Schurz COMMUNICATOR July/October 2015 SCI selling TV, radio properties ‑‑ Stories pages 2-3

Advocate - Messenger 150 years old ‑‑ Stories pages 12-13

Scott Schurz Jr. in named to SCI V-P post ‑‑ Story page 8

Tragedy hits Roanoke TV station Two WDBJ7 journalists are slain ‑‑ See pages 5-7 SCI sells TV, radio properties to Gray By Kevin Allen from Gray to personally announce the news of the sale. South Bend Tribune “I right now am in Roanoke because the top two people from Gray Schurz Communications has agreed to sell its TV and radio sta‑ and I said, ‘Where do the staff and the station need to hear it from us tions to Gray Television, a move that acknowledges the realities of in person?’” he said. “It is emotional, but that is why we’re here in the broadcast industry. Roanoke.” Atlanta-based Gray reached a deal to buy the Schurz properties — Schurz Communications’ expansion into TV over the years has two dozen TV and radio stations combined — for $442.5 million. included: Schurz will retain the South Bend Tribune and its other newspapers, --In the Wichita, Kansas, market (DMA 65), Schurz owns as well as the four cable companies it now owns. KWCH-TV and three satellite stations that serve as the market’s The eventual landing spot for WSBT-TV, in South Bend, however, CBS affiliate. KWCH-TV is the top-ranked and highest grossing sta‑ remains a question mark. Because Gray already owns WNDU in the tion in the market. Schurz also owns KSCW-TV, the market’s CW South Bend market, and to speed up regulatory approval of the deal, affiliate, and it provides sales and other services to Entravision’s it plans to look for another company to acquire WSBT. KDCU-TV, the market’s Univision affiliate. Gray already owns Gray will use the opposite strategy in Wichita, Kan. It already KAKE-TV and two satellite stations, which serve as the Wichita operates the ABC affiliate, KAKE-TV, but it will look to sell off that market’s ABC affiliates. To facilitate regulatory approval, and prior station and retain the Schurz-owned and top-ranked KWCH-TV, the to the Gray/Schurz closing, Gray will sell KAKE-TV and its assets CBS affiliate. to another broadcaster. After such sale, KAKE-TV will be owned The move by family-owned Schurz to sell its broadcast arm is one and operated completely independently from Gray. that could resonate for years, especially in Michiana, where the com‑ --In the Roanoke-Lynchburg, Virginia, market (DMA 69), pany has its headquarters. While the Schurz company began more Schurz owns WDBJ7, the market’s CBS affiliate, and the number- than 140 years ago with the South Bend Tribune, it launched a local one ranked and highest grossing station in the market. Through the radio station in 1922 and WSBT-TV in 1951, cementing its standing acquisition of WDBJ7, the transaction will add a third Virginia as a media powerhouse in the area. market to Gray’s portfolio. In addition to WSBT, Schurz in the area currently operates WSBT --In the Springfield, Missouri, market (DMA 75), Schurz owns 960 AM/96.1 FM, Sunny 101.5, New Country 99.9, and Z94. KYTV (known locally as KY3), the market’s NBC affiliate, and “The television and radio industries have been experiencing rapid KCZ, the market’s CW affiliate. KY3 is the number one ranked and consolidation,” Todd Schurz, the company’s CEO and president, said highest grossing station in the market. Schurz provides sales and in an interview. “We have great stations, we are the market leaders in other services to Perkin Media’s KSPR-TV, the market’s ABC affili‑ six of our seven TV markets and all our radio markets. But at the end ate. Springfield will be Gray’s first television market in Missouri. of the day, we reach two percent of the nation. With what’s going on --In the Augusta, Georgia, market (DMA 112), Schurz owns in the ecosystem right now, it becomes increasingly difficult to gain WAGT-TV, the market’s NBC and CW affiliate. Gray owns WRDW- scale, to gain leverage.” TV, the market’s CBS affiliate. Over time, Gray expects to consoli‑ For Schurz Communications, he said, “It would be very expensive, date WAGT-TV’s operations with Gray’s existing operations in this very risky and very difficult” to acquire stations to gain the needed market. Gray anticipates that the FCC license for WAGT-TV will be scale. offered in the upcoming FCC spectrum auction, with the proceeds He also acknowledged the difficulty of the decision in South Bend. from such auction, if any, payable to Gray. “It is emotional because the ‘SBT’ in WSBT stands for South --In the Anchorage, Alaska, market (DMA 148), Schurz owns Bend Tribune. We have long and close ties to that station and those KTUU-TV, the market’s NBC affiliate. KTUU-TV is the number- employees,” Schurz said. “So if I said to you it wasn’t emotional, one ranked and highest grossing station in the market – as well as the that wouldn’t be telling the truth. But as we looked at the future, we most-watched and highest grossing station in the state of Alaska. It believed that others would be better stewards of the stations, and will become Gray’s first television station in Alaska. employees would have better opportunities as well.” --In the Rapid City, South Dakota, market (171), Schurz owns The deal is subject to review by the Federal Communications KOTA-TV and three satellite stations, which serve as the market’s Commission, a process that is expected to take at least a few months. ABC affiliate. KOTA-TV is the number one ranked and highest The sale, if approved, would expand Gray’s reach to 49 TV mar‑ grossing station in the market. Gray anticipates combining KOTA- kets in 28 states. The company has been trying to grow aggressively TV’s operations with those of Gray’s KEVN-TV, the market’s FOX in recent years and recently purchased KCRG, the ABC affiliate in affiliate. Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The company reported revenues of about $500 --Radio Stations: Schurz owns the top-ranked group of radio sta‑ million in 2014. tions in South Bend, Indiana; Lafayette, Indiana; and Rapid City, Hilton H. Howell Jr., the company’s president and CEO, said in a South Dakota. Like Schurz, Gray owns television stations in two of statement that the Schurz announcement is “a momentous day in these three markets. In addition to the South Bend radio stations, Gray’s 118-year history.” Schurz currently runs KFXS, KRCS, KOUT and KKMK in Rapid “We welcome more dedicated reporters, account executives, and City, S.D; and WKHY 93.6 KHY, WKOA K105, WASK 98.7, technologists to our growing family,” he said. “Gray’s existing sta‑ WXXB B102.0 and WASK ESPN 1450 AM in Lafayette, Ind. tions will make the Schurz stations stronger, while the Schurz sta‑ In 2008, Schurz built an 83,000-square-foot facility on East tions will make our existing stations better.” Douglas Road in Mishawaka for WSBT and Schurz corporate head‑ Schurz Communications moved into broadcasting in 1922 with the quarters. The building cost more than $25 million, and another $10 launch of WGAZ radio (now WSBT) in South Bend. million to equip. In 1969, it purchased WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Va. WDBJ7 is the Schurz will not sell the building as part of the deal and plans to station where two employees were shot and killed last month by a keep its corporate headquarters there, even while the stations contin‑ former co-worker while they were on location. ue to operate from the facility. Todd Schurz traveled to Roanoke on Sept. 15 with top officials 2 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 3 Glimpse at the future for Schurz Communication By TODD F. SCHURZ every organization, similar to living crea‑ President/CEO tures, is either growing or shrinking. There Schurz Communications Inc. is no such thing as “staying the same” over This issue of the Communicator may have time. Given the pace of disruption and TODD F. changes in consumer behavior today, we more important stories in one issue than any SCHURZ other in its short history. Since there are have to innovate, experiment and grow just President/CEO to keep pace. Second, the stewardship value articles about the tragic events in Roanoke Schurz and the proposed sale of the radio and tele‑ runs very deep in our culture. We receive Communications, with gratitude what others have done before vision stations, I would like to use this col‑ Inc. umn to talk about the future of the company. us, and then do all we can to pass along The extended Schurz family gets together something better and stronger than what we every year, and three generations meet to have received. I would argue that this is tied discuss our goals for the family and for the very closely to the American Dream and business. In the past few years, we have what we wish to leave our children. Third, reached a few conclusions: mate community connections, proprietary family businesses need to grow because Our industries have changed and are data, and billing relationships. We can pro‑ families grow over time. In our case, we had changing dramatically; so must we. As vide the key insights when you need to know four members of the fourth generation of the owners of a family business, we treasure our more than what an algorithm can provide. In Schurz family, eight in the fifth generation, heritage and value the unity that comes from short, we are a consumer-focused media and and eighteen in the sixth generation. sharing ownership of operating businesses. broadband company with compelling growth As we explore new industries, we will As good stewards, we are concerned with prospects. “Schurz 6.0,” however, now must keep in mind our historic roots and values. building a company that is sustainable for include new ways of growing, including out‑ We have operated businesses in smaller future generations of owners. side of media. communities where the local operations have While we have multiple goals for the com‑ I think the next few years could see some made a significant beneficial impact, either pany, I want to highlight four: of the fastest growth and greatest creativity through great journalism, community ser‑ 1. Ensure the company is adequately capi‑ in our history. In the short term, my goal is vice, corporate citizenship, and/or enabling talized and able to manage the continued to replace the cash flow from our broadcast commerce. Our businesses have been part of risks of changes in the media industry. stations within five years. That will require the “community glue”, and all of us have Retain adequate resources within company significant organic growth from new prod‑ found that meaningful and rewarding. As to enable further growth and adaptation. ucts and services and multiple acquisitions many of you know, one of my aspirations for 2. Develop a more sustainable structure inside and outside of media. I have had our company is that we will discover and that is both flexible and adaptable to best counterparts in public companies or private create the sustainable business model to sup‑ position the company and enterprise for the equity-backed firms question why a private‑ port community journalism in the digital age. next generations of owners. ly-held business needs to grow. I have three I firmly believe that our company has as 3. Accelerate growth. reasons why growth is an imperative for our good a chance as anyone to do the work that 4. Perpetuate our values and do good. organization. First, I firmly believe that is so crucial for a healthy and vibrant demo‑ Effectively managing and growing Schurz cratic society. Communications remains the top priority. The reorganized company will have very low debt and plenty of cash available to SCI Core Values acquire new operating businesses and invest We constantly strive to improve to meet empower our operations and people to in new opportunities. While we will be the needs and wants of readers, listeners, nimbly and successfully serve our custom‑ smaller than we are today, the company will viewers, users, and advertisers. We believe ers and communities. still be almost twice as large as it was a gen‑ that talented and dedicated employees Our goal is to be the leader in news and eration ago and will have over 1,200 have made the company successful in the information in our markets. We believe employees and operations in ten states. past and are the hope of the future. We are that financial profitability provides the Cable will make up roughly 60% of the committed to providing an environment resources necessary for the company’s company’s revenue and 90% of its operating that gives our employees the opportunity long-term health and growth. We set oper‑ cash flow, and advertising will comprise to achieve their potential. ating and financial expectations through roughly 1/3 of our revenue. Let me assure Our company’s strength mirrors the the budgeting process. We will help each you that the core business will have suffi‑ strength of our communities. We support other and hold each other mutually cient resources to grow and adapt. our local communities as a good corporate accountable to meet those goals. Our company has changed many times citizen and encourage active involvement. We value our reputation for honesty and over our 143 years – from newspapers to We are committed to excellence in all that fairness. Our credibility and integrity will radio, television, cable, digital and broad‑ we do. We hold each other accountable for never be sacrificed to achieve other objec‑ band, from operations located solely in using our best efforts to achieve success. tives. We are stewards of this company. South Bend, Indiana for 88 years to media We believe in acting for the benefit of Earlier generations started it, grew it and firms in many states serving a wide range of the entire organization and delegating deci‑ gave it to us to grow. We reinvest for the local communities. Our future company sion making authority to the appropriate future and will pass it along to successive will have a greater understanding of con‑ level. We believe strong local leaders generations. sumers through enhanced information, inti‑

4 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator Two staff members are slain WDBJ7 pressed on through darkest hour By JEFFREY A. MARKS President and General Manager WDBJ7, Roanoke, VA Everything about “WDBJ7 Mornin’” was routine. Until 6:45. Each morning, Alison Parker, a reporter, and Adam Ward, her pho‑ tojournalist partner, would report in several times during the two- hour broadcast on WDBJ7 from a location where news was happen‑ ing. On this morning, the subject was tourism and the team was cover‑ ing it from Smith Mountain Lake, 30 miles from the studio in Roanoke. They could not have known that a former employee, gone from the company for two and a half years, would be stalking them and would fire several shots at them during their last scheduled live appearance of the morning. Alison and Adam were killed. The woman they were interviewing, Jeffrey Marks, WDBJ7 President, and Kelly Zuber, news direc- Vicki Gardner , was gravely injured. She survived but faced many tor, flanked by the WDBJ7 team, answer reporters’ questions months of surgeries and recovery. the day after the killing of two employees. Melissa Ott, Adam’s fiancée, was in the control room as the pro‑ given him. ducer of the broadcast—her last day on the job before a planned Over the next few days, the generosity of our industry, our compa‑ move to Charlotte. ny and our community overwhelmed us. Meals would arrive, At first, she and her on-air and off-air colleagues did not know enough to feed our staff of more than 100. That continued to happen what to think. They heard what could have been fireworks, but when into October. Works of art, donations to scholarship funds set up in they tried and failed to reach the journalists by cell phone, it the names of Alison and Adam, and offers of help came in from began to sink in that this had been an act of violence. around the world. Fellow employees from all departments rushed in to console After three days of coverage, our tragedy became a local story Melissa and the morning production team as the situation became again. The world media had moved on to a hurricane, and we were bleaker. Chris Hurst, the evening anchor who had just moved in with left with our own kind of emotional clean-up, something we knew Alison, arrived in a daze. would last for months. People have made ample use of our Mike Bell, the senior manager who lived closest to the scene, made Employee Assistance Program, meeting with a counselor in our his way there. At 8:30, he identified Adam and Alison for the police, building and calling in to schedule outside appointments. and we went on the air with the news. A trauma team of first responders and mental health professionals Under the steady leadership of news director Kelly Zuber, our who were at Virginia Tech in 2007, where 32 people died in a shoot‑ anchors and reporters held it together on the air, but their sadness and ing spree, held a private session with the morning team, the people shock were obvious. Off the air, we embraced, cried and asked God who witnessed our sad event. Those employees said they found it for guidance. helpful in letting out their feelings. One of our first moves was to call in the wife of one of our Over the last four years, we have twice made physical changes to employees, a pastor who was well-known to our staff. She consoled the entrances to our building to make it more secure. Since August devastated people and prayed with them. 26, we have tightened up further. With advice from the staff, and Our corporate leader, Marci Burdick, began arranging for herself with special attention to the journalists who work outside the build‑ and journalists from our sister SCI stations to come in to help cover ing, we are working through a list of changes in practice and physical what was happening. (See the accompanying story.) Former improvements to further enhance safety inside our main studio, at our employees, including a retired anchor, came back to staff the news‑ bureaus and in the field. We have been told that the same kind of room so that current employees could attend funerals. discussion has happened in newsrooms across the country. We brought bureau reporters into the main newsroom and decided The truth is that no one can guarantee safety 100 percent of the that no news crews would leave the building that day, for both soli‑ time. Nevertheless, as much as we know that this is an isolated inci‑ darity and safety reasons. Competitors offered to help, and our eve‑ dent, we have to view the issue of safety through a different lens ning newscasts featured video they shot for us. now. We held an all-employee memorial gathering at noon. We We have met with our landscaper and showed our employee group expressed our sadness, but many also came forward with wonderful just where in our front lawn we plan to install a memorial garden, stories about our lost friends. And there were more prayers. with a monument to the three victims and benches for quiet moments Our front yard swelled with members of the community bringing of contemplation. We also plan memorials inside the building. flowers, signs and balloons that formed a makeshift memorial. Alison was a dancer with a joie de vivre that few could match. No Media from near and far came to get the story. For two days run‑ matter the story, she attacked it with energy. Adam was a great pho‑ ning, we were the constant center of news everywhere, from interna‑ tojournalist, and also a joker and a friend to everyone. His “Hi, how tional networks to small radio stations. are you?” was sincere and exuberant. Some staff members felt it cathartic to share their feelings with We want the lives of Alison and Adam to inspire people to the level reporters. Chris Hurst made numerous appearances on television and of excitement and mission that those two journalists brought to their in print, showing the photo album with inscriptions that Alison had jobs.

Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 5 Amid tragedy Schurz properties pull together to help WDBJ7 By BOB BLAKE South Bend Tribune It was early in the morning when Marci Burdick’s cell phone rang. On the other end of the line, the caller relayed devastating news — two members of a morning televi‑ sion crew had been shot while conducting a live interview. The full extent of what happened that morning, August 26, to the news crew from WDBJ in Roanoke, Va., was in that moment unknown. All that mattered to Burdick, the senior vice president of broadcasting for Schurz Communications, was getting to Roanoke and assembling a team of others within the company to help their brethren. It was only later than Burdick would find out that morning reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward had been killed and that the suspect, Vester Lee Flanagan, was an estranged former WDBJ7 employee whom station managers had fired. After the shootings, Flanagan used social This is a favorite photo of Alison Parker and Adam Ward doing a feature story dur- media to spread images of his actions before ing prom season last spring. dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as police closed in on him. site’s articles and videos, and helped with port were showing their support with photos Immediately after taking the call from any other tasks the situation warranted. posted to Facebook and Twitter with the WDBJ7’s general manager, Jeff Marks, The experience was fulfilling, she said. hashtag, #WeStandWithWDBJ. Burdick, who was in Missouri, began head‑ “When I was sitting at my desk and we “None of us knew about it,” Burdick said. ing for the St. Louis airport. Burdick then heard the news, it was heartbreaking. It was “When it hit, there were tons of tears. began making calls to others in the company difficult because I wanted to help in some Instead of tears of grief, it was all about how to assemble a team to head to Roanoke and way, but didn’t know how,” Rowland said. touching that was.” offer any support they could to the WDBJ “Being able to actually be there and lend a Burdick, who planned to work the over‑ staff. hand helped me just as much, if not more, night shift, began printing off the images and “I was conflicted at first about going. I’m than it helped them. I feel like I was able to putting them on a wall in the WDBJ news‑ a lot of people’s boss,” Burdick said. “I was grow as a journalist and a person through the room. By the time the morning crew arrived worried people would think I was scrutiniz‑ experience.” for their first shift since the tragedy, the wall ing them. Hopefully, no one did.” In addition to the people from Kansas, oth‑ was covered in signs of support. As Burdick traveled, Joan Barrett, general ers soon arrived from Missouri and Indiana “It really became a physical manifestation manager at KWCH in Wichita, Kan., began to help as well. of the arms of the industry around WDBJ,” putting together a team of people to be The day became more difficult as details Burdick said. “There was a tremendous among the first to help in Virginia. Two of the shootings emerged, and as video amount of support, not only from within members of Barrett’s staff were among those filmed the shooter began to spread via social Schurz but within the industry.” to head out. media. The WDBJ7 news team was inter‑ Marks said a retired anchorman from the “My role was to do pretty much whatever viewing Vicki Gardner, executive director of station, Keith Humphry, returned to anchor they needed,” said Pilar Pedraza, education the local chamber of commerce, near Smith on Tuesday. and statehouse reporter at KWCH. “When Mountain Lake in Moneta when all three And Andrew Freidan, a former meteorolo‑ we were sent out, we didn’t really know were attacked. Parker and Ward died at the gist who now works for a station in what was going on or what they’d need. It scene and Gardner survived. Richmond, came back to cover the weather. was just, ‘We need to get there to help.’ “ After a manhunt that lasted about five “You know when someone is hurting and The help sometimes was as simple as pro‑ hours, Flanagan shot himself during a car you want to help them in some way? Most viding an ear to listen. chase with police officers and died at a hos‑ of the time we come up short. But in this “Emotionally, it’s overwhelming,” she pital. case, I was able to actually do something for said. “I knew while I was there I had to be That afternoon, after Burdick arrived in my friends at WDBJ7” Freidan wrote in a strong for them.” Roanoke, she was at the station as a news Facebook post. “They are beautiful people Hali Rowland, assignment desk editor at team came off the set. Then, together they suffering a great loss and my boss at NBC12 KWCH, was involved in helping with watched the CBS Evening News and only didn’t bat an eye when I asked him if I could WDBJ’s website. She answered messages then learned that newsrooms across the go to Roanoke for a couple of days.” on social media pages, maintained the web‑ country who couldn’t provide physical sup‑

6 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator #WeStandWithWDBJ Schurz Communications properties expressed tos. With the hashtag #WeStandWithWDBJ, sympathy and solidarity with their Roanoke col‑ they were then posted on Facebook and Twitter. legues by gathering staff together for group pho‑ Some of the photos are seen on this page.

American News Aberdeen, SD

KWCH 12 Wichita, KS

KY3 Inc. Springfield, MO

Daily American Somerset, PA

Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 7 VP of Human Resources and Corporate Development Scott Schurz Jr. promoted to new SCI post Scott Schurz Jr. has been promoted to the Interior Journal of Stanford and The position of Vice President of Human Jessamine Journal of Nicholasville and The Resources and Corporate Development, Winchester Sun. effective July 1. He began his employment with Schurz Scott will retain some of his duties under Communications, Inc. in 1993 as a sports his former position as VP of Corporate writer for The Herald-Times in Development and add some others previous‑ SCOTT Bloomington, Indiana. In June 1994, Schurz ly done by the late Marty Switalski. Some SCHURZ JR. became an advertising executive at the of the responsibilities are being reorganized New SCI VP Associated Desert Shoppers in Palm Desert, at this time and Scott’s prior position is not Calif. being filled. Upon his return to South Bend, Indiana, in There have been a number of discussions February 1995, Schurz held various sales, at the board and corporate level regarding circulation and management positions for the goals and objectives for our company’s President and CEO Todd Schurz. “I believe SCI, the South Bend Tribune, WSBT-TV, human resources efforts. In addition to our human resources efforts will greatly WSBT-AM and WNSN-FM. ensuring regulatory compliance, providing benefit from his different experiences and He assumed the role of general manager consistently high ­quality services to employ‑ perspectives. He will be reaching out in the for special publications at the Tribune in ees and adding value-added services (data next few months to solicit feedback and get February 2003. Two years later, in January analysis, recruiting assistance), agreement input. SCI management are our customers, 2005, Schurz became assistant publisher at was also reached that two additional goals and we need to make certain that we are The Advocate-Messenger. will be pursued. meeting their needs for today and preparing He is a past president of the Kentucky The first revolves around acculturation: for the future.” Press Association and a former director of What makes our company uniquely us? “I also want to take this opportunity,” the Southern Newspaper Publishers How do we communicate and act according Todd Schurz added, “to commend Melissa Association board and the Inland Press to our core values? How should employees Lock and Sean Miller. Their talent, commit‑ Foundation Family Owners Committee. He assess their organization fit with us? ment and hard work have kept us moving has also served as a director and in other The second goal centers on how human forward during this time of transition.” capacities for numerous not-for-profit orga‑ resources can act as a true strategic partner Scott Schurz Jr. has served as SCI’s Vice nizations. Schurz serves on the board of and add value to the entire organization. President of Corporate Development since directors of the Kentucky Press Association. Human resources needs to make efforts to July, 2014. Prior to that, he was the editor Schurz was born in Bloomington, Ind., on help develop opportunities and solve prob‑ and publisher of The Advocate-Messenger January 1, 1969. He holds both a bachelor of lems for today and for the future. since June 2006. He assumed responsibility arts (1991) and a master of business “Over the years, Scott has served as an for all Schurz properties in central Kentucky Administration (2004) from the University intern, employee, supervisor, department on January 1, 2007. In addition to The of Notre Dame. Schurz and his wife head, general manager, publisher, senior cor‑ Advocate-Messenger, Schurz companies in Stephanie have two children, Scott (Trey) Ill, porate staff, and board director,” commented Kentucky include two weekly papers, The 12, and Daniel, 11. Duties, responsibilities for new position The vice president of human resources and corporate develop‑ in, communicate with, and retain top talent in the communities we ment is responsible for providing strategic HR leadership through‑ serve.” The desired long-term outcomes of this strategy are: out the corporation through the development of human resource --More productive, informed and satisfied employees policies and practices which reflect the corporation’s values and --SCI businesses will be the employer of choice in our communi‑ support its business strategies. ties The vice president’s other value- added roles include corporate- --SCI will have a diverse and multi-skilled workforce that reflects wide consulting, HR policy and practices quality assurance, and the our communities development of first-class HR functions for all subsidiary loca‑ --Identification and training of the next generation of department tions. and operating heads The vice president helps the company be a great place to work The measures of success of this initiative are: today and helps prepare the organization and staff for the opportu‑ --Attain and/or maintain above average employee satisfaction nities and challenges of the future. This position reports directly to measures the president and CEO of SCI. --Increase in average tenure and decreased turnover in designated The company’s values statement includes the following: “We employee classifications believe that talented and dedicated employees have made the com‑ --There will be at least one qualified candidate within SCI for all pany successful in the past and are the hope of the future. We are senior positions committed to providing an environment that gives our employees --Increased digital literacy and skill sets across the company the opportunity to achieve their potential.” One of the company’s key strategic priorities is to “attract, invest

8 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator Franklin Schurz earns honorary degree at IU FROM INDIANA UNIVERSITY Franklin D. Schurz, Jr., chairman emeritus of Schurz Communications Inc., was pre‑ sented with an honorary degree of humane letters during the May commencement cere‑ mony at Indiana University South Bend. 1,054 students received degrees in the May 12 event at the University of Notre Dame’s Joyce Center. Indiana University President Michael McRobbie was principal speaker and conferred the degrees. The impact that Franklin Schurz Jr. has had on the lives of scores of Indiana University South Bend students will be felt for generations to come. Thanks to his generosity, 145 recipients of Indiana University President Michael McRobbie, right, presents Franklin D. Opportunity Scholarships have been able to Schurz, Jr., left, chairman emeritus of Schurz Communication Inc., with an honor- pursue their educations and careers, backed ary doctorate of human letters degree. by a fund that Schurz established in 2003. Hoosiers,” says John McIntosh, former icated to helping others, including the The endowment, which will exist in perpetu‑ associate vice chancellor for academic Indiana Arts Council, the Indiana ity, provides multiple annual scholarships to affairs at IU South Bend. “He is a role Endowment for Education Excellence, the students from minority backgrounds. model for selfless service and giving.” South Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Every spring, Schurz travels to Indiana Schurz’s leadership in fund raising cam‑ Board of Visitors of the School of Public from his home in Montana to meet with the paigns and capital projects at IU South Bend and Environmental Affairs, the Board of current group of Opportunity Scholars, “to and throughout the university has persisted Regents of St. Mary’s College, the Culver provide a personal connection that encourag‑ for three decades. “He has advanced public Education Foundation, and the Advisory es students to persist to graduation,” says support of IU South Bend during critical Council of the College of Arts and Letters at Gwendolyn Mettetal, IU South Bend profes‑ periods of growth and expansion,” says IU the University of Notre Dame, to name but a sor of education and of psychology and South Bend Advisory Board member Arthur few from a very long list. director of the University Center for Decio. “Frank has proved to be a tireless His honors and awards include the Excellence in Teaching. worker for the IU South Bend campus.” Cornerstone Award, the Chancellor’s Medal, “By his personal actions and efforts, which IU South Bend Chancellor Terry Allison the Presidential Award of Merit from the reflect his sincere belief in the power of edu‑ notes that Schurz has been a strong and sta‑ National Newspaper Association, and the cation in the lives ‘of individuals and their ble force to whom others have turned Frank Rogers Award for Community Service communities, Schurz has demonstrated his throughout his life. He has provided guid‑ from the South Bend Rotary Club. passion for education in the lives of ance to numerous organizations that are ded‑ The Careline is ‘one voice’ for SCI employees By SHANNON GALLOWAY call and choose the Option 4: this will take you into our “work HR Business Partner number” which is the automated system to verify employment or to WSBT, Mishawaka, IN obtain proof of income. “What is the Careline and why do you always Option 2 of the Careline is the EAP (Employment Assistance tell us to call it?” So glad you asked. Program). This feature is there for employees who might be strug‑ 877-919-9355 gling with something in their personal lives, EAP will set you up The Careline has been a part of the HR struc‑ with counseling sessions. ture since 2010. In order to be consistent and Option 5 is payroll; If you have questions about your paycheck, for compliance reasons, Schurz this is the one for you. Communications Inc. determined it needed Option 6 is Shared Services (Beth Campbell, Jaime Hurt and “one voice” for all properties. Susan Miller). These three are there to answer questions on direct That one voice is Kim Hamm. Kim is an deposit, change of address, W2 changes, etc. Keep in mind they insurance specialist and she stays on top of will most likely direct you to your employee self service portal, as medical benefits. She is an expert with the plan you should always go there first to make any changes. Then if you HAMM and can answer questions or provide you with are unclear as to how to make those changes, they will guide you. where and whom you need to talk to. As employees, YOU are our customers and we want to make sure Not only is the Careline used for medical benefits, it is also the we are servicing you the best way we can. go-to number for many other features. For example, if you need to obtain proof of employment, you can

Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 9 On-air quake shakes KTUU’s news anchors By BRAD HILLWIG KTUU-TV, Anchorage, AK It takes steady nerves to anchor live television. In Alaska, the list of potential interruptions includes those of the seismic variety. Fortunately for Anchorage-based KTUU-TV, not even Mother Nature can rattle Channel 2 News veterans Maria Downey and Mike Ross. According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, a magnitude 6.3 earth‑ quake struck south central Alaska on Tuesday July 28th at 6:35pm. The intense shaker, which experts say was the strongest of its kind in more than 25 years, was felt throughout the region. In KTUU’s news studio, Downey and Ross were awaiting the end of a commercial break during the Channel 2 NewsHour when they began to feel the quake. A savvy crew member started recording video, capturing the lights on the studio grid swaying as the anchors discussed the lengthy tembler. Seconds later, Downey and Ross were live on the air. “Alright, so if you live here in the Anchorage area you probably felt what we did going right into that last commercial break,” Ross began as the shak‑ ing continued. “In fact it’s still rolling here, our lights are swinging back and forth.” Downey chimed in as the two quickly began narrating the ongo‑ ing seismic event, swiftly providing valuable safety information for unsettled viewers. Immediately KTUU’s phone lines and social media sites were flooded with curious viewers, wanting to know the details of the quake. Behind the scenes, producers raced to find out the epicenter and magnitude of the earthquake. “If there is an aftershock, do take Channel 2 News veterans Maria Downey and Mike Ross. cover,” Downey added as she and Ross quickly ad-libbed and reminded viewers to “drop, cover and hold on” if the shaking inten‑ In 1964, the Pacific Plate generated a magnitude 9.2 earthquake sified. in south central Alaska, the second strongest on record in the world. It was a moment that demonstrated the best attributes of live tele‑ Experts from the Alaska Earthquake Center say this latest quake was vision, as the two seasoned anchors remained calm and captured the caused by the subduction of the Pacific plate in the Earth’s crust urgency, concern and unknown risk of the earthquake while viewers with an epicenter deeper than the point where the plate grinds wondered whether the shaking would dissipate or intensify. against an adjacent plate. “The faulting type of this earthquake is The shaking dissipated and no major damage or injuries were consistent with down-dip extension of the Pacific plate as it is being reported. Earthquakes are common across the vast and remote pulled into the mantle under its own weight,” officials wrote. “This regions of Alaska, particularly along the seismically active Pacific is the largest intermediate-depth earthquake in this region since plate running from southeast Alaska westward beyond the far reach‑ February 7, 1988’s (magnitude) 6.4 earthquake.” es of the Aleutian chain.

Tribune conducts tours for public More than 100 people attended the South Bend Tribune’s public tive assistant Cheryl Morey, facilities manager Bill Morey, packag‑ tour March 19. ing department manager Gisele Waite, membership development The tour included a visit to the packaging area, newsroom, press manager Craig Campbell, employment recruiting specialist Adam and the conference room, where they met with Market Basket col‑ Norris, community relations manager Melodie Wise, executive umnist Heidi Prescott and Outdoor Adventures columnist Joe Dits. assistant Jen Gunderson, human resources assistant Leslie Divided into four groups, each section seemed to have plenty of Winey, human resources manager Shannon Galloway and reporter questions for their hosts that kept the tour fairly lively. Jim Meenan. The tour spent about 10 to 15 minutes in each area. The idea sprang from an employee advisory board meeting to get “The tour was FANTASTIC!” wrote Phil Rhoade. “Thanks to the community more involved with The Tribune, Galloway said. you and your fellow Tribuners for setting it up. Most worthwhile.” The first such organized tour sent so well, Galloway plans to The tours were divided into four groups to make them more man‑ have another this summer when more students will be able to ageable. attend. Participating from The Tribune besides Prescott and Dits were “The staff really did a great job,” Galloway said. “And the visi‑ press manager Tony Graves, press operator Don Carlberg, execu‑ tors really seemed to enjoy it.”

10 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator Alaskans turn to KTUU for Obama’s visit By BRAD HILLWIG KTUU-TV Anchorage, AK The moment President Barack Obama’s visit to Alaska was announced, the race to capture history was on. For KTUU’s Channel 2 News team, that meant fanning out across the state to track every step of the president’s sweeping visit to the Last Frontier with com‑ prehensive live reports in every newscast, 24/7 online coverage and numerous live cut-ins. As details of the three-day trip emerged, the president’s mission became clear. In a video released by the White House in mid- August, President Obama stated that Alaska, “is on the frontlines of one of the greatest challenges we face this century: climate change.” While in Alaska, the President planned to speak to world leaders at the US State Department-sponsored GLACIER conference in Anchorage, addressing the issue of climate change. He would then venture out across Alaska, visiting a receding glacier in Seward and the coastal village of Dillingham before becoming the first sitting President to touch down above the Arctic Circle. A day before his arrival in Alaska, the Obama administration announced that Mt. McKinley—North America’s tallest mountain, One of President Obama’s many stops on his Alaska visit perched in the heart of Alaska’s interior—would officially be in September was to Dillingham, the salmon capital, where renamed Denali, the traditional name meaning “great one” in the he had a close encounter with a salmon, recently harvested Alaska native Athabaskan language. The move set a historic tone for by a local woman. the President’s visit, drawing the eyes of the world to north to Alaska. For journalists at Channel 2 News, the visit was an opportu‑ during Channel 2 newscasts allowed viewers to feel connected to the nity to capture an unprecedented event in Alaska history, one that president as he made his way around Alaska. The access to the presi‑ would unfold over the next three days. dent and the tone of day two felt personal, as a dressed-down Obama simply enjoyed Alaska’s natural wonders—and Channel 2 was fast Day One establishing itself as the station of record for this historic visit. Channel 2 News crews were staged at each scheduled stop of the Day Three president’s visit, delivering live reports for all newscasts, and a dedi‑ cated web team prepared to track his every move around the clock Obama’s final day in Alaska would be his most far-reaching. on KTUU.com and on social media using the hash tag #POTUSAK. Channel 2 News anchor Maria Downey went live on air as the presi‑ In the afternoon, KTUU interrupted daytime programming for live dent boarded Air Force One in the morning for the Bristol Bay com‑ coverage of Air Force One touching down in Anchorage. Hours later, munity of Dillingham. Reporter Caslon Hatch previewed Obama’s the president’s speech at the GLACIER conference was carried live stopover in Dillingham—a commercial salmon fishing hub—as resi‑ on air. In an emphatic speech, Obama told world leaders “we know dents awaited the president. While in Dillingham, Obama visited that human activity is changing the climate… We are not moving with fishermen to discuss the impacts of climate change and the fast enough.” During coverage of the president’s activities on day importance of protecting Bristol Bay’s salmon-rich waters. Obama one, Channel 2 News anchors and reporters provided immediate took part in some Alaska native dancing and also had a close context and analysis as each events unfolded. Live reports from key encounter with a salmon, recently harvested by a local woman. locations in Anchorage and from Obama’s next scheduled stops con‑ Obama then flew north to the village of Kotzebue, marking the first tributed to a day of unparalleled and comprehensive coverage. time a sitting president has travelled north of the Arctic Circle. Channel 2’s Rebecca Palsha anchored the coverage from Kotzebue Day Two as President Obama made his way to a scheduled speech. Back in Day two of Obama’s visit began with an impromptu stop at Snow the Anchorage studios, Channel 2 anchors Mike Ross and Maria City Café in downtown Anchorage, where the commander-in-chief Downey provided context for this historical visit and as the Channel bought pastries and visited with locals. KTUU’s Web team made 2 NewsHour approached, Obama’s speech went live. During his sure that Obama’s movements were well-documented on KTUU. speech Obama announced a host of federal grants and initiatives for com and social media. Photos and short clips quickly emerged from Alaska, including funds to improve infrastructure and water systems the President’s visit to the café, driving buzz over his presence in in some rural communities, as well as funds to protect villages from Alaska throughout the morning hours. President Obama then took a the affects of erosion that the president attributes to climate change. short flight south to Seward for a hike to Exit glacier, where he noted It was a well-received speech, in which Obama highlighted Alaska’s sign posts charting the glacier’s retreat over the years. “It is spectacu‑ pioneering spirit and sense of community, noting that, “this far north, lar though… We want to make sure our grandkids can see this,” he everybody has to look out for each other.” Coverage of the presi‑ commented to the press corp. The president continued his hike and dent’s visit wrapped up on the Channel 2 Late Edition as Obama reportedly spent several hours shooting an episode of NBC’s returned to Anchorage, boarded Air Force One and departed for Running Wild with Bear Grylls, before taking a boat tour in Washington D.C. live on air. Channel 2 Anchor Mike Ross and Seward’s Resurrection Bay. Throughout the day, Obama’s move‑ Reporter Dan Carpenter narrated the president’s final moments on ments were tracked by KTUU’s Web team online, ensuring a steady the ground in Alaska, providing context and a sense of historical flow of content to Alaskans anxious to follow along. On air, live scale as his visit drew to a close. updates during daytime programming and live reports from Seward

Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 11 Advocate-Messenger is 150 years old By CHANDLER GARDEN Danville Advocate-Messenger The same year the 13th amendment was ratified, Lincoln was assassinated, Mendeleev made the first periodic table, and Charles Dickens published Great Expectations, The Kentucky Advocate was born. The Kentucky Advocate was established on June 24, 1865. It merged with The Danville Messenger in 1940. The new consolida‑ tion took the name The Advocate-Messenger and published Monday through Friday. The Kentucky Advocate became a Saturday after‑ noon paper before changing in 1950 to a Sunday publication. In recent years, the Sunday product also became The Advocate- Messenger. On Wednesday evening, June 24, the staff of what eventually became The Advocate-Messenger invited the community to a cele‑ bration of 150 years printing the news in Danville, Boyle County and the region. The 150th anniversary celebration included a dose of history to offer perspective on just how long 150 years really is, and what else was happening as the founders were establishing the original news‑ At The Danville, KY Advocate-Messenger’s 150th birthday paper at the end of the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln was on celebration, reporter Pam Wright, left, poses in front of a hand in the person of Jim Sayre, a Chautauqua speaker from replica of a front page backdrop with some of her family. Lawrenceburg, who greeted guests at the event. Music was provided by The Advocate Brass Band. shaved ice to cool things down; and, of course, a very large birthday Besides its history, the newspaper staff celebrated a renewed com‑ cake. mitment to continue to inform its friends and neighbors and custom‑ Fun activities were art projects, a newspaper front porch toss event ers, and to remain a vital part of the community. The celebration and a “photo op” for guests to appear on the front page of the paper. event included a free meal for all, with ribeye sandwiches and sides; (Continued on next page 13) Print edition is still the core product By JOHN NELSON “disruptive innovation” in the media indus‑ Executive Editor try has occurred during my career, which Danville Advocate Messenger began in 1973. The biggest impact came In case you haven’t heard, June 24 was with the introduction of computers and color our birthday. 150 years, a milestone no other and desktop publishing. Then came the for-profit business in this town can claim Internet. One technology that arrived during and one that few other newspapers in this my years already is obsolete, something state have achieved. called audiotext. Call a number, punch a That said, I think most of you know it’s number and get your horoscope, your home‑ not your great grandfather’s newspaper any‑ work assignment or just listen to a joke. more, not even your grandfather’s. Just In the early 90s, I remember saying that browse through the special 40-page tabloid email was just a pebble on the shoulder of insert. It looks all the way back to the begin‑ the on-ramp to the information superhigh‑ ning of newspapers in Kentucky, especially way. If ever I was right about anything, it in Danville, and you’ll learn that early news‑ was that. papers were very politically driven, for From there, we went to Web sites, blogs, example. Some might say today’s newspa‑ social media sites and information available pers sometimes resemble that remark — John Nelson, The Advocate- on mobile phones through apps. Today our cable news unquestionably does — but back Messenger executive editor, celebrated reporters need more than just a notebook and then there was no debating it. It was no his birthday June 24, the same day the a pencil and a laptop. They need to know secret, nor was it seen as improper. newspaper celebrated its 150th birth- how to multitask. They face more than a sin‑ day, by wearing a special “birthday You’ll also see the differences in technology. gle daily deadline, more than an editor who The move from cold type to offset presses cake” hat, made by circulation district manager, Brenda Townes. needs a story for the paper. They must be was not just part of the history of printing, it photographers and videographers. They must was part of the history of The Advocate- be able to write not just for the paper but for Messenger. The moves from typewriters to occurred within the past 50 years, most of them in the last 30, 18 of which I have spent the website. They have to be adept at computers, from darkrooms and film to digi‑ Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, sending text tal cameras and jpgs, from black and white here at The Advocate. That means most of what economists call alerts. They have to be mobile journalists. to color, from snail mail to email, all (Continued on next page 13) 12 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator Community involved in 150th birthday party (Continued from page 12) “Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Advocate- Messenger celebrates 150 years!” a little girl Door prizes and drawings were also held dressed as a classic paper boy shouted, hold‑ every hour. ing a rolled up copy of the paper’s special The office space was turned into a minia‑ history edition printed for the event. ture museum, featuring large tri-fold posters Also, two real paper boys from the of old news articles in black and white and a Advocate-Messenger’s past also came to display of items from 1865, the year of the enjoy the party. paper’s founding. Perryville Battlefield Park George White, now 92, was a carrier for had its own table inside with brochures, heir‑ The Advocate-Messenger for five years start‑ loom corn seeds to take home and plant in ing in 1938 when he was around 10 years your garden, and Civil War uniforms to try old. He covered what then was route one: on for pictures. “Second Street, Third Street and Lexington The Kentucky School for the Deaf also Avenue all the way out to Wilderness Road” was featured in the museum. From 1875 to recalled White. On his route he handled 2003, the school had its own newspaper, the Danville Mayor Mike Perros, left, talks around 50 papers, throwing them onto Kentucky Standard, that it printed as voca‑ with Advocate-Messenger president, porches, rain or sun. “I would fold them into tional training for the students. publisher and editor, Larry Hensley dur- triangles so they’d fly like a Frisbee,” said Outside, the staff and community turned ing the newspaper’s 150th anniversary White. the parking lot into a huge outdoor picnic. A picnic in Danville Former Advocate-Messenger reporter white tent took up most of the lot to shade Annabel Girard was there as well. She cov‑ the guests as they ate free meals. The canvas of a birthday cake for guests to paint ered local government in the city and county, Advocate-Messenger staff also served hot‑ and coloring sheets for kids. A snow cone among other things, for 27 years. “At one dogs and birthday cake to their guests. machine was set up at the end of the food point we got so modern, we had a portable Danville’s community art’s center set up a line with flavors from grape to tiger’s blood. phone. It was huge and we carried it in a box that was about the size of a shoebox,” ‘Disruptive innovation’ recalled Girard. “Once there was a fire in Lincoln county. They sent me out, and I got hits newspaper industry to take the portable phone with me. It was such a big deal then. But I only got to the (Continued from page 12) to believe it still could be, at least in small CVS before it rang and they told me to come markets like ours, when those who take us on back because the fire department had We reach more people now than ever forward are celebrating this newspaper’s already put it out.” before because of those things, even while 175th anniversary. Girard’s favorite part of her many years for the number of print readers has been in One more thing. As you look back, note the paper was getting the news out there. “I decline across the industry, especially in the content. Despite the multiple platforms, swear when I retired my blood pressure large markets. the variety of technology used, we still dropped 20 points. There was always some‑ But — as my three-year-old granddaughter report on the same things they did in the thing to be excited about.” As the local gov‑ would say — “Guess what?” 1800s — births, deaths, marriages, elections, ernment reporter, Girard loved reporting for The print edition of the newspaper still is crime, community issues and local govern‑ those who couldn’t attend the community our core product. It still provides the largest ment, just to name few. meetings themselves. percentage of the revenue needed to bring So, today we celebrate not just our past but you the news every day. That may not our future, here in Danville. always be the case, but there is every reason Advocate still active in Brass Band Festival By BOBBO CARD tion about the festival, bands and events that girl) yelling out, “Extra, extra, read all about Danville Advocate Messenger The Advocate published. it!” The 26th Great American Brass Band That evening, during the Great American Executive director Niki Kinkade usually Festival was held June 4-7 in Danville. And, Picnic, The Advocate-Messenger’s decorat‑ cries herself to sleep the weekend of the being a major sponsor of the event, The ed table won The Improv Award. A judge’s Great American Brass Band Festival. Before Danville Advocate-Messenger staff, partici‑ comment was, “In keeping with the impro‑ judging her, there’s a few things to take into pated in a big way. visational spirit of jazz, this table exhibits an consideration — just a few. The GABBF Market tent (where all souve‑ innovative concept or exceptional creativi‑ There’s the bands, the people who assist nirs like T-shirts, posters, CDs and pins for ty.” As a nod to The Advocate’s upcoming the bands, all the instruments, equipment the festival were sold) was staffed on 150th anniversary celebration, the table was needed to haul certain instruments, people Saturday entirely by Advocate-Messenger decorated with a black tablecloth covered in needed to help haul certain equipment used employees from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An local headlines from the past 150 years, old to haul certain instruments. There are the Advocate-Messenger table was also staffed dial telephones, and an antique camera and food, the alcohol, the merchandise tent, the throughout the day by employees who typewriter. The centerpiece was a real, live, symposium, the picnic. There’s a lot. handed out ink pens and the free special sec‑ old-fashioned paperboy (who was really a Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 13 Community Involvement Hoosier Times Job Fair attracts 250 The Hoosier Times had its first job fair in many years at the Liberty Ballroom in the former Gray Brothers Cafeteria on Bloomington’s west side. Author Solutions was the job fair sponsor. Tables were reserved for 20 vendors, Hoosier Times advertising director Laurie Ragle said. Although potential employees weren’t asked to register (we will next time), it’s been estimated that more than 250 visitors attended. WorkOne assisted at the table at the entrance and handed out infor‑ mation on how to effectively interview at a job fair. Participating vendors were: Author Solutions, Troyer Foods, Royal South Auto Dealers, Oliver Winery, Bell Trace, French Lick Resort, MCCSC, Bloom, Stone Belt, Bloomington Transit, Cook Medical, Cook Pharmica, National Salvage, Express, Personnel, Employment Plus, Bedford Ford, Vendors at the Hoosier Times Job Fair held in Indiana Pro-Clean, Meadowood, LifeDesigns and WorkOne. Bloomington included WorkOne and attracted more than 250 Vendor comments included: visitors. --“Best job recruitment I have done.” --“Nice venue, very well spaced and organized.” KOTA-TV reporter involved --“Traffic flow was fantastic.” in Special Olympics torch run --“I would very much like to participate next year.” --“This was one of the best job fairs as far as turnout of people that Rapid City KOTA-TV Reporter Nicole Tschetter represented I have ever been to.” Rushmore Media Company when the Special Olympics Torch Run made its way through Rapid City. Escorted by a member of the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Mount Rushmore Mascots, Tschetter was thrilled to report on the event, participate in the event and pass the torch to a South Dakota Special Olympian. Park to park WSBT-TV sponsors ‘Bike the Bend’ ride WSBT-TV was once again the media Kroc Center to kick off the morning and sponsor for the annual Bike the Bend bicy‑ rest stops with water, snacks and restrooms cle ride throughout South Bend and every few miles along the route. Mishawaka neighborhoods. Bike the Bend is fun for riders and vol‑ The ride took place on Sunday, June 14 unteers alike. Non-riders could still be a from 6:30am – 11:30am and ran from St. part of the action by being a Point-the-Way Patrick’s County Park in South Bend to volunteer on Sunday morning and meet up Central Park in Mishawaka. with their rider family or friends at the pan‑ Registered riders could join in as early or cake breakfast. late as they wish and could start anywhere Participating in the ride also counted along the 30 plus mile bike route. toward Schurz Wellness credits for 2015. The leisurely morning ride caterd to fami‑ lies and kids – it was not a bike race. There was a pancake breakfast at the

14 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator Daily American connects with the community By RICK KAZMER Daily American City Editor At the beginning of the year most Somerset, PA Daily American readers proba‑ bly didn’t consider the newspaper as a source of entertainment outside of what they found in our traditional products. The events committee, which includes General Manager Becky Flyte, Advertising Director Tom Koppenhofer, Digital Director Genna Smith, Business Manager Barb Gnagey, Advertising Executive Matt Hoke and City Editor Rick Kazmer, began 2015 seeking to change that mindset. The group has been working to plan events that have cultural sig‑ nificance, are entertain‑ ing and that foster com‑ This is a photo from the screening of the movie “Bigfoot The Movie” June 27 in munity involvement. the warehouse of the Somerset, PA Daily American. Community yard sales and various ven‑ dor shows have been High school seniors are and continue to be prof‑ FLYTE itable ways to draw honored by KWCH 12 interest to 334 West Main Street. This year we have also planned and imple‑ By ERIKA MALEY Class students will air throughout the sum‑ mented a video game tournament, a screen‑ Marketing & Community Relations mer on KWCH 12, KSCW (channel 33/ ing of a locally-made movie and will be KWCH 12 Wichita, KS cable 5) and Always On 12.2. Students’ hosting celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn in KWCH 12 hosted its annual Top of the biographies and pictures are also featured September. Class appreciation breakfast in May. online at kwch.com. The Daily American is the community’s The event honors the top graduating Eyewitness News anchors Roger Cornish newspaper. These events tap into deeper ele‑ seniors at high schools across central and Melissa Scheffler hosted the event. ments of the community’s culture. Our Kansas, recognized for their academic Eyewitness News This Morning anchor Jenn events provide the venue to develop a closer achievements as well as extra-curricular Bates also gave a motivational speech. activities. relationship through personal interest. High school counselors were asked to pick The screening of “Bigfoot The Movie” a student to represent each of there school. Hoosier Times puts featured Pittsburgh-area actors. It was filmed In addition to looking at the student’s G.P.A., on child camp expo in a community not far from Somerset. The they were also asked to take into account Sasquatch spoof tapped into a special inter‑ awards, honor classes, clubs and sport The inaugural Hoosier Times Camps Expo est and drew around 100 people, who stayed involvement. drew representatives of 15 camps and other after the show to participate in a Q&A with The KWCH 12 Top of the Class ceremo‑ child-related businesses to Sherwood Oaks actors and the director. The visitors bought ny took place at Aboude Venue. It began Christian Church on Saturday, March 7. food, shirts and copies of the movie. with a breakfast and wrapped up with a The goal of the event was to educate The committee is contemplating how to commercial taping of each graduating senior. attending families about the summer camps improve community movie screenings and The commercials featuring the Top of the and other youth programs available to local we plan to hold more in the future. youths. The video game tournament and chef One of the camps had a table set up where event are more examples of ways we are try‑ kids could paint and take home a master‑ ing to involve community members outside piece. Another had sand that could be mold‑ of our normal products. ed into various shapes. We are utilizing our former print room and The most popular station was run by warehouse space for many of the events, WildCare. The animal rescue operation giving new purpose to an asset that would brought live animals for the kids to touch otherwise be underused. and experience. On display were a giant rab‑ As the industry continues to evolve one bit, a python snake, a small hawk and an important word remains crucial to develop‑ owl. ment: Relevance. Events are offering the The goal is to have the camps expo again Daily American another avenue to remain an next year and boost the number of camps important and relevant keystone of the Jenn Bates Somerset County community. KWCH 12 morning anchor and families that participate, Hoosier Times advertising director Laurie Ragle said. Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 15 Miss Kansas 2014 joins Sunflower Broadcasting KWCH 12 in Wichita, Kansas has had a Among the judges this year was long history with the Miss Kansas pageant Sunflower Broadcasting president and gener‑ that continues to get stronger. al manager Joan Barrett. It was her first time Amanda Sasek recently joined the KWCH to attend the pageant. team – she just finished her reign as Miss “It was a great experience. I learned a lot Kansas 2014 (and got married) before she about the Miss Kansas program and Miss started in early July. Amanda takes over the America organization. The women were traffic reporting duties for Eyewitness News smart, talented and beautiful – and they all This Morning. walked away with scholarship money to Amanda was joined at this year’s pageant fund their education,” said Barrett. “I also by master of ceremonies Michael had no idea that at the state level – the orga‑ Schwanke. This is Michael’s third year as nizations are all 100% volunteer run.” emcee for the three-day event held in Pratt, Barrett followed Creative Service Director Kansas. This year, Michael’s two daughters, Dominic Gauna who served as a judge in Jayda, 7, and Jorja, 9, also participated in 2011. Schwanke follows KWCH 12 anchor Sunflower Broadcasting, Inc the Sunflower Princess program. Roger Cornish who served as emcee and President Joan Barrett, with Miss “It’s been such a wonderful opportunity television host for 20 years. KWCH tele‑ Kansas 2014 Amanda Sasek, who and has changed my perception of pageants. vised the pageant from 1987 to 1991. joined the KWCH news team this sum- The women are incredibly talented, work mer. hard, and give endless volunteer hours to their local communities. It’s also a great Herald-Mail’s Koelble wins way to connect with our viewers from across the state,” said Schwanke. PGA Sportsmedia award By BOB PARASILITI continues to fight this Lia Green The Herald-Mail battle. Most of the time, Hagerstown, MD it was in solitude … honored The noblest battles ever fought are very until now. lonely. Koelble was honored Rapid City, SD’s Rushmore Media Those battles are usually contested by a as the recipient of the General Manager Lia Green was honored by single person, someone who believes in the 2015 Earle Hellen the Girls Scouts-Dakota Horizons, as one cause and fights to keep it alive. Sportsmedia Award by of Rapid City’s “Women Of Distinction.” My colleague, Tim Koelble, has been rec‑ the Middle Atlantic Women representing several charities, ognized as one of those guys. Professional Golf businesses, and branches of military were For years, some would say Koelble has KOELBLE Association (MAPGA) honored for the impact they have in making been tilting at windmills. He spent time before a crowd of 250 at the organization’s the world a better place. Awards were also fighting a fight — the preservation of local membership meeting in Fredericksburg, Va. given to current Girl golf — in a world where it’s becoming for‑ He played the honor’s proverbial back Scouts for outstanding gotten. nine on Saturday at the MAPGA’s Hall of leadership and service Koelble, as many know, is a rabid golf fan Fame and awards banquet, a black-tie in our community. and takes great pride in covering the local optional affair in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Dakota Horizons scene for The Herald-Mail. Unfortunately, earning recognition before other outstanding Southwest District like everything else, the popularity of this members and organizational heads of the Director Kat Converse endeavor has been reduced to almost niche PGA. says the women and status. “Tim is one of the only newspaper writers girls who received Koelble is golf media’s version of a hole- to win the award,” said Jon Guhl, MAPGA’s awards are the cream of in-one — both are pretty rare. executive director. “Most of our winners GREEN the crop. Presenting They are becoming rarer in current times have been Golf Magazine guys. We recog‑ Lia’s award is as younger generations seem to be shying nize Tim because he does a great job cover‑ Rushmore Media KOTA-TV News Anchor, away from what’s considered a slow-paced, ing local golf while covering other things.” and former “Women Of Distinction” win‑ time-consuming activity. ner, Helene Duhamel. Koelble remains one of the purists who 16 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator WASK’s Green wins Lafayette city golf title FROM THE LAFAYETTE JOURNAL The Men’s City Championship, though, COURIER hardly came easy and had some dramatic With all the drama match play golf can twist and turns over the 20 holes that could provide, Brian Green won his first Men’s have seen Zachman walk about with the tro‑ City Championship golf title at the Birck phy just the same. Boilermaker Golf Complex in the second “I’m numb,” Green said after watching playoff hole against stroke play medalist Zachman miss about a 10-foot putt on No. 2 Anthony Zachman. for par, ending the match. “I mean, there Green is president and general Manager of isn’t a tournament I would trade for this. It the WASK Radio Group. just means a lot to me. I know there’s a lot He joins fellow WASK Radio Group of guys (names) are on the trophy. It’s tradi‑ coworker Matt Toney in keeping the trophy tion.” at the radio station for another year. After trailing by as many as two holes on “Now I have to look at it all year long,” the front nine, Green got hot on the back Toney joked after returning to the Kampen nine, winning holes 10, 13 and 14 to take a Course to see Green win after Green beat one-hole lead. On top of that, he made about him in the semifinals on Saturday. “It’s prob‑ a 20-foot putt on No. 11 that prevented ably the reason he won this year because he Zachman from winning another hole. had to stare it all this past year after I won it.” Brian Green and wife Lori Tribune photo wins national award By JOSEPH DITS South Bend Tribune First, the awkward, back-slapping news: I shot the photo that won first place in the “flora” category in an annual contest by the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Now, an ode to the greater forces that won my attention on that September afternoon when I snapped the photo. Like bright red glitter, autumn’s earliest color had arrived as I biked Herald-Times photo by Chris Howell. into Spicer Lake Nature Preserve County Park in New Carlisle. My heart pumped. It cleared my head, focused my attention. I pointed Herald-Times hosts mayoral forum my iPhone at tender, showy leaves both high and low. From the The Herald-Times hosted a Bloomington mayoral forum in boardwalk, I noticed leaves floating on the wetland surface. April featuring the three candidates then running in the Click. It wasn’t until later that I noticed how the colors and shapes Democratic primary. The event was streamed live on played so well together -- how the leaves all pointed in the same HeraldTimesOnline.com and televised on a local community clockwise direction, how the sun’s glare keeps your focus in the mid‑ access TV channel. Herald-Times Editor Bob Zaltsberg, right, dle. Funny how that happens, eh? explains the forum rules. From left are Darryl Neher, John As I picked up the award June 27 at the OWAA conference in Linnemeier and John Hamilton. Linnemeier dropped out of Knoxville, Tenn., I talked about this -- part adrenaline, part luck -- the race April 23. with a fellow OWAA member. He recalled how he’d suddenly seen a heron take off from water. He dragged his camera through the air to KOTA reporter follow the bird and clicked. takes to air I’m still learning -- and was happy to pick up tips (plus two ounces of humility) from OWAA colleagues at the conference. KOTA-TV Rapid City Meteorologist and reporter KY3, KSPR have Day of Caring Yasser Kishk got to go for a Employees at KY3 and KSPR in Springfield, MO joined the ranks ride in a vintage B-17 Flying of more than 2,000 volunteers to make a difference during the United Fortress. The Commemorative Way of the Ozarks’ annual Day of Caring on August 20. Air Force out of Mesa, Arizona, takes the plane In the spirit of living united, KY3 Inc. partnered with Springfield across the USA and Canada television and radio broadcasters to paint a local Head Start. during the summer giving vet- Volunteers also canvassed a low-income neighborhood with the erans an opportunity to take American Red Cross to provide fire safety information and new flight. The B-17 made a stop in smoke alarms to residents. In all, 77 smoke alarms were installed at Rapid City. no cost.

Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 17 Promotions / New Employees American News Aberdeen, SD Two journalists began new positions in August in the newsroom at the Aberdeen American News. --Longtime American News staff member Scott Waltman was promoted to managing BISHOP WINEY editor. He will oversee the day-to-day oper‑ ations of the news staff and news products. Waltman was named assistant managing editor in 2014. A graduate of Roncalli High School and South Dakota State University, WALTMAN HOROS he began at the paper as a reporter in 2000. September. --Emily Horos is the new sports editor at “I’m thrilled to be part of the morning the American News. She will be in charge team at Sunny 101.5 with Jack and Abby. “I of the planning and execution of sports cov‑ couldn’t be happier to be part of the show erage in print and digital products. Horos is and the community,” he says. a graduate of Penn State University, where Steve spends his “free” time playing guitar SMITH SPROULS she earned a bachelor’s degree in journal‑ in his band, watching the White Sox lose, ism, with a photography concentration. and putting together baby furniture. Most recently, she was sports editor at the Steve replaced Bruce Kayser who retired Tribune/WSBT Cherokee Tribune in Canton, Ga. after 22 years on the Sunny morning show. Steve celebrated his 22nd day on the show in 25 Year Club June. adds 6 members KOTA-TV The 44th annual dinner and induction cer‑ Rapid City, SD emony for the South Bend Tribune/WSBT After almost exactly 30 years away, Mike 25 Year Club saw six Powers has returned to KOTA-TV in Rapid longtime employees City, SD. admitted to the club’s Powers is back with KOTA as executive ranks. producer and anchor for the 5:30 and 10:00 The club, started in newscasts, 1971 by Franklin In addition to his anchor duties, Mike is Schurz Sr. to honor responsible for the New WNSN Morning Team content and “look” of South Bend Tribune Steve Buda, Abby and Jack employees who’d the newscasts. Powers served a quarter cen‑ Sunny 101.5 was the KOTA-TV tury with the compa‑ sports director from Mishawaka, IN 1983 to 1985. Then he HELINE ny, was later altered to include WSBT TV Steve Buda is the newest member of the spent several years in and radio employees, as well. Sunny 101.5 (WNSN) morning show in New Mexico and Franklin Schurz Jr. introduced each of Mishawaka, IN. Montana before this year’s inductees. Steve has several years of experience returning to the Black --Pam Bishop, subscriber services opera‑ including working in Chicago and State Hills in the spring of tions manager at The Tribune College Pennsylvania. Steve and his wife 2015. --Tom Heline, IT network systems techni‑ Meg were expecting their first child in POWERS cian at The Tribune --Chris Perry, art director at WSBT Phillips gets community award --Charlene Smith, director of ad produc‑ tion services at SCI Rapid City, SD’s Rushmore Media Morning Radio Host Kevin Phillips, of 93.9 The --Kirby Sprouls, local news editor at The Mix, received the 2015 Rapid City Cosmopolitan Club “Community Service Tribune Award.” The Community Service Award is to recognize a community member, group --Leslie Winey, recruitment coordinator/ or organization that supports the mission of the Cosmopolitan Club. publishing at SCI Phillips was also named Co-Chair of the United Way Of The Black Hills Campaign Smith and Winey were inducted because for the second time. This year, the United Way Of The Black Hills celebrates its 70th the bulk of their careers were at The year and has named three former chair people to share the duties. Tribune before convergence of services Phillips is joined by Rapid City Chamber Of Commerce President, and CEO, Linda took them to corporate posts. Rabe and former South Dakota State Senator Royal “Mac” McCracken. This year’s United Way fundraising goal is two million dollars.

18 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator RetirementRetirement Bruce Kayser Sunny 101.5, Mishawaka There are several attributes that have made Bruce Kayser and his partners on the Sunny 101.5 morning show in Mishawaka, Indiana so successful. Among the attributes are witty, likeable, authentic and maybe more than a little off center. Radio is a very difficult, competitive busi‑ ness and it gets more competitive every year. Having a morning show that’s rated num‑ ber one for this long, doesn’t happen by accident. Bruce and his partners deserve all Bruce Kayser, retired at WSBT Radio John Papendick the credit for making this happen. Bruce Kayser wrapped up an outstanding accomplished. To say he will be missed in the state, Papendick made his way up to career – more than 28 years at WSBT Radio would certainly be an understatement to the Aberdeen, where he has spent the bulk of his –on April 23. fullest degree. career. Who better than his longtime radio partner, “I can only speak for myself, but I believe In his more than three decades in the news Jack Reichert, to have the last word about most would agree that knowing Bruce both business, Papendick has seen many changes. Bruce. professionally and personally has been a He witnessed the whole digital revolution, “I have had the pleasure of working with pleasurable experience.” winning an award for his Vertical SD project, Bruce since February of 1987.” Jack com‑ John Papendick where he and his wife biked from the North mented. ”There certainly isn’t enough time Dakota border down to the Nebraska border to share the experiences or memories that I Aberdeen American News and Tweeted about it the whole way down. will always remember and cherish. John Papendick celebrated his last day at Papendick isn’t REALLY leaving. He’s “It didn’t take me long to figure out that he the American News — at least as a full-time still going to be writing some columns would be the perfect addition to what I was employee —at the end of July with a giant beginning this fall, and we’ll still get to see trying to accomplish in my career. cake. him as he pops in the office now and then. “His talent along with his dedication to our After spending time at smaller newspapers profession is commendable. I personally Antietam Cable want to thank him for his efforts and sup‑ port. Without him the morning show could helps beat blues never have enjoyed the success it has Despite being rescheduled due to a late sea‑ son storm that dropped nearly a foot of snow on Washington County, MD, the 20th Annual Cabin Fever Blues Bash was a roar‑ ing success! Held at Hagerstown’s historic Maryland Theatre, over 700 people ventured out in the ice-and-snow aftermath of the storm to enjoy Homemade Jamz Blues Band. The crowd was on its feet, dancing singing and applaud‑ ing through most of the show. Antietam Cable Television was the top sponsor of the event. “This is one of the largest and most enthu‑ siastic crowds we’ve seen yet,” comments Cindy Garland, Antietam Cable director of Bill Strother marketing. Homemade Jamz is a trio of siblings rang‑ Bloomington Herald-Times Rita Ritter ing in age from 16 to 22 years old from Bill Strother, Projects and Features Mooresville-Decatur Times Elvis’ hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. Editor at the Bloomington, IN Herald- An April 13 retirement lunch honored They have been playing together as a band Times, has retired after 31 years at the Rita Ritter for almost 45 years of ser- for nearly 10 years, and are promoting their newspaper in a variety of capacities.. vice at the Mooresville-Decatur Times. new album “Mississippi Hill Country.” The Strother was honored by the newsroom Rita did a variety of jobs for the news- guitar and bass instruments are hand-crafted his final day Aug. 31 and was presented paper through the years. Most recently, by their father from car mufflers. with a jersey from his favorite major she was working as a receptionist. The league baseball team, the St. Louis event was at Gray Brothers Cafeteria in Cardinals. Mooresville Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 19 Hoosier Times honors 140 Scholastic Stars By SARAH MORIN Herald-Times Community Engagement Editor Three Hoosier Times newspapers put the spotlight on 140 out‑ standing graduating high school seniors in April, celebrating the Scholastic Stars’ achievements through three dinners and special coverage in print and online. The Bloomington Herald-Times honored 81 seniors during its annual Scholastic Stars celebration. Publisher Mayer Maloney welcomed the Stars and their friends and families to the April 27 dinner. Maloney handed out the awards as Editor Bob Zaltsberg introduced the Stars and shared some of their accomplishments. Rachel Martinez, an Indiana University student, served as the guest speaker during dinner, talking about the importance of getting involved in college. The seniors from 13 high schools in south-central Indiana were recognized for academic, athletic and artistic talents in addition to volunteer work. School staff nominated the 81 stars and a commit‑ tee, including Zaltsberg, had the tough task of choosing 30 “Gold” Bob Zaltsberg, editor of the Bloomington Herald-Times, Stars. speaks April 27 at the 2015 Scholastic Stars awards ban- The Herald-Times also awarded two cash scholarships, one to a quet at the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center Gold Star and one to a Silver, at the dinner. This was the second year in downtown. The Herald-Times hosted an event to recognize the Stars and the assignments and spend hours preparing for tests. The 2015 Scholastic sixth year for the special project, in which photos and bios of the Stars are innovators, They’ve started their own companies, led volun‑ Stars are featured online and in the newspaper. teer campaigns in different countries and set big education goals. In Bedford, 26 graduating seniors were honored at an April 29 din‑ The sixth annual Scholastic Stars selection panel consisted of Mike ner hosted by The Times-Mail, and two scholarships were presented. Wilcox, superintendent of Richland-Bean Blossom Schools; Teresa Bedford pharmacist Lester Burris, a 2006 Mitchell High School Grossi, from Indiana University; Cyrilla Helm, Monroe County graduate, was the speaker. He advised the Scholastic Stars to put Schools Foundation; and Bob Zaltsberg, Sarah Morin and Kat themselves outside their comfort zones and “get involved with Carlton from the Herald-Times. something bigger than yourself,” something he has done through It was no easy task picking the 30 Gold Stars. The panelists fought mission work in Honduras. for many of the 51 silver contenders. In the end there was no ques‑ In Martinsville, 33 Scholastic Stars were saluted. tion..each student still shine bright. Striking gold in Bloomington Bedford judges’ comments They’re brothers and sisters, role models and friends. They have The judges for the Bedford Times-Mail Scholastic Stars were Sari traveled across the city and across the globe to help the hungry and Wood, retired school principal; Annette Seib, retired teacher; Marc the sick. They stay after school and run and sing and type and play. Fields, former teacher; James Babcock, retired principal; and Roger They’re the 81 Bloomington area students that make up the 2015 Moon, Times-Mail staffer. bright and bold constellation of Scholastic Stars. The judges regard the student stars as a group of individuals who These high school seniors did more than rack up A’s on their have “kept going.” “What an outstanding group,” commented Sari Wood. “These seniors had exceptional grade point averages, partici‑ pated in many school and community organizations and volunteered at multiple places and events in their communities. Their families, schools and communities have to be so proud of them.” After reviewing the information submitted by the nominated stu‑ dent, Annette Seib said, “I love their giving and serving spirits.” Reporter-Times recognizes stars Decatur Central’s Tayaba Nadeem and Martinsville’s Patricia Bales were awarded scholarships during the Martinsville Reporter-Times Scholastic Stars dinner. The event was part of the Reporter-Times’ recognition of the best and brightest high school seniors in Morgan County. The Scholastic Stars program emphasizes academic achieve‑ ment, while also looking at extracurricular involvement and commu‑ nity engagement. Thirty-three students from five schools were selected as either gold Lisa Payton and Susan Rannochio arrange 2005 or silver stars. The top 10 are considered gold stars and were featured Scholastic Stars sections for winners to pick up at the April in articles. 27 awards banquet at the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center. 20 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator Long Lines more than just cable company By TIM POPPEN Long Lines Media Long Lines, located in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, is one of the newest members of the Schurz Communications family of companies. On the surface it provides cable, internet and phone service to both business and residential customers in northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska and southeast South Dakota. But when you look deeper you find that Long Lines provides major service to one of the nation’s largest communications company. Long Lines has been building an extensive fiber optic ring through‑ out the region. Currently it has installed around 1,300 miles of fiber optics in the area. This made it the best choice to serve the top two largest wireless providers in the U.S. It provides wireless backhaul for one carrier on 143 cell sites with five more ready to go online soon. It also serves the other largest wire‑ less carrier with 23 cell sites and two more in progress. This means that virtually every wireless phone call, text message or data session in the region travels on Long Lines fiber optics. Long Lines continues to expand its fiber optic reach that is allowing it to expand its service offering to many large commercial businesses The Long Lines Tech Building with AT&T tower on the top. throughout the Midwest. Long Lines extensive fiber network enables connections for: Businesses also have the ability to connect their enterprise utilizing --Private Ethernet circuits for high capacity, secure connections Long Lines interconnect capabilities. Long Lines maintains a presence --Hosted unified communication services such as Hosted PBX ser‑ in the Midwest’s largest carrier hotels (such as the Farnam Building in vice Omaha, NE and The 511 Building in Minneapolis, MN) to extend its --On-net Colocation Services for disaster recovery and data replica‑ fiber reach with access to 50 plus commercial carriers serving all 50 tion/backup states. Hagerstown Mega Job Fair attracts 650 prospects People looking for employment and better County One-Stop Job Center partnered with opportunities, companies looking to fill open‑ Herald-Mail Media to stage the event. ings, and at least one new business getting set Heather Guessford, business development to open in the area were all on hand at the manager for Kaplan University, said the event Herald-Mail Media Mega Job Fair at Hager included career centers to help with mock Hall in Hagerstown. interviews and offer advice on social media. Nearly 650 residents attended the job fair to The One-Stop Job Center helped with visit 55 employers who had set up booths. resumes, and the university’s career depart‑ The advertising department of The Herald- ment provided tips on where to go to find Mail did much of the organizing for the jobs, what to wear and what questions to ask event. at interviews. Robert Taylor, 42, of Hagerstown said he The Society for Human Resource was looking for something in manufacturing Management was offering workshops for and warehousing. some human resources directors who attend‑ “I met quite a few good prospects here, got ed. a lot of good comments and feedback from “We’re really excited to be able to get out them,” he said. “I saw some other positions here and help a lot of people find jobs today, that I wasn’t even interested in that sounded as well as career resources,” Guessford said. pretty good, so it was a pretty good opportu‑ Photo by Ric Dugan/ She said that the economic recovery is Herald-Mail photographer nity, and I look forward to just capitalizing on bringing more people out to such events. some of the networking and people that I met Patti Littleton. Boonsboro. talks to “It’s very diverse,” Guessford said. “There’s recruiters from WLR Automotive Group with today.” a lot of different positions here today, so at the Spring Mega Job Fair held at there’s something for everyone, and we’re Kaplan University and the Washington Hager Hall in Hagerstown seeing that reflective in the jobseekers.” Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 21 In tornado reporting Sunflower Broadcasting is leading the way By ROBERT MARTIN Executive Producer KWCH 12 Eyewitness News Severe weather is an inevitable part of spring and summer in Kansas, and KWCH and Sunflower Broadcasting in Wichita continues to lead the way in giving people the warning they need, showing tornadoes live on the air two different times this year, including four in one day. KWCH’s Storm Team 12 predicted dangerous severe weather days in advance of storms on May 9, 2015, with the biggest threat in the northwest part of the state. The Sunflower Broadcasting viewing area covers two-thirds of the state of Kansas, which including skycams in each part of the state. During that evening, the skycam in the rural community of Grainfield gave Storm Team 12 meteorologists a clear picture of the storm, and four different tornadoes it produced. Storm Team 12 chief meteorologist Ross Janssen was already on air as the supercell thunderstorm moved north through Gove County. In addition to our storm chasers, Storm Team 12 was keeping an eye on the storm with the help of the Grainfield Skycam. While typically trained on serene farm fields and bright Kansas sunsets, that night the A tornado rolls across Kansas camera gave a front seat view of the power of mother nature, and allowed Storm Team 12 meteorologists to track the danger and provide about the storm, and took a view from the skycam in the city of warning to anyone in the storms path. Hutchinson. The skycam showed a clear funnel cloud forming, which Storm Team 12 had the same opportunity with a severe thunder‑ eventually reached the ground and grew to an EF3 tornado, with storm that popped up over Rice and Reno counties on July 13, 2015. winds up to 165 miles per hour. The tornado was on the ground for Chief meteorologist Ross Janssen was live on air, warning viewers around 20 minutes, all of which were shown live on air from the Hutchinson skycam. While the tornado did damage a couple of farmsteads, it thankfully Storm Team 12 launches did not move into nearby populated areas of Nickerson and Hutchinson. There were no reports of anyone injured by the storms, Weather Watcher Network thanks, in part, to the warning from Storm Team 12 meteorologists and The weather impacts everyone and everybody likes to talk about the clear picture the network of skycams gave of the tornadoes. it. That’s why Storm Team 12 started looking for additional ways As the meteorologists showed you the storm on TV, the Sunflower to get viewers involved in the daily weather reports. Broadcasting digital team was hard at work streaming the same video For a number of years, we’ve shared viewer pictures of storms across multiple platforms, including the KWCH.com website, Storm on the air. But we wanted to take it to a new level and that’s where Team 12 app and providing updates through social media. As the tor‑ the Storm Team 12 Weather Watcher Network was born. nado touched down near the heavily populated city of Hutchinson, After exploring many possibilities, our Dan Rivers and Anne Kansas, viewers also sent hundreds of pictures of the tornado and Pham from the KWCH Web team went to work creating a plat‑ storm, which were used both on-air and in photo galleries on the web‑ form to house an online weather community that would allow reg‑ site and app. istered weather enthusiasts to submit temperature, wind, rainfall, While covering two-thirds of the state of Kansas can present chal‑ snowfall, and severe weather reports. lenges, the weather experts with Storm Team 12 have leveraged the In just three months time, our weather watcher network has best technology and their years of experience to help provide viewers attracted over 400 viewers to sign up. with the information they need to stay safe.

to conduct weather science experiments mak‑ ‘Weather Camp’ ing clouds and tornados in a bottle. popular at WSBT And the last group stays inside with Abby and tries their hands on the Big Green Wave By SCOTT LEITER Weather Wall. WSBT Operation Manager Every 30 minutes they rotate to a different July brought that time once again for the station. WSBT First Alert Weather Camp. WSBT feeds the youngsters some great tast‑ It’s a one day camp for kids in grades three ing Papa John’s Pizza, they get some real cool through six. giveaways including a T-Shirt and auto‑ A different group of 30 to 35 youngsters One group stays in Studio B to see amazing graphed cards and get a certificate as a gradu‑ arrives daily at 9:45 and breaks into three tornado video and learn about storm safety. ate of Weather Camp. groups. Another group goes out with Matt and Cari 22 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator CatchItKansas.com marks Coaches vs. Cancer 10th year with magazine success for WSBT By MARCUS WILKERSON On July 29 and 30, The WSBT Radio Group held the 13th Director of Sales annual Radio-a-thon for Coaches vs Cancer. CatchItKansas.com continues to score – delivering more than 14 This is a two day on-air radio event to raise funds and further million page views a year and 130,000 unique visitors a month dur‑ awareness for the cure of the devastating disease of cancer. All ing the school year. four stations participate with on-air interviews of survivors, their And now we’re extending the brand across another platform – families, caregivers and cancer researchers sharing inspirational print. stories of their battles and victories over the disease. August marked CatchItKansas.com’s tenth year – and a decade Notre Dame Men’s Basketball Coach, Mike Brey and his wife later – we’re excited to Tish partner with the American Cancer Society on this initiative announce the launch of and graciously hosted various events throughout the weekend. CatchItKansas – The Along with announcers from WSBTAM, WHFB and WZOC, Magazine. the morning team from WNSN, Sunny 101.5, Jack, Steve and Broadcast and Cable Abby broadcasted live from Martin’s Supermarket, which is the Magazine recently featured presenting sponsor. Steve and Jack also competed over who our success in its June Market could do the best decorating job on a Coaches vs Cancer themed Eye Report, saying that, now a cake! decade old, CatchItkansas.com WSBT-TV 22 always joins in the coverage of the event to fur‑ and CatchItKansas the ther the cause. This year Kristin Bien reported live from the stag‑ Magazine are emblematic of ing area at Martin’s. how KWCH and Sunflower Listeners were invited to stop by Martin’s Side Door Deli to Broadcasting Inc. stand apart purchase Coaches vs Cancer T-Shirts, which were sponsored this in the market – innovative, and year by Art Van Furniture. Also available for purchase were bas‑ always focused on super-serv‑ ketball pin-ups or Cure Cups. ing local consumers. Since the beginning of this event in 2002, Coaches vs Cancer The sales and content efforts behind the launch of CatchItKansas has raised over 2.4 million dollars locally! the Magazine has been phenomenal. Records were broken – most All proceeds from the Radio-a-thon benefit the Coaches vs revenue sold and an all-time high for sell out of major and secondary Cancer program. sponsorships. All packages include digital elements, print, and in some cases commercials in The CatchItKansas Show. Broadband in 2012, we promised product innovations and superior In a short amount of time the CIK staff designed and pulled service that strengthen customer loyalty. Our vision includes launch‑ together articles, schedules, and top notch photos. ing new products and services to become the preferred local media The magazine extends the brand and content platform, and bring resource for our members and communities. new users and advertisers into the fold. The recent all-digital conversion of Orbitels’ fiber-rich network The first issue featured previews of volleyball, cross country, girls was a giant step in keeping that promise. It allows Orbitel to provide golf, boys soccer, and football from all Kansas classifica‑ the fastest most reliable high speed Internet with speeds up to tions. Along with previews, we will feature photos from our excel‑ 100Mbps. It means stunning, crystal-clear video picture and sound lent photographers, a complete list of football schedules and winners quality. It means more channels – over 380 with more than 115 in from the prestigious Catchy Awards. The magazine has allowed the HD. Orbitel’s other new products include a 21+ channel SD/HD CatchItKansas team to work ahead. The team is already getting a sports tier package, video streaming with Orbitel2Go, and over head start on collecting previews for the winter issue with an 10,000 hours of video on-Demand content. emphasis on basketball. Welcome to the “new and improved” Orbitel Communications. The fall issue will be followed up with three additional issues: Orbitel offers the freedom and flexibility of no contracts, so mem‑ winter, spring and summer. bers can adjust product selection at any time as their needs change. CatchItKansas the Magazine will be distribute at high school Completing this milestone enables Orbitel to provide the finest games and events, high schools, advertiser locations, and in the areas telecommunications products and the latest technology now and in largest grocery store chain. the years to come – made easy by the Orbitel team. “It’s a way to take content that we have a ton of and leverage it across another medium,” said Joan Barrett, president, general man‑ WASK Radio Group ger – and now publisher! completes tower project Orbitel completes project The WASK Radio Group has recently completed a new tower project just a few feet from the building! By BRYAN JOHNSON The original tower, which stood for 63 years, was torn down on Orbitel Communications August 23 to erect a new AM tower for their ESPN 1450AM sta‑ The Schurz Communications Arizona cable property recently tion. The old tower, which housed ESPN 1450AM and WKOA completed a two-year project of digital conversions in all four (K-105), stood at 370 feet. The new tower will only house ESPN Arizona headend systems. and stands at 180 feet. In addition, Orbitel collapsed all four headends into one feed, WKOA moved its transmitter to sister station, WXXB’s (B102.9), coming out of Maricopa. tower in Delphi, IN earlier this year. When Schurz Communications purchased Orbitel and Western

Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 23 Farm Forum conducts tour for anniversary With a bus trip to Iowa, Farm Forum readers got to see the future and past of agriculture in America in celebration of The Green Sheet’s 50th year. This spring a busload of 30 readers — mostly from northeastern South Dakota — took off to Amish Country, and then the John Deere factory in Waterloo. “One of the high points for me was, I made it a point and sat down to talk with the different farm families and learn what their operation was, what some of the things they lived through during the last 50 years,” said Connie Groop, Farm Forum reporter. The tour group was enthusiastic to learn, Groop said. “I’ve never seen a more eager group,” Groop said. “It was like, you said you had to be some place at 7’o’clock and they were there at quarter to, ready to go.” Their guide in Kalona, the Amish Colony a man named Dan, was an ex-member of the colony who was still on good terms with the members, Groop said. Daily American stages The Amish colony the Farm Forum group visited did use some modern technology, like electricity from generators for milking and run for charity tractors with steel — not rubber —wheels, Groop said. People gathering for the start of the 29th annual Daily “They were just very open about sharing things with us,” Groop American 10K/5K Race and Fitness challenge that raised said. about $45,000 for three local charities in Somerset, PA. The quilt shop at the colony was a highlight of the trip, Groop said. More than 1,000 people participated in the June 13 run/ “The quilts were just absolutely gorgeous,” Groop said. “They had walk and 6-week fitness challenge. The Daily American, like, tens of thousands of hand stitches. Here, you get to a certain along with many volunteers, organize the event each year point and take your quilt to a machine quilter and they do the finish‑ to benefit local charities. ing touches. This, everything was done by hand.” After a visit to Amish Country, the group headed to a Mennonite Anniversaries village and was served a roast beef feast by an octogenarian named Salina who specialized in cooking meals for traveling groups, Groop Each issue of the Schurz Communicator recognizes employees said. Salina even had a special house built. at SCI properties who have 20 years or more of service, in five “It was just hospitality at its most luxurious,” Groop said. “It was year increments. just a delight to go there and visit with them and talk about a few of If you have been overlooked send an email to editor Bill their customs.” Schrader at [email protected] and you will be included in the The last stop on the trip was a tour of the John Deere factory in next issue. Waterloo, Groop said. 40 Years “Several of the fellows on the trip bled John Deere green,” Groop Larry Vaught, Danville, KY Advocate-Messenger said. “So they were just thrilled to go see that.” Jon Thompson, WSBT Radio, Mishawaka, IN They weren’t able to take any pictures on the tour, but were able to get up close and see things first hand, Groop said. 30 Years “We had great guides,” Groop said. “The guides actually had Christine Benninghoff, South Bend Tribune worked there for a number of years, and then quit and got bored and Raymond Pasman, South Bend Tribune decided to come back as a tour guide.” Joan Todd, WDBJ7, Roanoke, VA. Several friendships were started or re-enforced through the bus trip, 35 Years Groop said. Joe Dashiell, WDBJ7, Roanoke, VA “Help Me Sell” program launched in Somerset 25 Years The Daily American in Somerset, Pa., has launched a program Lolly Quigley, WDBJ7, Roanoke, VA, called “Help Me Sell.” Sam Doyle, WDBJ7, Roanoke, VA. “We launched it in response to added cumbersome tasks Atex Bill Sipes, WSBT, Mishawaka, IN required of our sales reps and the time it was taking away from actu‑ Ted Smucker, WSBT, Mishawaka, IN al selling,” said Becky Flyte, general manager of the Daily American. Elaine Baumgartner, South Bend Tribune “We set up an email group titled “Help Me Sell” with ad assistant Kim Youts, South Bend Tribune members and encouraged sales reps to use it to ask for help with any 20 Years administrative tasks, freeing up their time to sell more.” Jeri Frazier, South Bend Tribune The company added an incentive for the assistants when they reach Brenda Townes, Danville, KY Advocate-Messenger or exceed company revenue goals. “The program’s results have been Maria Leyba, South Bend Tribune great. Revenue performance has been much improved, as has team morale,” Flyte said. 24 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator Awards Herald-Mail wins 20 awards in MDDC contest Herald-Mail Media in Hagerstown, MD was honored with 20 awards at a luncheon recognizing members of the Maryland- Delaware-DC Press Association. Kevin Gilbert, Herald-Mail Media’s chief photographer, was a four-time winner, earning first-place accolades for spot news, general news and best photo gallery and sharing a second-place nod for mul‑ timedia storytelling. “I am extremely proud of our folks in the newsroom for the numerous awards they received again this year at the annual MDDC awards luncheon,” said Andy Bruns, president and publisher of Herald-Mail Media. “Everyone across the board had a terrific showing, with photogra‑ phy and our multimedia professionals deserving special recognition as they truly stood out among their peers this year,” he said. The editorial contest celebrates print and online work completed in 2014. The contest, governed by the association’s editorial committee, admitted nearly 2,000 entries from member publications among 50 categories. Herald-Mail Media staff members won awards in categories rang‑ The photo, by Hagerstown Herald-Mail Chief Photographer ing from breaking news and local columns to public service and Kevin G. Gilbert, was part of the winning entry in the MDDC sports reporting. Photo Gallery category. “Awards are a nice cherry on top of things, but our ever-growing audience is what really tells me these folks are on the right track --Spot News Photo: First place – Halfway fire, Kevin Gilbert bringing our region in-depth news coverage each and every day,” --Spot News Photo: Second place – Emergency personnel rescue Bruns said. dozens in Clear Spring flooding, Colleen McGrath For a full listing of winners and their award-winning work, please --Sports Story: First place – “Voracious appetites,” Kevin see www.mddcpress.com. Dunleavy The winners from Herald-Mail Media included: --Sports Story: Second place – “Brawl mars Rebels-Leopards --Editorial: Second place – “Voters call for change; our hope is for game,” Bob Parasiliti progress,” Tim Rowland --Business Reporting: First place – “Making their moves,” Arnold --Local Column: Critical Thinking: Second place – “Time for kids Platou to go back to school,” Bill Kohler --Arts/Entertainment Reporting: Second place – “‘Relatable’ and --Spot News: Second place – “Local sailor killed in Navy shoot‑ funny,” Meg Partington ing,” Dave McMillion --Religion Reporting: Second place – “Church opens doors to --Continuing Coverage: Second place – “Pa. woman guilty in child dogs,” Marie Gilbert assault case,” Jennifer Fitch --Multimedia Storytelling (News): Second place – Tractor-trailer --Public Service: Second place – “Experts: Suicide can touch crash, C.J. Lovelace everyone,” Janet Heim --Multimedia Storytelling (Sports): Second place – JFK 50-Mile --General News Photo: First place – Antietam anniversary, Kevin coverage, Andy Mason, Kevin Gilbert, Dave Barnhart Gilbert --Multimedia Storytelling (Feature): First place – Civil War flag --General News Photo: Second place – “I know my son did his signaling demonstrated at Washington Monument State Park, Julie E. job,” Ric Dugan (Continued on page 26) Max Relevance wins bronze Telly award By JILLIAN BLACKBURN was involved in the commercial project and work the Max Relevance and Sunflower Digital Sales Project Manager​ its related web ads. Commercial producer Broadcasting teams produce every day.” KWCH 12, Wichita, KS Eddie Gilmer created the graphic look and Max Relevance is a full-service, digital Sunflower Broadcasting Inc.’s internal dig‑ animations based on creative developed by agency specializing in both internet and tra‑ ital agency, Max Relevance, won a Telly the Max Relevance team. ditional marketing; working with clients Award for outstanding commercial work. “We have a very talented team of creatives throughout Kansas and Oklahoma City. Max Relevance received a bronze Telly in and interactive marketing specialists who All work done by Max Relevance, from the Local TV/Cable Professional Services focus on getting the message right, regard‑ website development, search engine optimi‑ category. less of the platform,” said Creative Service zation, and video production is done locally Max Relevance received its third Telly in Director Dominic Gauna. “It’s great to see in house, a dramatic contrast to the majority two years for its work on its own promotion‑ them recognized for their hard work. I don’t of firms that outsource portions, or even all, al spot, “Max Relevance: The Basics.” think a lot of people realize the caliber of of this work. The entire Max Relevance creative team Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 25 KTUU-TV wins two Murrow awards Seven journalists from KTUU-TV RTDNA News Series – The Marijuana Channel 2 reporter Blake Essig and photo‑ Channel 2 in Anchorage, Alaska have been Debate: Channel 2 reporters Lacie Leichliter, journalist David Brooks produced a touching recognized by the Radio Television Digital Grace Jang, Steve MacDonald and photo‑ profile of nine-year old Ben Pierce from News Association (RTDNA) with presti‑ journalists Mike Nederbrock and Eric Sowl Dallas, Texas. Pierce, who is gradually los‑ gious regional Edward R. Murrow Awards produced an in-depth series of reports exam‑ ing his eyesight, dreamt of seeing the north‑ for work done in 2014 ining the impacts of marijuana legalization, ern lights. His dream brought him to RTDNA is the world’s largest professional prior to Alaska voters considering the issue Fairbanks, Alaska where Essig and Brooks organization exclusively serving the elec‑ in 2014. joined him and his family for a night of tronic news profession. The organization’s For the series, journalists traveled to aurora watching. The story combined stun‑ annual regional and national awards are Colorado to examine the economic and ning scenic imagery with compelling natural among the highest honors in television jour‑ social impacts of marijuana legalization. In moments as Ben reacts to seeing the north‑ nalism. Alaska, journalists traveled to the isolated ern lights. Essig’s narration and story struc‑ KTUU-TV competes in RTDNA’s desig‑ rural village of Akiak to speak with residents ture take the viewer along on this remarkable nated Region 1, which includes Alaska, about their concerns for legalization. The journey as a young man creates memories Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. team also examined the economic, social and that he will cherish for a lifetime. The seven Channel 2 News journalists were legal aspects of marijuana legalization in The stories will now compete for national recognized for their achievements in two Anchorage. Murrow awards against stations from across award categories: Feature Reporting – Aurora Wish List: the country in their respective categories.

KY3, KSPR dominate Missouri broadcast awards Schurz Communication’s two Springfield television stations totally dominated the Missouri Broadcast Association annual contest. Bloomington Herald-Times KY3 and KSPR won 16 of 18 firsts in the competition and took wins 10 SPJ awards nine seconds. One of the firsts for KSPR was the prestigious Station of the Year Bloomington Herald-Times staff members won ten awards in April award, which was presented for the first time this year. in the Society of Professional Journalists Indiana contest: KSPR took four other firsts and three seconds. First place winners were: KY3 took 11 firsts and six seconds. --Abby Tonsing, feature writing, searching for Lauren Spierer FIRST PLACE --Laura Lane, Lindsey Erdody and Jon Blau, spot news reporting, Newscast of the Year – KSPR 5PM News concrete embezzlement conspiracy Best Web Site – KY3 Ozone --Rachel Bunn and Lindsey Erdody, nondeadline reporting, 2014 Best Weathercast – KY3, Kevin Lighty. Station Sponsored general election coverage Community Event – KSPR, MDA Second place winners were: Public Service Campaign – KY3, Jamie Presley, Volunteer promos --Jon Blau, personality profile, Fred Cate Promotion -- KY3, Weather app. promo, Dan McGrane’s team --MJ Slaby, environmental reporting, the last lecture Commercial Announcement – KY3, Springfield Express. Jim --Rachel Bunn, criminal justice reporting, new era begins Stinson’s team --Jon Blau, Lindsey Erdody and Abigail Tonsing, spot news report‑ Editorial – KY3, Jerry Jacob, Slow me down ing, “Wedding Day” samesex marriage coverage Sports – KY3, Chad Plein --Michael Reschke and Mary Keck, non-deadline reporting, Special Programs – KY3, “Conversations”. Emily Wood Fairview Elementary series Investigative Reporting – KY3, Paul Adler, “Death Chair” Third place winners were: Documentary and Public Affairs – KY3, Ashley Reynolds, --Michael Reschke, personality profile, DJ Unique “Testing Kids” --Kat Carlton, student radio news reporting (for WFIU), “Activists Spot News – KY3, “Hailey Owens” worry more homeless will be on Bloomington streets” News Series – KSPR, “Hailey Owens” SECOND PLACE Newscast of the Year – KY3 Ozarks Today Best Web Site – KSPR.com Best Weathercast – KY3, Lindsey Slater Herald-Mail wins awards Station Sponsored Community Event – KSPR St. Jude (Continued from page 25) Public Service Campaign – KY3, Jamie Presley, Volunteer promos Greene Commercial Announcement – KY3, SGF Airport, Jim Stinson’s --Best Photo Gallery: First place – Antietam anniversary, Kevin team Gilbert Best News Anchor – KY3, Leigh Moody --Best Web Video: Second place – Flooding in Clear Spring, Dan Special Programs – KSPR, “Survive The Storm” Dearth Spot News – KY3, “Shot In The Line” --General Web Site Excellence: Second place – HeraldMailMedia. com, staff

26 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator KTUU-TV wins 22 awards in Alaska Press Club contest KTUU-TV in Anchorage, Alaska won 22 awards in the Alaska Press Club contest, including eight firsts. The firsts included the coveted Best Newscast award that went to “The Channel 2 Newshour” Other first went to Best Sports Reporting, Best Business Reporting, Best Alaska History Story, Best Talk Program. Best Multimedia Presentation, Best Feature and Best User-Submitted Online Package. The Newshour on Nov. 10 was the Best Newscast winner. “Good variety of stories,” the judges commented. “Great use of graphics and file video.” The Best Sports winner was on fishing, “Fishing Report: Reel Fly Adventurez.” From left, the Bloomington Herald-Times’ Jon Blau, Abby The Best Alaska History Story winner was on the 1964 Alaska Tonsing and Rod Spaw at the Associated Press Media Editors contest banquet in Indianapolis. earthquake. “Moving images of the disaster and its aftermath,” the judges commented. This was the series of reports on the Hillsville man who underwent Alaska’s Political Pipeline was the Best Talk Program winner. the world’s most extensive facial transplant. The election of 2014 was the Best Multimedia Presentation win‑ WDBJ7.com took second place for Outstanding Web site. ner. The Best Business Reporting winner went to a report on Shell sus‑ Bloomington, Bedford pending Arctic off-shore drilling in Alaska. win 8 APME awards Aurora Wish List was the Best Feature winner. “What a wonderful Bloomington Herald-Times and Bedford Times-Mail staff mem‑ marriage of words and pictures,” the judges commented. “So mov‑ bers picked up eight awards at the Indiana Associated Press Media ing. So beautifully told.” Editors awards dinner at the Rathskeller restaurant in Indianapolis in Whaling in Alaska was the Best User Submitted Online package April. winner. The Herald-Times competed in Division 2 and the Times-Mail in SECOND PLACE WINNERS Division 3, each against Indiana newspapers with a similar circula‑ “After a standoff” Abby Hancock, Albert Lutan tion size. “1964 Alaska Earthquake” Lacie Grosvold, Grace Jang, Jeff Rivet, The winners were: Scott Smith, Corey Young, Austin Baird, Chris Klint, Joshua Staab First place “Using her eyes to talk” Garrett Turner, Kuba Wuls --Chris Howell, Herald-Times, feature photo “Sullivan struggles for words.” Caslon Hatch, Dave Brooks --Jon Blau, Rod Spaw and Abigail Tonsing, Herald-Times, non- “I hoped it happened fast so that he wasn’t scared or hurting” Kyle deadline news reporting Hopkins Second place “KTUU Mount Marathon coverage” Ashleigh Ebert, Channel 2 --Garet Cobb, Times-Mail, feature photo staff --Jeremy Price, Herald-Times, deadline sports reporting “Mad scientist. Senator fight to save HAARP” Austin Baird, Kuba --Laura Lane, Herald-Times, feature writing Wuls --Jon Blau, Herald-Times, nondeadline sports reporting “December in Alaska” Kyle Hopkins, Jeff Rivet, Chris Klint, staff --Jennifer Tilley, Janice Rickert, Bill Thornbro and Penny Reid, and viewers Herald-Times, page one makeup “The Kobuk River Valley; at loss for herds” Garrett Turner, Kuba Third place Wuls --Chris Howell, Herald-Times, sports photo THIRD PLACE WINNERS “Last minute push” Caslon Hatch, Dave Brooks KWCH photojournalist “KTUU Iditarod, celebrating traditions” Channel 2 staff receives NPPA award “Lacie Grosvold, solo reporter” Lacie Grosvold. George Taylor, photojournalist at KWCH 12 in Wichita, KS, “Scotty Smith, photojournalism compilation” Scotty Smith. received the NPPA 2014 Central Region General Photographer of the “Rural education, student success” Corey Allen-Young, Mike Year award. Nederbrock Taylor has worked at KWCH since 2001 and has received several WDBJ7 wins news NPPA honors as well as two Emmys during this time. He considers award in AP contest himself a journalist above all, and prides himself not only on his video storytelling but also being one of the few television photojour‑ WDBJ7 in Roanoke, VA received a first place award from the nalists who write their own stories. He believes good storytelling Virginia Association of Broadcasters in the Outstanding News Series starts with finding the memorable moments in the everyday stories. category. Taylor received the award at the 2015 NPPA Video Awards in The award was won by Jean Jadhon’s series Facing the Future: Seattle, Washington. Richard Norris. It was shot by videographer Rob Chewning. Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 27 WSBT Radio, TV win Indiana AP honors Once again, WSBT Radio and TV had outstanding representation on the awards platform at the 2015 Indiana Associated Press awards banquet held on April 18t in Indianapolis, WSBT Radio brought home two top awards: First place for Best Sports Play-By-Play for the Hartford at Notre Dame game and sec‑ ond place for Best Newscast Short-Form. WSBT-TV won 14 awards--the most of any TV station in the state--and won many of the major awards including first place awards for Outstanding Weather Operation, Best Newscast, Best Investigative Report, Best Reporter, Best Station Photojournalism, Best News Series, Best Feature and Best Sports Report or Program. The stations were also honored with five second place awards for Outstanding News Operation, Best Spot News Reporting, Best Newscast, Best Continuous Coverage, and Best General News. In fact, the only major award for which WSBT did not receive either first NEWS DIRECTOR Kelli Stopczynski and Jade Birch won eight individual JOHN HAFERKAMP or second place was Best Website,which awards between them in the Associated Press television was won by a station in Terre Haute. awards. It is clear that the staff and management teams of WSBT stations take their journalistic responsibilities seriously and that everyone Franklin, web site pace gives their all to make sure that WSBT is THE source for Michiana Tribune in AP contest to turn to when they want accurate, thorough and important news Photographer Robert Franklin and southbendtribune.com led and sports. The Tribune’s honors at the Indiana Associated Press Media Editors The complete list of awards follows: annual awards. WSBT Radio Franklin won awards for the best sports photo of the year, a shot of 1st Place - Metro Radio University of Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson diving into the Best Sports Play-By-Play - WSBT-AM, “WSBT College end zone against Rice University. Franklin also took third place in Basketball -- Hartford at Notre Dame,” Darin Pritchett the same category, for a shot of players reacting after Notre Dame’s 2nd Place - Metro Radio loss to the University of Louisville. Best Newscast Short-Form - WSBT-AM, John Hoffman Franklin also claimed first and third place honors in the multimedia WSBT-TV package. The third-place package was a collaboration between 1st Place Franklin and fellow Tribune photographer Santiago Flores. Outstanding Weather Operation - WSBT Staff Competing in Division I, which includes the state’s largest newspa‑ Best Newscast –WSBT Staff, “July Storms”. pers, The Tribune was also honored with a first place in best digital Best Continuous Coverage – (“Fire Kills Local Firefighter”) platforms for its website, southbendtribune.com. WSBT Staff Columnist Virginia Black earned a pair of second-place awards, Best Investigative Report – (“Daycare Dangers”) Kelli one for her weekly column and another in the First Amendment/ Stopczynski and Jade Birch community affairs category for her work on child welfare cases. Best Reporter – Kelli Stopczynski Other Tribune work honored by judges included: Best Station Photojournalism - WSBT Staff --The Tribune staff’s coverage of a deadly shooting at an Elkhart Best News Series – (“The Manhunt for Joseph Lee”), Kelli Martin’s Super Market last year was second place in deadline news Stopczynski and WSBT coverage. Staff --Kim Kilbride’s stories about South Bend police writing tickets to Best Feature – (“Mr. Weeber”) Kelli Stopczynski and Jade Birch students who misbehave in school, which uncovered mistakes and Best Sports Report or Program – (“Long Road to Recovery”), Pete racial disparities, earned second place in nondeadline news coverage. Byrne, Kelli Stopczynski and Jade Birch --Al Lesar was named third best sports columnist. 2nd Place --Lincoln Wright was honored for a collaborative feature written Outstanding News Operation - WSBT Staff with former Bloomington Herald-Times reporter and former Best Spot News Reporting - WSBT Staff Tribune intern) MJ Slaby. Wright and Slaby were given third place in Best Newscast - WSBT Staff best feature writing for a profile of Granger resident Lauren Gill and Best Continuous Coverage - WSBT Staff her recovery from a debilitating bicycle crash in preparation for the Best General News – Carl Deffenbaugh. Little 500 race at Indiana University. --Tom Noie earned third place in deadline sports reporting for cov‑ erage of the Notre Dame men’s basketball team’s victory over Michigan State. --Tribune staff also earned third place in best headline writing.

28 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator 2015 first triannual contest SCI print contest winners are named The 2015 first triannual Schurz Communications print contest plan” winners have been announced. Honorable mention: Staff, American News, “Special Report: A Jake Womer from the Herald-Mail Media in Hagerstown, MD was regional hub?”; “One city/one region” the contest coordinator. WEEKLY DIVISION Following are the winners by categories for the period from No award was given. January through April. DIGITAL SUCCESS STORY WATCHDOG Judge: Bob Rose, deputy managing editor, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Judge: Diane Dungey, Deputy Managing Editor, The Daily First place: Tyler James and Jennifer Ellis, South Bend Herald, Arlington Heights, Ill. Tribune First place: Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune, “A deadly Comments: The presentation of the National Signing Day class trend: Michiana’s heroin death toll rising” proves that you can present reams of information across in multiple Comments: Solidly researched and sourced, with good use of formats in a way that is easy to access. The report combined photo, open records laws and good analysis of public data. The story clearly video and a clever Q&A with each recruit. identified obstacles that contribute to the area’s heroin problem and Second place: Staff, The Herald-Times in Bloomington, Ind. pointed out some avenues for changes in public policy or law to Comments: Sometimes our best stories are hidden in plain site. The address those hurdles. Clear, well-organized writing and compelling Herald-Times staff has an innovative video series that takes a look personal narratives make this story stand out. behind the scenes at local landmarks, including an Indiana University Second place: Julie Greene, The Herald-Mail, “The price paid to basketball game. The videos are informative, entertaining and well educate in Washington County” produced. Comments: The reporter knows her way around the subtleties of teacher compensation and school financing. This is a thorough, well- DISTINGUISHED SPORTS WRITING written explanation, if somewhat sympathetic to the educators’ point Judge: Tim Ethridge, editor, Evansville Courier & Press of view. Breakouts add clarity and help point to the central question: First place: Al Lesar, South Bend Tribune are these costs justified? Comments: LaVille or NFL, football takes passion, energy: Lesar Honorable mention: Virginia Black and Christian Sheckler, South did a tremendous job of capturing the essence of a football coach Bend Tribune, “Baby’s father, once in DCS view, ignored as case who started in the sport at a tiny high school and now finds himself a closed” defensive coordinator with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. By reaching Comments: Good work shedding light on the state’s lapses in back to the high school coaches that James Bettcher learned under, investigating a dysfunctional family, resulting in an infant’s death. he shows how the coach, fueled by his passion and supported by his The story included telling insights into how DCS investigations are family, developed his craft. conducted and asked the compelling question, “does marijuana affect Second place: Jon Blau, The Herald-Times parenting?” A little less reliance on the baby’s mother and grand‑ Comments: What’s up at IU? Blau takes an in-depth look at what mother, who obviously have a vested interest, would have improved appears to be the implosion of a program after a preseason coaching the stories. change. Players leaving, styles changing, attitudes varied on whether it’s moving forward or backing up. All that was missing was why the BREAKING NEWS previous coach departed (a question that probably was answered in Judge: Mark Ridolfi, Editorial Page Editor, Quad-City Times previous stories, but not in this enterprise piece). “Terrific entries again in your quarterly contest,” Ridolfi said. Honorable mention: Daniel Kauffman, The Hagerstown Herald- First place: Laura Lane, The Herald-Times, “Double Mail Bloomington fraud” Comments: A hustling day at the state track meet capped by two Comments: Laura Lane did a wonderful job tackling two huge complete, well-told stories on the boys and girls winners. breaking local stories about municipal government corruption. The Honorable Mention: Christina Dunmyer, Somerset Daily writing elevated this entry to the top as Lane turned stiff legal docu‑ American: ments and press conference quotes into highly readable reporting that Comments: Great idea for a story on five veteran coaches. Would clearly outlined the fraud. Yet she included enough color and back‑ have benefited from outside voices, or even the coaches commenting ground to satisfy this out-of-town reader. And she kept lots of the on each other. specifics – time frames, property addresses, dollar figures – to satisfy Honorable Mention: Dave Vilhauer, Aberdeen American News: savvy local readers who needed to know. Comments Nice ongoing work on the elimination of a college Second place: Lauren Slavin, and Abby Tonsing and Laura wrestling program, its ramifications, and its eventual reinstatement. Lane, The Herald-Times, Vigils honor slain student Comment: Hard crime reporting meets poignant live event cover‑ EXPLANATORY/SENSE-MAKING age to describe the slaying of Hannah Wilson. I read the vigil story Judge: Walter T. Middlebrook, assistant managing editor, The first, which painted a full picture of a well-known and loved cheer‑ Detroit News leader and her rich friend and family relationships. That made the DAILY DIVISION crime story excruciating to read, as this young woman’s life ended First place: Bill Strother, The Herald-Times, “Uncertain apparently at the hands of a habitual criminal, perhaps preying during Future”; “Local GE workers in tense holding pattern” the Little 500 weekend. Second place: Kevin Allen, South Bend Tribune, “Saving the Chase … again”; “Building’s new owner working on renovation (Continued on page 30) Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 29 SCI first triannual visuals contest winners These are the winners in the first triannu‑ Herald-Mail. Lacrosse action. Second - Jeremy Hogan, Bloomington, al 2015 Photography contest conducted by Herald-Times Snow scene Schurz Communications. News HM – John Davis, Aberdeen, News. The visual contest coordinator was David First - Jeremy Hogan, Bloomington, Shadow Game. Snodgress from the Bloomington, Herald- In., Herald-Times. Missing woman vigil Times. Second -- Robert Franklin, South Bend, Multimedia Judges were Ravell Call, Scott Winterton, Tribune. Funeral for Vet Winners can be found at: Chuck Wing and Tom Smart from the HM – Elizabeth Varin, Aberdeen, News. https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Deseret News in Salt Lake City, Utah. Farm worker rally. UC-MP8CZZrrKATrpPpPdgZ_Q Winners were: HM - Ric Dugan, Hagerstown, Herald- First -- Jeremy Hogan, Bloomington, Sports Mail. Cow Crash In., Herald-Times. Ballerina First – Clay Jackson, Danville, Ky, HM - Robert Franklin, South Bend, Second – Robert Franklin, South Bend, Advocate-Messenger. Final Four reac- Tribune. Gun Rights. Tribune Rubix Kid. tion HM - Becky Malewitz, South Bend, Second -- Clay Jackson, Danville, Feature Tribune. Advocate-Messenger. Upset First - Robert Franklin, South Bend, HM – Ric Dugan, Hagerstown, Tribune. Billboard worker. SCI print contest winners are named (Continued from page 29) PROFILE town independent hospital that is thriving in an era of closings, take‑ Judge: Clytie Bunyan, Director of Business & Lifestyles, The overs and consolidations of similar institutions in Indiana and the Oklahoman nation. The story holds the reader’s interest throughout. Multiple DAILY DIVISION sources from patients to administrators offer their takes on the hospi‑ First place: Margaret Fosmoe, South Bend Tribune tal’s success while research provides perspective without bogging the Comment: This was a heck of a profile of of Father Theodore story down. Readers are referred to the paper’s website for more Hesburgh. Clearly the writer was prepared for his passing, but this photos. was way more than a normal obit. If you didn’t know the man before, you now have a clear picture of who he was and his impact Second place: Kevin Allen, South Bend Tribune, “Craft beer’s on not just Notre Dame but arguably our country’s leaders. popularity is really hopping” Second place: Mary Keck, The Bloomington Herald-Times Comment: A lot of facts are packed into a relatively short story Comment: We struggled on whether to make this a tie for first but about northern Indiana breweries joining the nationwide craft beer ultimately decided the depth of the Hesburgh piece was more deserv‑ explosion that shows no signs of slowing down. Story examines his‑ ing. Still, this reporter did an excellent job getting this woman to talk torical and current trends in beer production and consumption, has a about raising her bi-racial/bi-cultural children. A well-written profile. good number of sources and provides references to online resources Honorable mention: Elisa Sand, American News and Lincoln for readers to find out more information. A readable, fun story. Wright, South Bend Tribune Comment: These were well-written stories that kept the focus on COMMENTARY the victims. Judge: Jim Slusher, assistant managing editor, opinion; The Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, Ill. WEEKLY DIVISION First place: Bob Zaltsberg, The Bloomington Herald-Times First place: Bruce Siwy, Our Town Comment: Clear, direct writing. Effective mix of logic, facts and Comment: After reading this story I felt I knew Mr. Laplaca per‑ dialogue in a persuasive context. Highly authoritative. sonally. The writer included lots of detail about his philosophy in life Second place: Virginia Black, South Bend Tribune along with some great quotes. The details about his commitment to Comment: The piece on her father’s death was moving, if a bit reading really served to draw the reader in. too long and heavy on unnecessary personal details, but it was the Honorable mention: Cody McDevitt, Our Town piece on panhandling that particularly stood out. Very effective nar‑ Comment: This proved to be an interesting piece about the early rative techniques and appropriate blending of present and past tense. life of Gene Kelly, one of Hollywood’s famous stars, and the people The story idea alone was thoughtful and creative, and on the whole, he helped and taught on the way to success. Perhaps the story needed the story provided an unvarnished, albeit brief, picture of what it a little more about these people rather than some of the minutia must be like to be a panhandler. about Kelly’s dance school. Honorable mention: Rick Kazmer, Bruce Siwy, Somerset Daily American LOCALIZATION Comment: The concept of this feature is interesting in its own Judge: John Beck, retired executive editor, The News-Gazette, right, encouraging readers to engage with a topic by looking at it Champaign-Urbana Illinois from separate points of view. The structure and execution, though, First place: Laura Lane, The Bloomington Herald-Times, are what make it work. Short, direct reflections on important topics; “Small hospital, big heart” Comment: A well-written, in-depth news feature about a small- (Continued on page 31

30 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator KWCH 12 wins Emmy for best newscast By DOMINIC GAMA --Sunflower Broadcasting Inc.’s “Stop. Check. Don’t Forget” cam‑ Director of Creative Services and Community Relations paign is nominated in the station Community Service category. KWCH 12, Wichita, KS KWCH 12 is the only Wichita television station to win a news‑ Daily American wins awards cast Emmy at the 2015 Heartland Emmy Awards Several members of the newsroom at the Somerset Daily American KWCH 12 Eyewitness News Weekend received the Emmy for have been honored in two state writing contests. Best Weekend Newscast – Medium Market. The newscast aired on Michelle Ganassi, assistant city editor, received a first place news March 23, 2014, featuring coverage of the Wichita State versus feature story award in the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association’s Kentucky NCAA Tournament game, and was produced by Jacob Professional Keystone Press Awards for newspaper under 20,000 cir‑ Copp. culation. “This is a great team win,” said News Director Brian Gregory. She was recognized for her story, The young and the careless. “Winning an Emmy in any of the newscast categories is a wonderful Young people make up one of the smallest voting blocs in Somerset team accomplishment. Jacob deserves to have his name on the award Ganassi and sunday editor Bruce Siwy received an honorable men‑ and it was truly a team effort.” tion for their live call-in video on election night called Somerset Eyewitness News received seven nominations, the most it has ever County Election Live. received.. The nominations included best daytime newscast, best In the Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors writing evening newscast, best weekend newscast, best crime news feature, contest for newspapers under 15,000 circulation, Ganassi earned sec‑ editor no time limit, overall news photography, and community ser‑ ond place in investigative reporting for her story, Tax would cut into vice. gas royalties. Winners of the 2015 Heartland Emmy Awards were announced Staff writer Eric Kieta won second place in the spot news category July 18, 2015 at concurrent events in Denver and Oklahoma City. for his coverage of a fire ravaging a home. Staff from Sunflower Broadcasting Inc. attended the festivities in “The writers are to be Oklahoma City. Former KWCH 12 news anchor Susan Peters also commended for their attended the event and received a Silver Circle Award. awards. Each day our Since 1986, the Heartland Chapter has been recognizing outstand‑ staff delivers high-quality ing work that helps to raise industry standards and improves the reporting on a wide vari‑ quality of television across 11 markets. To be nominated for an ety of subject matters. award, a person and his or her work must embody the best in televi‑ It’s good news to see sion. they are being recog‑ Sunflower Broadcasting 2015 Emmy Nominations nized for their efforts,” --Eyewitness News on KSCW at 4:00 p.m., produced by Jennifer Brian Whipkey, editor, Montenegro, is nominated for best daytime newscast. said. The awards were -- KWCH 12 Eyewitness News at 10:00 p.m., produced by Ryan presented at the Johnson, is nominated for best evening newscast. Pennsylvania Press GANASSI KIETA -- KWCH 12 Eyewitness News Weekend, produced by Jacob Conference in Gettysburg. Copp, is nominated for best weekend newscast. --Reporter Lauren Seabrook and photojournalist Scott McMullen’s “WPD Credibility Compromised” is nominated in the Crime News Feature category. --Photojournalist George Taylor receives two nominations: for edit‑ ing in the Editor – No Time Limit category, another for overall news photography in the Photographer News category. SCI print contest winners are named (Continued from page 30) no yelling or name calling; clear, concise writing. reversed-out Masthead on the IU-Maryland skybox. Second place: C.J. Major, South Bend Tribune BEST PAGE DESIGN Comment: The highlight of these entries was the centerpiece on Judge: Jim Touvell, design editor, The Journal Gazette, Fort the “two-way streets.” A very effective use of photo and graphic to Wayne, IN display this package. The graphic is clean/easy to read and doesn’t First place: Stewart Moon, The Bloomington Herald-Times overpower the page. The other cover did a nice job of previewing Comment: Each centerpiece featured a compelling combination of Notre Dame’s Final Four appearance using photos and typography. typography and photo display. “Smoke & Mirrors” used more of a Sports preview packages can be challenging but CJ Major did a solid feature approach with its headline and faded photo to pull the reader job using media-day photos to make an interesting centerpiece. in. “Serve the Public” used a completely different approach for its Honorable mention: C.J. Major and John Stump, South Bend main headline with an extended leadin and an all-cap quote. We Tribune found both styles to be effective. The online refers were well placed Comment: Both entries were a classy tribute to Father Hesburgh. on both covers and the “behind the scenes” refer stood out. The sky‑ Well-displayed photos. The black mastheads were a nice touch. boxes were well designed, and we liked the risk-taking with the

Schurz Communicator Fall 2015 31 SCHURZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Antietam Cable TV American News Hagerstown, Md. Aberdeen, S.D. 1301 E. Douglas Road 301-797-2130 605-225-4100 Mishawaka, IN 46545 KY3-TV, Springfield, Mo. Advanced Cable Communications Advocate-Messenger, 574-247-7237 • Fax: 574-247-7238 417-268-3000 Coral Springs, Fl. Danville, Ky Web Page: www.schurz.com WAGT-TV, Augusta, Ga. 954-752-7244 859-236-2551 706-826-0026 Orbitel Communications Todd Schurz, President, and CEO The Jessamine Journal CW Augusta, Augusta, Ga. Maricopa, AZ Nicholasville, Ky e-mail: [email protected] 574-247-7222 WDBJ-TV Roanoke, Va. 520-568-8890 859-885-5381 540-344-7000 Scott C. Schurz Jr., VP of Human Resources Long Lines Telecommunications Winchester Sun WSBT-TV, Mishawaka, Ind. Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054 Winchester, Ky. and Corporate Development 574-233-3141 e-mail: [email protected] 712-271-4000 859-744-3123 574-247-7257 KWCH-TV, KBSD-TV, The Interior Journal Kerry Oslund, Sr. Vice-President - Publishing KBSH-TV,KBSL-TV Stanford, Ky and Emerging Media Wichita, Kan. 606-365-2104 316-838-1212 574-247-7240 e-mail: [email protected] Herald-Mail Media, KSCW, Wichita, Kan. Hagerstown, Md. Marci Burdick, Sr. Vice-President - Electronic KSPR-TV, Springfield, Mo. 301-733-5131 417-831-1333 574-247-7224 e-mail: [email protected] Herald-Times KTUU-TV, Anchorage, Alaska Bloomington, Ind. Gary N. Hoipkemier, Sr. Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer 97-762-9202 812-332-4401 574-247-7221 • Fax: 574-247-7238 KOTA-TV, Rapid City, SD The Reporter e-mail: [email protected] 605-342-2000 Martinsville, Ind. Cory Bollinger, Vice President Publishing 317-831-0280 e-mail: [email protected] Moorsville/Decater Times 605-622-2202 Moorsville, Ind. Michelle Wright, Vice President, Information Technology 319-831-0280 574-247-7264 e-mail: [email protected] Daily American, Somerset, PA 814-444-5900 Brian Lynch, Vice President Cable Division Our Town, Johnstown, Pa. WASK, WKOA, WXXB, WKHY 240-420-2068 e-mail: [email protected] 814-269-9704 Lafayette, Ind. Petoskey News-Review Gesumino A. Agostino, Vice President & Controller 765-447-2186 Petoskey, Mich. 574-247-7226 e-mail: [email protected] WSBT Radio Group, 231-347-2544 Mishawaka, Ind. Gaylord Herald Times Sean P. Miller, HR Systems and Services Manager 574-233-3141 PhoneGuide Community email: [email protected] Gaylord, Mich. 574-247-7232 KOUT, KRCS, KKMK, KFXS, Telephone Directory 989-732-1111 Petoskey, Gaylord, Mich. Melissa Lock, HR Director KBHB, KKLS Charlevoix Courier Rapid City, S.D. 231-347-8606 574-247-7228 e-mail: [email protected] Charlevoix, Mich. 605-343-6161 CMD Phone Book 231-547-6558 Bill Douglas, Sr. Financial Analyst Mt. Pleasant, Mich. Times-Mail, Bedford, Ind. 989-775-0499 574-247-7242 e-mail: [email protected] 812-275-3355 Tribune, South Bend, Ind. Nickki Coleman, Executive Assistant 574-235-6161 574-247-7229 e-mail: [email protected] Judy Felty, Executive Assistant 574-247-7220 e-mail: [email protected] Kim Sobchak, Executive Assistant 574-247-7230 e-mail: [email protected] Keisha Foster, Administrative Assistant/Receptionist 574-247-7267 e-mail: [email protected] Scott Schurz, Sr., Chairman 812-331-4250 e-mail: [email protected] Franklin S. Schurz, Jr., Chairman Emeritus Schurz Communications Inc. PRST STD 574-247-7219 e-mail: [email protected] 813 16th Street U.S. POSTAGE Bedford, Ind 47421 PAID BEDFORD, IN

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The Schurz Communicator is a quarterly publication for and about the people at Schurz Communications Inc. Bill Schrader, Editor Contributing Editors Katherine Grandstrand, Aberdeen American News Bryan Horwath, Aberdeen American News Leonore Indell, Advanced Cable Communications Melissa Krupin, Advanced Cable Communications Cindy Garland, Antietam Cable TV Inc. Jeff Routh, Bedford Times-Mail Barb Ralls, Bloomington Herald-Times Robin Hart, Danville Advocate-Messenger Jake Womer, Hagerstown Herald-Mail Tim Poppen, Long Lines Cable Brian Culp, Martinsville Reporter Babette Stenuis Stolz, Michigan Group Bryan Johnson, Orbitel, Western Broadband Kevin Phillips, Rapid City Group Brian Whipkey, Somerset Daily American Cory Havens, South Bend Tribune Kendall Sparks, Winchester Sun Erika Maley, KWCH/KSCW, Wichita, Kan. Janet Furneaux, KY3/KSPR Springfield, Mo. Brad Hillwig, KTUU-TV, Anchorage, Alaska Joe Lacay, WASK, WKOA, WXXB, WKHY, Lafayette, Ind. Martha Graves, WDBJ-TV, Roanoke, Va. Shelley Cataldo, WSBT-TV, Mishawaka, Ind. Michelle Jewell, WSBT Radio, Mishawaka, Ind. 32 Fall 2015 Schurz Communicator