Convention Coverage Inside

Summer 2018

The evolution of media

Hall of Fame Inductees

Convention Coverage Contest

Inside News Winners Notes About members Photos & Fun Nebraska Press Women • Summer 2018 2______Lavigne: Make yourself a precious commodity

LUANN SCHIINDLER from a former editor who reporter. the job at ESPN. After taking a high was now at ESPN,” Lavi- Her first push into data How will a piece of school journalism class, gne told spring conference journalism was taking a work be produced? Paula Lavigne felt she’d attendees. “They needed my look at test scores and how Is it a digital story? A found where she belonged. skill set.” scores vary, based on demo- TV piece that runs 10 to 12 The Gretna native dis- Lavigne had never writ- graphics. minutes? Is there a segment covered, through writing, ten a sports story. Never By the time she hit Dal- that can be trimmed for use she could affect change by worked in television. las, she’d established herself online? the words she placed on a “I had no desire to work as a strong writer. Perhaps there’s a radio page. in TV,” she said. She used demograph- interview option or a pro- At that moment, she But ... ics information to pull mo through social media was hooked. “Why the hell not? It together an article about campaigns or a brief for a After attending the was an opportunity I could neighborhoods where Snapchat channel. University of Nebraska’s not pass up.” residents were pushed into Lavigne said many J-school, Lavigne spent After 10 years with sub-prime loans. times, she crafts 10 or time as a reporter at the the media giant, Lavigne “We told the story 11 tweets covering main Des Moines Register, The shared two lessons learned before the housing crisis points of a story. Dallas Morning News on the job. hit.” “For a lot of people, that and The News-Tribune in First, Then may be the only thing they Tacoma. learn how ESPN came read about the story.” to stand calling and Lavigne said there’s As a reporter, Lavigne more sense of obligation to became interested in data out. Lavigne had “Make “to learn on promote your own work. journalism, where numer- “It’s vitally important ical data gathered from yourself a the fly.” precious Now, she now. To try to get your databases and other sources story to rise to top, you is used to produce a final commod- produces ity.” pieces for have to take an active role piece. within the organization to Fast forward 17-some Lavi- the station’s gne said Outside the promote it.” years, when sports giant Another way to branch ESPN knocked on Lavi- when she Lines and worked at E60. out is to capitalize on a gne’s door. unique skill set or back- “In 2008, I got a call the Daily “I have Nebras- great col- ground. kan, she leagues and “Take advantage of ev- NEBRASKA PRESS enjoyed incredible ery opportunity to expand WOMEN everything about it. producers. I wouldn’t have your skill set. You think I’m going to be a journalist, but Summer 2018 “It was an awesome been able to do it without time to be there. I thought them,” she said. you need to be able to do President: there was nothing more Switching to a differ- everything.” Sherry Thompson noble than being a print ent type of media forced Lavigne, along with ESPN.com senior writer Editor: journalist.” Lavigne to rethink what LuAnn Schindler The internet revolution- journalism means. Mark Schlabach, relied ized journalism. That’s her second piece on their skill sets to dig Contributors: Lavigne credited UNL of advice: “Branch out.” through mounds of data Barb Batie, Cheryl Alberts professor Matthew Waite “It (ESPN) forced me and locate sources willing Irwin, LuAnn Schindler, Sherry to speak about potential Thompson, Mary Pat Finn- for piquing her interest in not just to learn how to Hoag, Terri Hahn data journalism. write shorter. It’s forced sexual assault cases occur- ring at Baylor University, www.nebraskapresswomen.org She described the field me to write visually, to ask as a combination of data questions in a different located in Waco, Tex. Nebraska.Press.Women@ analysis and good old-fash- way.” The duo embarked on gmail.com ioned storytelling that takes She’s taken that men- a mission to unearth the readers beyond the anec- tality into her work with truth about a single ques- Nebraska Press Women, Inc., dotal aspect. ESPN.com. tion: How many times have is an affiliate of the National these suspects been named Federation of Press Women, “It includes information “I get the interview- a nationwide organization of far beyond interviews,” ee into that moment, to in sexual assault? professional women and men Lavigne said. get our sources to speak They requested police pursuing careers across the records for every person communications spectrum. In Des Moines, Lavigne visually.” worked as an education Branching out is part of ever named in sexual as- Nebraska______Press Women • Summer 2018 3 Sexual Assault Crisis.” The process and end News Notes result took a lot of time and Leta Powell Drake of grit. Lincoln, a longtime televi- And, it relied on a sion personality who por- combination of old and trays Calamity Kate, will be new journalism techniques the featured speaker at the - investigative and data Literary & Grange event at journalism. 1:30 p.m., Monday, July 9. One of the strongest Site is the Fire Hall at 101 messages Lavigne learned E. Main in Hadar, located from the investigative pro- several miles northwest of cess relates to culture and Norfolk. Another Nebraska important truths that are Press Women member, First clip • ESPN journalist Paula Lavigne shows the sometimes shuttered from Barb Micek of Fullerton, first assignment she completed as a high school jour- public view. will be the main presenter nalist, a treasure she found in her mother’s attic. Lavi- “We don’t spend at the September meeting. gne, a native of Gretna, encouraged NPW members to enough time teaching The editor of theNance branch out and make themselves stand out from the young men, ‘Don’t rape County Journal and book rest of the reporters in the room. women,’” Lavigne said. author will speak at 1:30 Photo by LuAnn Schindler Lavigne said the indus- p.m., Monday, Sept. 10, try is in a state of flux and at the Fire Hall. All are sault or violent crimes cases dirt. it is up to every journalist welcome! in Waco. “We found her,” to take a look at what isn’t Fellow NPW member According to Lavi- Lavigne said, referring to a working and find out what Mary Pat Finn-Hoag of gne, they scoured tens of case followed through the role we play in making Norfolk spoke on special thousands of records and investigation. journalism better. features she wrote over her databases. Lavigne’s and Schla- “It’s never been more more than 40-year career at The result? bach’s efforts resulted in the important to bulletproof the Norfolk Daily News on “We found a lot of hits book, “Violated: Exposing our message, to put out May 14. The Literary & that hadn’t been reported.” Rape at Baylor University facts,” Lavigne said. “I en- Grange Event (formerly And then, they hit pay Amid College Football’s courage all of you to stand known as the Hadar Cul- out and branch out.” ture Club) is coordinated by Charlotte Endorf of Hadar. She is a new NPW member. Nominees sought for Communicator of Achievement Dorothy Fryer, who had a more than 50-year Barb Bierman Batie current state president or a member who daily newspaper career, has NPW COA Director serves as National COA Director to be relocated to her native Although 2017 Communicator of nominated for the state honor. All nom- Norfolk after spending her Achievement Judy Nelson won’t travel to inees must be living members in good retirement years in Dav- the NFPW convention until September, standing for at least two years in NPW and enport, Iowa. She was the it is already time to solicit nominees for in NFPW. Keep in mind the COA scoring regional editor of the Fort Nebraska Press Women’s 2018 Communi- is based on professional achievements (60 Dodge Messenger for 20 cator of Achievement Award. percent), community service (20 percent) years, followed by a 32-year The Nebraska Communicator of and service to NPW/NFPW (20 percent). career as the city editor of Achievement is part of a national program With those criteria in mind, we are the Norfolk Daily News. She to honor communicators who not only asking for nominees for the 2018 NPW welcomes cards and visi- display exceptional achievement in the Communicator of Achievement. Please tors. Those who remember communication field, but also serve the submit nominations no later than Aug. 15 Fryer, the 2006 Nebraska organization and the community. to NPW COA Chair Barb Bierman Batie Press Women Communi- The state COA is announced annually at 43590 Rd. 761, Lexington, NE 68850 or cator of Achievement, may at the fall convention and she/he serves as email: [email protected]. contact her at The Mead- NPW’s nominee for the national honor. In addition to the nominee’s name, ows, 500 S. 18th St., Room A previous state COA can be nominated please submit a brief note on why you 401, Norfolk NE 68701. again provided she/he has not been the think she/he is deserving of the honor. She will be honored for her national COA winner. If you are unsure whether an individual 40-year membership in the Only two Nebraska Press Women are is both an NPW and NFPW member for NPW and National Fed- ineligible: Joan Rossiter Burney and Lois eligibility, please call Barb at 308-325- eration of Press Women at Lambley. 2247 and she can confirm their state and the national conference in In addition, NPW does not allow a national membership. Bethlehem, Pa. Nebraska Press Women • Summer 2018 4______Backpack program provides bootcamp experience for Creighton students In the field • (left) Creighton University professor Carol Zuegner explains how tools for field reporters have evolved through the years. The school’s immersive backpack program takes students to all parts of the world. Photo by Lori Potter

IRENE NORTH ry filmmaker John O’Keefe, combination, but Zuegner see stories from there, par- In Vietnam, journalists visual artist-filmmaker Tim said it has been the best ex- ticularly from the Balkans, brought weighty type- Guthrie and Zuegner work perience of her professional she said. writers so they could write with students in a five- and personal life. Zuegner has come a and edit in the field before week summer immersion “It’s changed my life long way from learning sending their stories off to course to produce minidoc- completely,” she said. how to type on a typewrit- their editors. umentaries, blogs and other Her experiences have er. She firmly believes it If they wanted to film multimedia content. They led her to Northern is never too late to learn something, it was another have filmed in Uganda, the Uganda and working with something new. set of heavy accessories. Dominican Republic, rural Catholic relief services to “The tools are available They could forget using a southwestern Alaska and focus on a school where and most are relatively easy telephone. on the border between the teachers are sheltering to use,” she said. “Just try it In five decades since United States and Mexico young women in danger of and see what happens.” then, communications for in Nogales, Arizona. The being kidnapped and taken Some of her best tips journalists have gotten group returned to Uganda back to South Sudan to be for shooting video are to smaller and better. on May 31. used as child brides. She always use a tripod, make Backpack journalism al- According to O’Keefe, has also worked along the sure you have space for lows journalists to use new “the goal of these trips U.S.-Mexican border with editing, use the rule of media tools and relatively is not to help or change the Kino Border Initia- thirds and be quiet when inexpensive video equip- life for the people we tive, a group of six united the camera is rolling ment to produce documen- encounter so much as it’s Catholic organizations “Sound matters more taries. The tools of the trade about changing yourself, of who provide direct assis- than almost anything, even can fit in a backpack and is coming to an awareness of tance, education, research when shooting video,” she changing the way journal- one’s own experience and and advocacy to people, said. ism is being made, particu- life and impact, and taking while attempting to foster Zuegner encourages ev- larly in remote areas. that forward for the rest of bi-national solidarity on eryone to learn from their Carol Zuegner, a your life.” migration. mistakes. It’s the only way professor at Creighton The five-week program “We choose these to get better. University, spoke to attend- consists of two weeks locations based on where “We are so afraid of ees at spring conference on location, a week of we have connections for failure, but say yes to some- about how these tools are “bootcamp” to learn about the story,” she said. “We are thing that scares you,” she changing how journalism photography, video, writing trying to go to safe places said. “I had no idea what it is done and provided tips blogs and what the story in the developing world.” was going to be like and it on how to produce video will be, and two weeks edit- O’Keefe travels ahead changed my life.” content, regardless of the ing the rough cut. on scouting trips to find Through the challenge organization. Zuegner works in the people to interview. Even of backpack journalism, At Creighton, the Col- Creighton Backpack Jour- then, sometimes people Zuegner has become more lege of Arts and Sciences’ nalism program as the story don’t show up for inter- active in human rights Departments of Theology coordinator. She helps edit views. issues and can now say yes and Journalism, Media and the video to translate the While Creighton waives to just about anything. Computing have been col- storytelling to film. tuition fees for students “This really opened laborating on award-win- “The hardest thing for to participate, it is not a my eyes to social justices ning documentaries about me is you can’t make any vacation. The group works and ideas I needed to pay people in developing noise,” she said. “As a print long hours. attention to,” she said. “And countries and marginalized reporter, I’m always making Zuegner hopes to plan if I can bring 20 adults to societies. noise. It was the hardest a trip to Eastern Europe Uganda to tell a story, I can Theologian-documenta- thing for me to learn.” soon. One of the donors to do anything.” The class is an unusual the program would like to Nebraska______Press Women • Summer 2018 5 Cut the clutter of social media to boost engagement In the field • (l-r)Joan Lukas and Leanne Morman provide practice PR tips and social media strate- gies during a spring conference session. Photo by LuAnn Schindler

LUANN SCHINDLER like Lukas Partners, assist photographers, publishers The average individual with linking businesses or editors. spends 12 hours and seven with influencers. Promoting key players, minutes consuming some Think about the in- in and away from the office, Connect type of media each day. fluencer effect and how it builds key audiences. PAULA LAVIGNE In any given month, a boosts business. Lukas said it is import- •Facebook page for Violated book: single consumer reaches for The PR pros shared ant to ensure that influenc- examples of how one client ers post engaging content www.facebook.com/Violat- a smart phone or tablet and edBook/ uses 30 different applica- links with local influencers that reflects the goals of the - primarily bloggers - to organization. •Follow Paula on Twitter: tions. That translates to https://twitter.com/ nine apps a day. generate business buzz. Another way to cut pinepaula How do you guarantee According to Lukas, 92 clutter is to have media you’re reaching and con- percent of consumers trust outlets of different genres CAROL ZUEGNER necting with an audience? user-generated content and join forces. •Find out more about According to Joan word-of-mouth more than It’s a good way to the Backpack Journalism Lukas and Leanne Mor- traditional advertising. promote what is in the Program at Creighton man of Lukas Partners, Utilizing an influenc- upcoming paper. University, read blog posts an Omaha public rela- er marketing campaign Live video is another and view the films at https://ccas.creighton.edu/ tions firm, the first step to can drive 16 times more strategy to attract engage- engagement than paid or ment. current-students/back- cutting through the clutter pack-journalism is to identify your key owned media. “People watch live vid- audience. Another tip to cut clut- eos three times longer than ter - especially social media non-live video,” Lukas said. JOAN LUKAS and “Start from inside your LEANNE MORMAN organization to understand posts that only include text Morman said Twitter - is to add a visual element. reports that video on the •Check out the Lukas your key audiences and Partners’ blog at http:// determine who you are “Think visual,” Morman platform is six times as www.lukaspartners.com/ reaching and who you want said. “Market products likely to be retweeted as a lukas-partners-blog/ to reach,” Morman said. visually.” photo. •Follow Lukas Partners on What’s the best way to Examples shared Live ideas include area Facebook - https://www. gauge engagement? included talking to local events, behind-the-scenes facebook.com/LukasPartners Utilize web and social home stores or home dec- segments, story updates, •Several of you asked for their presentation from the media analytics. orating bloggers to share interviews and stories of trends or photos of how the day. conference, Cutting Through Lukas said it is imper- the Clutter: Reaching Your ative to find out who views they implement decor or One of the most to speak with grocery store important ideas behind Audience in a Digital World your website and social and they have generously media feeds. owners to find hot foodie posting content is to keep shared it with us. “Are these people you trends. the message consistent. Contact Pres. Sherry want to further engage?” Show, don’t tell, always “Not everyone who Thompson if you would like Lukas asked. makes an impact, both follows you sees your post a copy. Once you’ve established experts agreed. on social media,” Morman audience information, orga- “People trust journalists said. GRETCHEN nizations need to consider more than social platforms, Finally don’t be afraid to GARRISON engagement. according to the Edelman embrace something news. •Odyssey through Nebraska Is your social media Trust Barometer,” Morman “Explore other digital blog said. mediums that make sense https://odysseythroughne- social or is it an aggregator braska.com/ of content? Media outlets can for your organization,” Public relations firms, establish influencers by Lukas said. highlighting reporters, Nebraska Press Women • Summer 2018 6______Nebraska travels result in book LUANN SCHINDLER along the Missouri River in A natural curiosity northeast Nebraska. about Nebraska’s people With her husband’s and places took Gretchen blessing, Garrison set off on Garrison on a detour. a whirlwind tour to wrap While homeschooling up details and research for her children, Garrison sites in the book. searched for stories about She said she learned the state and what she several lessons through her found was limited. adventures. So the teacher em- Talking to people at barked on a journey to sites and museums, Garri- bring the past and present son realized a sense of pride to life via her blog, Odyssey about her home state and Through Nebraska. what it has to offer. Travelogue • Author Gretchen Garrison shared a few Since July 1, 2013, Gar- She suggested striking of her favorite stories contained in her book, Detour rison has told stories about up conversations with mu- Nebraska, as well as a few of the glitches she encoun- Nebraska’s unique and seum personnel to gain the tered on her whirlwind trip to wrap up a few of the storied sites and individuals story behind the stories. entries. Garrison spoke to NPW members during the on the popular site. Another lesson learned awards banquet. Photo by Lori Potter Success with the blog while traveling is that with led to a book deal with the state split between two time zones, it’s always humorous examples about ended up on a muddy min- Arcadia Publishing. her travels to research sites imum maintenance road. Detour Nebraska: Histor- best to call ahead of time to guarantee a site will be for the book. But, the end result was ic Destinations & Natural During a family trip to worth it, Garrison said. Wonders is the product of open. Perhaps, most impor- Minnesota, Garrison and While the book in- her travels and research. company detoured onto cludes well-known stops, Garrison said when tantly, Garrison said she realized it’s important to Highway 12, in search of like Joslyn Museum in many people think of the Ionia volcano, “a detour Omaha and Carhenge near Nebraska, they consider the take a map and keep the tank filled since distances that lasted longer than the Alliance, it also focuses on view while traveling along drive to Minnesota,” Garri- lesser-known historic sites, I-80. between towns, especially in the panhandle, result in son joked. including a fur trade muse- That limited view does And then there was the um near Chadron and the not include the rich land- long, isolated stretches of road. one time she couldn’t find 100th Meridian Museum scape of the Pine Ridge a site near Guide Rock and in Cozad. region or the rolling hills Garrison included

Stay connected via social media and discussion • NPW Facebook page • Member-only NPW group •LinkedIn •PD Digest Nebraska______Press Women • Summer 2018 7 Rutledge, Shannon, Honored Before a Full House

CHERYL ALBERTS IRWIN every newsroom More than 100 people welcomed job. Her stories the two new members of the Marian include the 1975 Andersen Nebraska Women Jour- Omaha tornado, nalists Hall of Fame. an award-win- Kathleen Rutledge, former ning series of editor-in-chief of the Lincoln Journal stories by Oma- Star, and Rose Ann Shannon, former hans devastated news director at KETV in Omaha, by enormous were the 21st and 22nd inductees. medical bills, The May 5 event was at Omaha’s and an acclaimed Regency Lodge during Nebraska documentary, Press Women’s noon luncheon. “Harvest of HOF members in the audience Frustration,” that were Deanna Sands (2011), Maxine chronicled the Honorees • (above) Kathleen Rutledge and (below) Moul (2013), Leta Powell Drake farm crisis of the Rose Ann Shannon were inducted into the Marian An- (2014), Joan Rossiter Burney (2015) early 1980s. dersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame, and Eileen Wirth (2017). After join- May 5. Both spoke about what piqued their interest Rutledge was the first wom- ing KETV, by in journalism and how it shaped their quest for truth an executive editor of a Nebraska 1993 Shannon in reporting. Photos by Lori Potter metropolitan daily newspaper. The was promoted to English major had taken some jour- news director, a nalism classes, then became death position she held and weather clerk at the Lincoln for more than 24 Journal. When she applied for the years. Shannon statehouse reporting position, one and her husband, of the managers suggested they ask retired Omaha Rutledge’s husband, Ted Kooser, if World-Herald it would be all right to offer her the photographer job. Another manager stepped in, Phil Johnson, saying that would be unnecessary. were both in Rutledge spent the next 12 years news; however covering the Nebraska Legislature she once found and state government. When the out he was Lincoln Journal Star was formed going to the from the city’s two dailies in 1995, Middle East Nebraska-Lincoln, where mem- Rutledge was named the new city only because he was looking for his ber portraits are located. The Hall editor. She was editor-in-chief until passport. recognizes women journalists who her 2007 retirement. In addition to her decades in through talent, initiative, intelligence Among her challenges was facing broadcast journalism, Shannon has and stamina, have made a difference outrage at publicizing a story about a been extensively involved in jour- for their profession, their communi- Husker football coach being ousted nalism education, free press issues, ties and those who follow. before it was officially announced. cameras in the courtroom, the Candidates must have a Ne- Rutledge defended her staff and the Omaha Press Club and mentoring braska background by birth or work paper by telling the truth. young journalists. An inductee of the experience, having spent a significant In October 2014, Rutledge was Omaha Press Club Hall of Fame in amount of their professional career inducted into the Nebraska Journal- 2012, Shannon retired in February, in Nebraska; and must have attained ism Hall of Fame in recognition of 2018. a position of prominence in their her 30 years of working for Lincoln’s The two honorees stated that the fields. Judging is on contributions daily newspapers. truth will survive, even though it is to the profession, achievements Shannon’s name was synony- harder to discern in today’s world. within the profession and service to mous with broadcast journalism This hall is named for Marian communities. for 45 years. She was KMTV’s first Andersen of Omaha, a graduate Nominations will be accepted full-time female reporter and during of what is now the COJMC in from the public in early 2019, with her dozen years there, did nearly Andersen Hall at the University of details to be released later. Nebraska Press Women • Summer 2018 8______

Communications Contest Award Winners

Writing 9A - Personality profile - 10H - Government 10R - Travel articles 500 words or fewer or political articles 3. Erika Pritchard, Kearney 1A - News story - Newspaper 1. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 2. Erika Pritchard, Kearney 11A - Columns - Humorous 2. Irene North, Scottsbluff 9B - Personality profile - 3. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. Lori Clinch, North Platte 3. Tammy Bain, North Platte more than 500 words 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater HM. Erika Pritchard, Kearney 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 10I - Environmental articles 3. Barb Batie, Lexington 1B - News story - Magazine 2 Mary Jane Skala, Kearney 1. Erika Pritchard, Kearney 3. Barb Batie, Lexington 1. Cindy Murphy McMahon, Omaha 2. Lori Potter, Kearney 11B - Columns - General HM: Tammy Bain, North Platte 1. Barb Batie, Lexington 2. Barb Batie, Lexington 3. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 2 - Continuing coverage 10B - Agriculture articles 10J - History articles 3. Jill Martin, Seward 1. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 1. Mary Jane Skala, Kearney HM. Mary Hollopeter, Wood Lake 2. Irene North, Scottsbluff 2. Barb Batie, Lexington 2. Erika Pritchard, Kearney 3. Mary Hollopeter, Wood Lake 3. Kerry Hoffschneider, York 3. Lori Potter, Kearney 11C - Columns - Informational HM. Delores Meister, West Point HM. Delores Meister, West Point HM. Irene North, Scottsbluff 1. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 2. Barb Batie, Lexington 4 - Enterprise reporting 10C - A&E articles 10K - Hobby or craft articles 1. Irene North, Scottsbluff 1. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 11D - Columns - Personal Opinion 2. Lori Potter, Kearney 2. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 2. Delores Meister, West Point 1. Mary Jane Skala, Kearney 3. Delores Meister, West Point 2. Irene North, Scottsbluff 5 - Special series 10L - Home articles 3. Lori Potter, Kearney 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 10D - Business articles 1. Mary Jane Skala, Kearney HM. Kerry Hoffschneider, York 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 2 Mary Jane Skala, Kearney 10M - Health & fitness articles 12 - Headlines 7A - Editorial/Opinion - Newspaper 3. Barb Batie, Lexington 1. Bette Pore, Grand Island 1. Bette Pore, Grand Island 2. Mary Jane Skala, Kearney HM. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 2. Terri Hahn, Osceola HM. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater Erika Pritchard, Kearney 10N - Religion articles 3. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 7B - Editorial/Opinion - Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 1. Mary Jane Skala, Kearney Magazine or newsletter 3. Erika Pritchard, Kearney Editing & Page Design 10E - Education articles 1. Irene North, Scottsbluff HM. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 13A - Single page or section 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 8A - Feature story - Newspaper 2. Heather Johnson, North Platte editing - Newspaper 10P - Science or technology articles 1. Terri Hahn, Osceola 1. Mary Jane Skala, Kearney 3. Barb Batie, Lexington 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 2. Bette Pore, Grand Island 2. Irene North, Scottsbluff 2. Barb Batie, Lexington 3. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 3. Lori Potter, Kearney 10F - Fashion articles 3. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater HM. Tammy Bain, North Platte 1. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 14A - Sections or supplements 10Q - Social issues articles 8B - Feature story - Magazine 10G - Food articles infrequent - Newspaper or newsletter 1. Mary Jane Skala, Kearney 1. Terri Hahn, Osceola 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. Cassie Rief, Columbus 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 2. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 14B - Sections or supplements 3. Barb Batie, Lexington 3. Erika Pritchard, Kearney 10R - Sports articles HM. Mary Jane Skala, Kearney infrequent - Magazine HM. Joni Ransom, Grand Island 1. Heather Johnson, North Platte 1. Joni Ransom, Grand Island Erika Pritchard, Kearney 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater Nebraska______Press Women • Summer 2018 9

15A - Publication editing - Newspaper 19 - Photographer-writer 35 - Advertising posters, 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. Irene North, Scottsbluff billboards, and banners 2. Lori Potter, Kearney HM. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 15B - Publication editing - Magazine 3. Erika Pritchard, Kearney HM. Jill Martin, Seward Nebraska 1. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater Public Relations 40 - Audiovisuals 16A - Page design - Newspaper 20A - Graphics 1. Jennifer Gjerde, Lincoln Press 1. Bette Pore, Grand Island 1. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 2. Terri Hahn, Osceola 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 41 - Reports 2. Sherry Thompson, Omaha 3. Jill Martin, Seward 20B - Infographics Women HM. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 42 - Magazines 16B - Page design - Magazine 1. Heather Johnson, North Platte 1. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek Web & Social Media 2017 2. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 28B - Website editing - Corporate 44A - Newsletters - Nonprofit 1. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. Sherry Thompson, Omaha Communications Photography HM. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 44B - Newsletters - Corporate & Graphics 30A - Blogs - Nonprofit 1. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek Contest 1. Molly Klocksin, Lincoln 17A - News or feature photo 45B - Brochures - Corporate 1. Jill Martin, Seward 30C - Blogs - Personal 1. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek May 5, 2018 2. Lori Potter, Kearney 1. Tammy Bain, North Platte 3. Irene North, Scottsbluff 46 - Catalogs or manuals Omaha, Nebraska HM. Delores Meister, West Point 31A - Social Media Campaign - 1. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek Heather Johnson, North Platte Nonprofit Marianne Beel LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 1. Sherry Thompson, Omaha 47 - Direct-mail marketing Tammy Bain, North Platte 2. Heather Johnson, North Platte HM. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek Sweepstakes 17B - Sports photo 31B - Social Media Campaign - 48 - News or feature release Awards 1. Heather Johnson, North Platte Corporate or for-profit 1. Jennifer Gjerde, Lincoln HM. Lori Potter, Kearney 1. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 2. Heather Johnson, North Platte Lori Potter, first LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 32B - Videos for Website - 49 - News or feature releases LuAnn Schindler, second 1. Heather Johnson, North Platte 17C - General photo Corporate or for-profit Mary Jane Skala, third 1. Lori Potter, Kearney HM. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek 2. Erika Pritchard, Kearney Speeches 3. Joni Ransom, Grand Island Advertising 51 - Speeches HM. Heather Johnson, North Platte 33 - Single advertisements for 3. Mary Hollopeter, Wood Lake LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater print or electronic publication Jill Martin, Seward 3. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek Books & Creative Writing HM. LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater 18 - Photo essay 57B - Nonfiction books 1. Lori Potter, Kearney 34 - Advertising campaigns 2. Barb Batie, Lexington 2. Erika Pritchard, Kearney 1. Carla Chance, Cedar Creek Nebraska______Press Women • Summer 2018 11

Bringing home the hardware! (above): Eighteen winners in the professional communications contest celebrate their awards. In- dividuals who earned first place and are members of the National Federation of Press Women will have their work judged in the national contest. Those awards will be presented in Bethlehem, PA., during the national convention. Photo by Mary Pat Finn-Hoag

(below): Sixteen high school students received awards during the noon luncheon at the spring convention. Omaha Westside won the sweepstakes award. Photo by LuAnn Schindler Nebraska______Press Women • Summer 2018 13

One Two Three (l-r): Top winners in the Marianne Beel Communications contest were Lori Potter, Kearney Hub, first place; LuAnn Schindler, Clearwater Record-Ewing News, second place, and Mary Jane Skala, Kearney Hub, third place.

Photo by Mary Pat Finn-Hoag

NFPW“Where Your Story Begins”Conference is the theme for the Sept. 6-8 NFPW Communications Conference in Bethlehem, SaveWednesday, the August Date 8 Penn. Fall 2018 Newsletter deadline If you have never attended an NPFW conference, consider applying for a first-timer grant that covers a portion Wednesday, August 15 of the registration fee. A link to download the application COA nominations due form is available at https://www.nfpw.org/educationFund. php The deadline to apply is July 16. Thursday, September 6 - And if you have attended a conference, you know how Saturday, September 8: much fun they are. The upcoming conference features a great lineup of keynote speakers and sessions. NFPW Conference, Bethlehem, PA NPW treasurer Lori Potter will present “Fighting Back against ‘Fake News’” as one of the sessions. With Saturday, October 6: "fake news" undermining confidence in the media, Potter will talk about how Nebraska Press Women chose to fight NPW Fall convention, Neligh back. Attendees will view NPW’s awareness campaign created by Jill Claflin and discuss this important issue. Saturday, may 5: NPW Spring conference, broken bow Nebraska Press Women • Spring 2018 14______Remembering Ruth BARB BATIE current fear of thinking, After eight Feisty, witty, energetic of disputing, or speaking years living and full of spunk, these truthfully.” in Virginia, were the words Ruth Publicly criticized by Charley ran Raymond Thone’s peers the Legion Committee for and was used to describe her when chairman, Thone, the Daily elected Gover- contacted early in 2015 for Nebraskan’s first woman nor back home. her entry in the NFPW editor, stood her ground. Her spunky Communicator of Achieve- Her writing caught the nature led her ment competition. attention of a deputy attor- to defy societal The 86-year-old free- ney general named Charles expectations of board of Houses of Hope, lance writer, author, radio Thone who had also been what a First Lady of the which administer halfway commentator, commu- serving on the Legion state should do and be. She houses serving people re- nity activist and former committee. He not only famously slid down the covering from alcohol and First Lady of Nebraska quit the committee, but swooping staircase in the drug dependencies. died May 3, less than two also ended up asking her Governor’s Mansion during Later she gave up months after her husband, out on a date. Within three an interview, and the smoking; something she former Gov. Charley months they were engaged resulting photograph made noted was harder than Thone. A long-time NPW and on Aug. 16, 1953, they the front page of every giving up alcohol. She and NFPW member, she were married. major paper in the state. survived an aneurysm and a was named Nebraska’s The next 17 years saw She continued to tackle series of mini-strokes in the COA in the fall of 2014. the arrival of daughters controversial issues, such as past decade and through A native of Scottsbluff, Anna, Marie and Amy and the plight of dispossessed it all continued to write. Thone began work in a all the while Ruth contin- Palestinians. She joined At the time of her COA print shop during high ued to hone her writing Common Cause, a gov- award in 2014 she was still school. After graduation, skills. Her experiences ernmental watchdog group writing a twice-monthly she pursued a degree in included writing a column and advocated against the column for “The Neigh- journalism at the Univer- for the Omaha World-Her- state’s death penalty. borhood Extra,” a Saturday sity of Nebraska-Lincoln, ald from 1953-55, serving One of her greatest supplement to the s. returning in the summers as advertising manager and passions was joining four While her life as a to work on her hometown writer for the Nebraska friends in founding “The politician’s wife kept her paper. State Education Associa- Gather Place” in 1982 from serving as an NPW The first inklings of her tion publication, “Nebraska near Lincoln’s downtown officer or on a committee, feisty nature came during Education News,” and business district. The house she helped out over the her stint as editor of the writing articles for the offers classes and lectures years as a communications Daily Nebraskan, the Uni- World Herald’s “Magazine and is also a soup kitchen contest judge and as a con- versity of Nebraska-Lin- of the Midlands.” that serves 30,000 meals a vention speaker. She was coln collegiate newspaper. In 1971 Charley was year. also a consistent winner in It was 1952, the height of elected to the U.S. House Then the writer did both the NPW and NFPW the McCarthy era, and it of Representatives repre- what every journalist claims communications contests. came to her attention that senting Nebraska’s First they want to do. She wrote When interviewed for a committee of the Lincoln District. Ruth and the girls a book, in fact three books. her COA packet, Thone American Legion was in- followed him to Washing- They included “Women continued to share her wit vestigating a well-respected ton, D.C. In typical fashion and Aging, Celebrating and wisdom by dishing out professor. she didn’t stay idle for long. Ourselves,” “FAT: A Fate gems on growing older. Thone took them on While in D.C. she worked Worse Than Death, Wom- One of her friends had in fiery words, “Sen. Joe in the publications office en, Weight and Appear- asked her, “You mean your McCarthy may be in Wis- of the U.S. Department ances,” and “Being Home,” memory comes and goes?” consin, but the residents of Education and was a collection of 68 essays A pause and then Ruth of Lincoln have (his) involved in a host of com- written for the Lincoln Star quipped, “No, mostly goes.” equivalent in the Lincoln mittees and groups. She between 1982-86. “Old age is a bewilder- American Legion Post 3. also wrote contributions to She battled alcoholism, ing time,” she said, “but I’m The Nebraskan will not stop the Washington Post Sunday journeying back to sobriety happy I didn’t miss it.” or slow down in its efforts magazine and the Christian at age 45. That life lesson to rid our citizenry of this Science Monitor. led her to serve on the Nebraska______Press Women • Summer 2018 15

From “50 Years of Nebraska Press Women” published in 1996

A group of journalists from Cameroon were in the U.S. in early May as part of an international visitor leader- ship program conducted by the Office of International Visitors, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and U.S. Department of State. Locally, the Lincoln Council for International Visitors and the Mayor's Committee for In- ternational Friendship invited Cheryl Alberts Irwin, vice president of Nebraska Press Women, to discuss "Em- powering Female Journalists" with the Cameroonians. They were interested in NPW’s structure, its functions and programs and moral support. Journalists also met with faculty from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, and visited the offices of Secretary of State, Election Commissioner and Nebraska Educational Telecommunications. Courtesy photo Nebraska Press Women • Spring 2018 16______Successful conference, successful members

SHERRY THOMPSON cations contest winners, as part of the What an inspiring scholarship recipients and International conference! Thank you to Hall of Fame inductees. Visitor Leader- everyone who attended It’s encouraging to see ship Program. and especially to those who the high school students’ While played a role in putting enthusiasm, as several of NPW is mov- together the many pieces of them attended conference ing forward, the event. sessions. there is more It was exciting to have NPW’s profile in our to do. I invite more than half of NPW’s communities is increas- you to share members attend at least ing, thanks to outreach your talents. one part of the conference. efforts by our members. Maybe you Many were there for the Jill Claflin was a present- can help with full day, and other members er for Nebraska Press membership or joined us for lunch or din- Association’s conference, social media, or where she talked about perhaps you could provide please let me know. It takes ner. I hope that everyone all of us working together was able to make the most fake news. Several of those input for NPW’s visibility in attendance asked for a plan. Elections will be held to continue the momen- of the opportunity to net- tum. work with other commu- copy of the presentation at the fall conference for to share in their commu- president, vice president, This issue of the NPW nications, learn from great newsletter is full of great speakers, connect with old nities. Additionally, NPW treasurer and secretary, and members manned a booth candidates are needed for information about the friends and meet new ones, conference and other recent and celebrate accomplish- at the conference, sharing all offices. Board of director information on NPW with members will be appointed activities. Please take time ments in our profession. to read through it and keep We were honored to attendees. Cheryl Alberts in the fall as well. If you are Irwin recently spoke with interested in learning more up to date with NPW. have a full house for the Enjoy the summer! luncheon recognizing the journalists from Cameroon about these opportunities Sherry high school communi- who were visiting Lincoln or volunteering to help,

To our 2018 spring conference sponsors, we express our thanks. Their support assists with programming and student attendance.

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