’s impossible to hum while you hold your nose. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what one would it be? I love horses, but I think a Panda best describes me. They just sit there, chilling and being cool while minding their own business. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? Sketchbook, case of pencils & water bottle. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? Magic the Gathering! What motivates you to work hard? People around me! When someone is really inspired, it also inspires me!
NEW YEAR. NEW MESSENGER. Meet your Messenger crew!
SYDNEY DAWES Journalist
Q & A WITH SYDNEY
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Teleportation would be pretty great! I’d travel to all kinds of places and startle all of my friends. What’s invisible but you wish people could see? Intentions.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I’m more of an ambivert. What’s the most ridiculous fact you know? The Inca would ritually sacrifice guinea pigs (often adorned with earrings and other jewelry) in hopes of pleasing their gods If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what one would it be? I’d be a red fox. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? A deserted island survival guide, a knife, and an inflatable raft with rows. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? Baseball to watch. I’m unathletic. What motivates you to work hard? I need to work hard to support my dog’s lavish lifestyle.
What motivates you to work hard? The realization that life is short.
NEW YEAR. NEW MESSENGER. Meet your Messenger crew!
Q & A WITH JOSHUA If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? I’d have to go with teleportation. Let’s face it, planes are expensive and who wants to wait in line (am I right)? Think of the time savings. Plus, I was never very good at hide-and-go-seek as a kid. Take that, Matt. What’s invisible but you wish people could see? What people are really thinking. The big unknowns like “do they really like me?” or “do I have food in my teeth?”. Very valuable information to be gathered. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I see myself as an ambivert. The problem is, I have the urge to be outgoing when by myself and way too quiet when I’m around others. It’s a gift. What’s the most ridiculous fact you know? The spirit gin gets its name from Genever, which is Dutch for Juniper- the aromatic that gives gin its distinct flavor and aroma. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what one would it be? Not the greatest eyesight, ability to lift heavy weights, loves sugary foods. I think I might be an ant.
JOSHUA CASH
Director of Digital Advertising, APG Media OH/MI What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? 1. Toilet paper 2. Booze 3. A banjo Anything else would be wasteful. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? I’ve spent hours of my life watching the nerdiest games known to humanity. Namely, pool, pickleball, and ping pong. Which are also extremely fun to play as well. What motivates you to work hard? Knowing that I’m helping someone. There’s a lot of bad in this world. The satisfaction of helping others is one of the most rewording sensations I’ve ever experienced.
APG EAST
MESSENGER CARRIER MANDY WINDLE WINS ONMA AWARD ATHENS MESSENGER
By Kaitlin Thorne Messenger Editor Mandy Windle has been delivering newspapers for the Athens Messenger for five years. During this time she has earned the respect of her colleagues, customers and employer for her hard work ethic. Recently she has also earned the respect of the Ohio News Media Association (ONMA), which awarded Windle the Carrier of the Year award for newspapers with 10,000 and under subscribers. Windle was nominated by Mark Shorts, the director of distribution at the Athens Messenger. Shorts has been nominating carriers for the award for years, but this is the first time he’s had a carrier place. This year there were 14 entrants in the category. “I’ve been doing circulation for over 35 years, she’s by far the best I’ve ever had,” Shorts said. Shorts presented Windle with the award on Monday, Feb. 24 at the Messenger office. In addition to the trophy, Windle also received $1,000 from OHMA. Though Windle knew that Shorts had nominated her for the award, winning was something that she had not expected. “I was so shocked. I’m still in shock, but it’s nice because I do try hard,” Windle said. Windle begins her day as a carrier at midnight and delivers newspapers all over Athens County, as well as counties nearby. According to Shorts, Windle commonly will fill in on another carrier’s route when there is a need, having driven at least 75 percent of the Messenger’s routes.
newspaper. She is also a dedicated resident, who watches out for the community when on her routes. In July of 2019, Windle reported seeing smoke to the Nelsonville Fire Department at Tammy’s Country Kitchen. Because of her report the department was able to save the restaurant from what could have been a disastrous overnight fire.
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY IN OHIO APG Media of Ohio recently ran an article in the Athens News on a local distillery that changed overnight to become a manufacturer and distributer of hand sanitizer due to the coronavirus crisis causing a shortage of sanitizer. APG Media then purchased growlers of hand sanitizers from West End Distillery to distribute to our local publications.
From moments like this, and Windle’s customer satisfaction, the nomination was an obvious choice for Shorts. “Her customers always have great things to say about her,” Shorts said. Dealing with customers is just one of the things that Windle enjoys about her job. Another is her mobile office. “I really enjoy it because I’m not stuck inside all the time, I like being out,” Windle said. A mother of two, Windle also has the benefit of the job allowing her to be on a schedule that works for her kids. “A lot of times parents have to miss things they were supposed to be at,” Windle said, going on to state that with her afternoons and evenings free, she is able to attend all her children’s activities. Windle is proud to have won, and plans on displaying the award in the living room of her home.
APG Media of Ohio then began promoting the DO THE FIVE message to help stop the spread of the coronavirus through short videos of our Associates practicing and encouraging other to practice safe practices.
“She goes above and beyond,” Shorts said. “It’s kind of rare to find someone who is so dedicated.” Windle’s dedication goes beyond the
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APG CENTRAL
WAUNAKEE TRIBUNE MOVES AFTER NEARLY 100 YEARS WAUNAKEE TRIBUNE After occupying a building at 105 South St. in Waunakee, Wisc., just off of Main Street, for nearly 100 years, the Waunakee Tribune moved into a new modern facility at 204 Moravian Valley Rd., Suite F. With the creation of a regional hub office, the Waunakee Tribune, DeForest TimesTribune and Lodi Enterprise/Poynette Press now share the suite of offices. The old South Street building looked like a typical newspaper office, with Apple computers and stacks of papers everywhere. In its early years, it housed a small press and linotype machine. Later, layout was done by hand using waxing devices, and then the pages were trucked to the printing press. The Tribune office saw much more foot traffic then. People stopped by throughout the day to drop off press releases, announcements, classified ads, pay advertising or subscription bills, and just to ask questions and talk. But so much has changed. If you have a question, you just email it. Page layout is entirely electronic, with the pages sent directly to the press digitally. Our location is no longer so important. Our new home in the Waunakee business park is still close to many other businesses, less than five minutes from downtown, and the Waunakee school district’s administrative
offices are just down the road. As the Waunakee Tribune editor for the past 13 years and with 24 years with the newspaper in all, I approached the move with mixed feelings. Leaving such a historic location that had housed Waunakee’s newspaper for nearly a century made me a little sad. But the older I get, the more I’ve come to terms with change because everything changes, sometimes for the better. And I won’t miss the old building with its drafty windows and boiler that’s been converted from a coal burner. The old office was unwelcoming for customers or Associates with disabilities, with steps at the front and back doors, and the bathroom in the basement. The Moravian Valley Road location has a new look, and it feels like a fresh start for 2020. It also has a break room, a conference room for meetings and interviews, and a warehouse and loading dock in the back for our archives and where inserts and newspapers can be delivered. And plenty of room to house three community newspapers in one new home. The bright, fresh, new surroundings are inspiring us all as we cover the news and serve our advertisers and readers throughout our communities.
(old photo) – The newspaper office in at 105 South Street, Waunakee, Wisc., which housed the Waunakee Tribune for more than a century. (new photo) – The new, modern digs at 204 Moravian Valley Rd. is now home to the Waunakee Tribune, DeForest TimesTribune and the Lodi Enterprise & Poynette Press, all serving the suburban and rural market north of Madison. (sign) – The new sign is hung over the 204 Moravian Valley Rd. office in December 2019.
WAUNAKEE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD The Waunakee (Wisconsin) Chamber of Commerce honored the Waunakee Tribune newspaper and staff with the Business of the Year Award. This award recognizes a member business that has been in continuous operation for at least five years; has experienced success, growth, sustainability; and has a strong, demonstrated commitment to community service. Pictured are Roberta Baumann, managing editor, and Tim Wohlers, news reporter/assistant editor.
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APG CENTRAL APG OF MINNESOTA CAPTURES 74 AWARDS AT MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION EVENT APG OF MINNESOTA Adams Publishing Group of Minnesota was in full force at this year’s Minnesota Newspaper Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest, held annually in the last week of January. APG papers from across the state garnered 74 awards, including top categories such as a second place Dave Pyle New Journalist Award, presented to Carrie Manner of the Hibbing Daily Tribune. The Anoka County Union Herald was also a top winner, placing third in the muchcoveted general excellence category, first in general reporting, second in social issues stories, presented to Jonathan Young, Connor Cummiskey and Page Kieffer, and second in sports feature stories, presented
to Patrick Slack. Its sister publication, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park/Columbia Heights/Fridley Life was also a top winner, collecting six awards of its own.
publications, was elected president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association on Jan. 31, completing a highly successful year for APG at this year’s event.
Tom West, the former general manager of the Morrison County Record and Dairyland Peach, was also honored with the prestigious Distinguished Service to Journalism Award, presented Friday during a luncheon before hundreds of his colleagues, as well as family and friends. West retired in 2017 after 42 years in the business. He still serves on the APG of East Central Minnesota Editorial Board and continues to write a weekly column. And finally, APG’s Chris Knight, a regional publisher of APG’s northern Minnesota
Right to left: Tom West, Chris Knight
SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN JOURNALISM APG OF MINNESOTA
Brooklyn Park-Adams Publishing Group in Minnesota showed its support of journalism by sponsoring a new Minnesota Newspaper Association Student Networking Event at the annual state convention, held during the last week of January in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The event invited college students who were attending the convention to sit in on a session that helped them hone their interviewing skills, and offered resume writing tips so they are maximizing their chances of being seen by the right people in the media industry. APG’s own Phil Seibel, a regional digital
director for northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, helped lead that session, offering an estimated one dozen students suggestions to make them more marketable. Keynote speaker Luke Howk, with the college of business at Minnesota State University-Mankato, offered useful advice to students to help them navigate the interview process as they prepare for graduation.
Jonathan Young, ABC Newspapers managing editor, Mandy Froemming, executive editor for Sun Newspapers, Tim Hennagir, Union-Times and Mille Lacs Messenger managing editor, and Keith Anderson, director of news for APG of East Central Minnesota, were all on hand to talk and work with those students. Cheri O’Bannon, director of classifieds and specialty publications also attended and provided students with take-home materials to consider careers with APG. This session, along with MNA’s support of the internship program, are continued signs of APG’s desire to promote journalism in the state of Minnesota.
A handful of journalists and sales managers from APG were also on hand to talk with the students and to conduct mini interviews as students applied some of their newlylearned skills.
Pictured One, from left: Cheri O’ Bannon, Jonathan Young, Keith Anderson, and Mandy Froemming, all with APG of East Central Minnesota. Second picture: Phil Seibel introduces keynote speaker Luke Howk at the Professional Development and Networking for Students event, sponsored by APG of Minnesota at the MNA Convention this past January.
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APG WEST WTE WINS 13 AWARDS IN REGIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS CONTEST WYOMING TRIBUNE EAGLE The Wyoming Tribune Eagle recently learned it has won 13 awards in the Top of the Rockies contest, coordinated by the Society of Professional Journalists. The WTE competed in the print and online competition for newspapers with a print circulation between 10,000 and 29,999. Competing against papers from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming, the WTE came in second only to the Colorado Independent, which earned 18 honors. The awards received by current and former WTE staffers and freelancers include: Jeremiah Johnke, WyoSports editor, first place, Sports: Enterprise Reporting, “WTE Prep Football Program of the 2010s.” Jonathan Scherer, WTE copy editor/ page designer, first place, Single Page Design, “Christmas at the White House.”
Tyler Poslosky, WTE prep sports writer, first place, Sports: General Reporting, “Band of brothers.” Nadav Soroker, contract videographer, first place, Feature Videography, “Fire Academy.” Michael Cummo, WTE staff photographer, second place, News Photography, “Plane Movin’.” Michael Cummo, second place, Sports Photography, “Hold On.” Brian Martin, WTE managing editor, second place, Editorials, “WTE ‘Our View’ editorials.” Jeremiah Johnke, second place, Sports: General Reporting, “A sport of her own.” Logan Harrison, WTE graphic designer; Rachel Girt, freelance writer; and staff,
second place, Special Section, “The Renovation of the Wyoming Capitol.” Niki Kottmann, WTE features editor, third place, A&E and Food: Single Story, “A fun alternative to traditional ballet.” Michael Cummo, third place, Sports Photography, “The Defense Rejoices.” Michael Cummo, third place, Feature Photography, “Where to Start?” Katie Kull, former WTE criminal justice reporter, third place, News Reporting: Single Story, “Manlove may have omitted key data in court filing.” The Minnesota Pro Chapter of SPJ and the Chicago Headliners Club judged nearly all categories of this year’s contest, which covered material published or presented in 2019.
APG IDAHO PUBLICATIONS HAVE STRONG SHOWING IN STATEWIDE BEST OF 2019 WITH 78 AWARDS THE IDAHO PRESS The Idaho Press and its weekly publications earned 46 awards and took first place in General Excellence for daily newspapers in the Idaho Press Club’s Best of 2019 statewide contest. The Latino Card, an Idaho Press podcast that launched last spring, also earned first place in General Excellence for audio. The Idaho Press swept the page design and special section categories, with its arts publication, Cavalcade, taking first place for special sections, followed by Sports Stars and Football Preview. The East Idaho Group (including the Idaho State Journal, Idaho Falls Post Register, East Idaho Business Journal and Intermountain Farm & Ranch) received a total of 32 12
awards in this year’s competition. Most notably were second place finishes for best website for the Idaho Falls Post Register, best periodical for the East Idaho Business Journal and a second place finish for best weekly for their Farm & Ranch publication. Additional awards were received in a host of categories including editorial writing, spot news, feature writing and photography. The Idaho Press Club, a statewide association of working journalists from all media, sponsors an annual journalism contest to recognize the best work in Idaho. Awards were announced online Saturday, and journalists across the state celebrated together online this year rather than
gathering in Boise for the annual banquet, which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. “I’m excited to see our staff’s collaborative efforts recognized — not only our daily efforts with the newspaper and website, but innovations like The Latino Card and our annual publications,” Idaho Press Managing Editor Holly Beech said. “The passion this team has for community journalism is an inspiration,” Publisher and President Matt Davison said. “It has been a pleasure to watch Holly and her team exceed all expectations and deliver such an outstanding collection of local stories each and every day.”
APG WEST APG IDAHO PUBLICATIONS HAVE STRONG SHOWING IN STATEWIDE BEST OF 2019 WITH 78 AWARDS THE IDAHO PRESS IDAHO PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS: FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY – LIGHT 1st place: Brian Myrick: “Capitol Dancer” 2nd place: John Roark – Post Register – “Geese in flight” FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY – SERIOUS 1st place: Brian Myrick: “Journey to Citizenship”
PHOTO PACKAGE 2nd place: Riley Bunch – Idaho Press – “Refugees Reunite”
GENERAL NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY 2nd place: Brian Myrick: “Remember the Fallen”
NEWS PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY 2nd place: Jake King – Idaho Press – “Wild Receiver” 3rd place: Justin Smith – Teton Valley News – “Nothing but net”
PHOTO ESSAY 2nd place: Brian Myrick: “Policing Parolees”
CAPITOL DANCER
POLICING PAROLEES
SPORTS NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY 1st place: Doug Lindley – Idaho State Journal – “State High School Rodeo” 2nd place: Jake King: “Past the Keeper”
JOURNEY TO CITIZENSHIP
GEESE IN FLIGHT
STATE HIGH SCHOOL RODEO
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APG IDAHO PUBLICATIONS HAVE STRONG SHOWING IN STATEWIDE BEST OF 2019 WITH 78 AWARDS THE IDAHO PRESS
AWARDS EARNED BY APG IDAHO PUBLICATIONS INCLUDE: GENERAL EXCELLENCE – DAILY PRINT 1st place: Staff – Idaho Press WEBSITE - GENERAL EXCELLENCE DAILY 1st place: Idaho Press 2nd place: Post Register REPORTER OF THE YEAR - PRINT 2nd place: Margaret Carmel, Idaho Press GENERAL NEWS STORY – DAILY PRINT 2nd place: Rachel Spacek: “'No persons other than persons of the White Race’: Racist language remains in older homes’ documents” 3rd place: Shelbie Harris – Idaho State Journal – “’You will remember this forever’; Thousands clean-up site of future Pocatello LDS temple” SPOT NEWS COVERAGE - DAILY PRINT 2nd Place: Shelbie Harris – Idaho State Journal – “Arrested for murder: One suspect had a brush with law shortly before fatal stabbing” SERIOUS FEATURE REPORT – DAILY PRINT 2nd place: Margaret Carmel: “In plain sight a look inside the lives of Idahoans who live in their cars” SPORTS NEWS COVERAGE – DAILY PRINT 1st place: B.J. Rains: “After ‘embarrassing’ academic issue, Boise State’s Robert Mahone has turned things around on and off the field”
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PAGE DESIGN – DAILY PRINT 1st place: Bradley Guire: “Press the Balancing Act” 2nd place: Tess Fox: “In Plain Sight” 3rd place: Tess Fox: “All those in Favor” SPORTS FEATURE STORY – DAILY PRINT 1st place: Allan Steele – Post Register – “Tribute to Liv” 2nd place: John Wustrow: “A Season Found” 3rd place: Jeff Papworth – Idaho State Journal – “’Never Give Up’ Local 89 year old overcomes heart problems to strike gold at National Senior Games” SPORTS PREP STORY – DAILY PRINT 2nd place: Brandon Walton: “Motta is looking to help Kuna win its first state championship after the death of her father” SERIES - DAILY PRINT 2nd place: John O’Connell – Idaho State Journal – “Homelessness in Southeast Idaho” SPECIALTY COLUMN - DAILY PRINT 1st place: Jerry Painter – Post Register – “Idaho Trails: Engaging in combat gardening for a good cause; A couple of good trails for this time of year” EDITORIAL - DAILY PRINT 1st place: Bryan Clark – Post Register – “Choosing infamy” 3rd place: Bryan Clark – Post Register – “Our crime” HEADLINES – DAILY PRINT 1st place: Danae Lenz – Idaho State Journal – “As versatile as a potato: Taysom Hill to be featured in Idaho spud promotions” 2nd place: Ashley Miller: “April showers take a rain check”
GRAPHICS – DAILY PRINT 2nd place: Ashley Miller: “Idaho is now collecting more data on drug use’s role in foster care placements” 3rd place: Ashley Miller: “House committee unanimously passes PTSD bill amid high rates of first responder suicide” ARTS / ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING – DAILY PRINT 2nd place: Kendra Evensen – Idaho State Journal – “’Abducted in Plain Sight’: Pocatello native shares her story in hopes of protecting other children” 3rd place: Jeanne Huff: “Sector Seventeen: Two artists, some spray-paint and a lot of talent” POLITICAL REPORTING – DAILY PRINT 2nd place: Betsy Russell: “Making the minimum” 3rd place: Betsy Russell: “Risch has a quiet and key role on national stage” AGRICULTURE REPORTING - DAILY PRINT 3rd place: John O’Connell – Idaho State Journal – “A harvest of goodwill: Neighbors help neighbors harvest their crops to avoid looming cold” ELECTIONS REPORTING – DAILY PRINT 3rd place: Margaret Carmel, Erin Bamer: “Boise and Caldwell held historic runoff elections this week. What’s next?” EDUCATION REPORTING– DAILY PRINT 2nd place: Emily Lowe: “Family who lost a son to suicide wants the conversation to reach youth”
CRIME / COURTS REPORTING – DAILY PRINT 2nd place: Tommy Simmons: “One Meridian man’s brush with mandatory minimum drug trafficking sentences” 3rd place: Jeff Robinson – Post Register – “We know there are many more Chris Tapps out there” HEALTH/MEDICAL REPORTING - DAILY PRINT 3rd place: Nathan Brown, Victoria Varnedoe – Post-Register – “BYU-Idaho no longer taking Medicaid to waive health plan” SPECIAL SECTION- DAILY PRINT 1st place: Staff – Idaho Press – “Cavalcade 2019” 2nd place: Staff – Idaho Press – “Idaho Press Sports Stars” 3rd place: Staff – Idaho Press – “Idaho Press Football Preview”
IDAHO PRESS WEEKLIES GENERAL EXCELLENCE – WEEKLY PRINT 2nd place: Intermountain Farm & Ranch 3rd place: Meridian Press – Idaho Press GENERAL NEWS STORY – WEEKLY PRINT 2nd place: Harrison Berry – Boise Weekly – “On Being Brave: Mascot or Mockery?” WATCHDOG/ INVESTIGATIVE REPORT – WEEKLY PRINT 1st place: George Prentice – Boise Weekly – “Private Prison Death Fallout” 3rd place: Jeannette Boner – Teton Valley News – “Hospital Foundation folds” SERIOUS FEATURE REPORT – WEEKLY PRINT 1st place: Patty Bowen – Meridian Press – “Portrait of a firefighter” 2nd place: George Prentice – Boise Weekly – “Deliberate Indifference”
LIGHT FEATURE REPORT – WEEKLY PRINT 2nd place: Xavier Ward, Lauren Berry – Boise Weekly – “Behind the Pine and Into the Syndicate” 3rd place: Julia Tellman – Teton Valley News – “A real Humm-dinger” SERIES – WEEKLY PRINT 1st place: John O’Connell – Intermountain Farm & Ranch, “Local grain economies” 2nd place: Xavier Ward – Boise Weekly – “Salmon and Dam Breaching” SPORTS FEATURE STORY - WEEKLY PRINT 3rd place: Julia Tellman – Teton Valley News – “Thirty years of knuckle-dragging” PAGE DESIGN - WEEKLY PRINT 2nd place: Teton Valley News – “Teton XC plays its elevation card again” ELECTION REPORTING – WEEKLY PRINT 3rd place: Ryan Suppe – Meridian Press – “Meridian mayoral candidates take the stage” EDUCATION REPORTING - WEEKLY PRINT 3rd place: Jeannette Boner – Teton Valley News – “Teachers left feeling undervalued” BUSINESS REPORTING – WEEKLY PRINT 2nd place: Julia Tellman- Teton Valley News – “An eye for history” 3rd place: Harrison Berry – Boise Weekly – “Grousing Over Groceries” AGRICULTURE REPORTING – WEEKLY PRINT 2nd place: Ryan Suppe – Kuna Melba News – “The leftovers” 3rd place: John O’Connell – Intermountain Farm & Ranch, “Quinoa Craze: East Idaho becomes North America’s largest producer of ancient superfood”
3rd place: Ryan Suppe – Meridian Press – “Hands-free frenzy” RELIGION REPORTING – WEEKLY PRINT 1st place: George Prentice – Boise Weekly – “Heaven Help Us”
PERIODICAL GENERAL EXCELLENCE - PERIODICAL 2nd place: Danae Lenz – East Idaho Business Journal – December 2019 Issue PERIODICAL WRITING - SERIOUS FEATURE 3rd place: Danae Lenz – East Idaho Business Journal – “Growing Economics: Local economies, communities benefit from farmers markets” PERIODICAL WRITING - LIGHT FEATURE 2nd place: Danae Lenz – East Idaho Business Journal – “Giving them a voice: ISU students start a business to help women in their native Nepal” PERIODICAL COVER 1st place: Danae Lenz – East Idaho Business Journal – June 2019 Issue
IDAHO PRESS AUDIO AWARDS: GENERAL EXCELLENCE – AUDIO 1st place: Ashley Miller, Nicole Foy, Rebecca De Leon, JJ Saldana: “The Latino Card – Episode 17” LIGHT FEATURE REPORT – AUDIO 3rd place: Ashley Miller, Nicole Foy, Rebecca De Leon, J.J. Saldana: “The Latino Card, Episode 9”
CRIME / COURTS REPORTING – WEEKLY PRINT 1st place: George Prentice – Boise Weekly – “The Dead of Winter”
CONGRATS, WINNERS! 15
HUMAN
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DON’T KNOW WHOM TO CALL? CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES. JO ANN HOPSON, PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS
HR Manager – APG Media Central Division, Minnesota, Wisconsin 763.712.2412
TOM CLOUTIER
HR Manager - Greenville, Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City,NC and Key West, FL gdavis@apgenc.com | 252.366.8139
DEB BROOKS
APG Media of Southern Wisconsin HR Generalist – APG Janesville, Antigo and Beloit, Wisconsin sluebke@gazetteextra.com
Talent Acquisition Director for APG HR Manager – APG Maryland/Ohio tcloutier@adamspg.com | 410.770.4159 HR Manager – APG Midwestern Division, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Utah dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com | 360.416.2187
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CHARLENE VOLD
APG Vice President of Human Resources All states, Based in Tennessee/North Carolina joann.hopson@adamspg.com | 423.620.8771
GWEN DAVIS
STEPHANIE LUEBKE
RESOURCES
SUBMIT TO YOUR REGIONAL HR REP.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ASSOCIATES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE APG REFERRAL BONUS FOR NEW HIRES! * Matthew Crabtree referred Fallon Lee for an account executive position at the Daily Post Athenian (APG East).
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MOVIE NIGHT
MOVIE NIGHT NOW PLAYING: STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
For your chance to be the lucky winner of an APG Swag and Movie Bag, answer the trivia question below correctly:
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE PLANET WHERE EMPEROR PALPATINE IS LIVING? All answers should be submitted to AskHR@adamspg.com. The winner will be drawn on Thursday, May 15, 2020.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR APRIL WINNER – CHRISTINA JAEGER, THE DAILY POST-ATHENIAN, THE ADVOCATE & DEMOCRAT
*Contents of winner’s prize pack may vary.
The Question Was: In “E.T. The Extra-terrestrial,” What is the iconic phrase said by E.T.? Answer: E.T. home phone.
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