Governor Speaks During Day at the Capitol March 2012

Home , Kirksville Daily Express, The Mexico Ledger

March 2012

St. Louis Post-Dispatch holds “birdday” party for the longest-running news- 17 paper cartoon in America.

Governor speaks during Day at the Capitol Gov. Jay Nixon addresses members of the Missouri Press Association and the AP in the foyer of the Governor’s Mansion during the afternoon session of Day at the Capitol on Feb. 9. Guests had lunch in the mansion before the governor spoke and answered questions. More photos from the event are on pages 4 and 5.

Marketing expert Bryna Krauth Regular Features will be the featured presenter Get material at at the Missouri Advertising President 2 Scrapbook 13 sunshineweek. 3 org to observe Managers’ annual meeting Obituary 7 NIE Report 16 April 19-20 in Columbia. National On the Move 11 Jean Maneke 18 Sunshine Week March 11-17. The Missouri Sunshine Coalition will have a program March 15 at RJI in Columbia.

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com Missouri newspapers not just doing same same ’ol-same ’ol

Time in state Capitol well spent Bethany post office among those facing closure embers of the Missouri Press Association spent a offices. We were informed that the USPS is considering a pro- very stimulating couple of days rubbing shoulders posal to remove the mail carriers and clerks from our home- Mwith our legislators during the MPA Day at the town Bethany post office and transfer them to the Albany Capitol. Many of us went armed with cameras and notepads, post office, about 18 miles away. If this occurs, we will have and we were able to come up with at least a couple of stories to drive our newspapers to the Albany office so our papers can that we shared with our readers back home. be sorted and returned back to Bethany for delivery to our Our state representatives and senators — as well as agen- subscribers. cy officials, judges and lobbyists — were out Our Chamber of Commerce has been galva- in full force at our reception at the hotel. It nized to oppose any changes in our post office’s gave us a chance to contact our legislators on operations. Our congressional delegation has a more informal basis and explain some of our been notified about the plans and has promised positions on issues. its support. I tailed along as our executive director, t just goes to show that we are going to have Doug Crews, walked the corridors of the Cap- Ito remain vigilant about what’s coming down itol. We dropped by a House hearing on a bill the pike from the U.S. Postal Service. From the that would restrict access to photographs from elimination of Saturday mail to the closing of crime scenes. MPA attorney Jean Maneke was many small post offices and processing centers, among witnesses testifying on the bill. our lives are going to be more complicated as we There was a very interesting discussion dur- deal with the post office. ing a briefing the next morning in the Senate Phil Conger On that note, I urge you to keep on the look- Lounge. An official from the state Department Bethany Republican-Clipper out for announcements about regional press as- of Elementary and Secondary Education and MPA President sociation meetings and seminars. They provide legislative leaders discussed the challenges in a good way to network with your colleagues funding the state’s public schools. There was and discuss new ideas and ways to make money. also a debate on the proposed super sales tax that would re- The regional association meetings are inexpensive and nearby, place the state income tax, the so-called “fair tax” proposal. offering you perfect opportunities to gather, learn and talk. athy and I enjoyed dining at the Governor’s Mansion MPA’s education director, Dawn Kitchell, has been setting K and listening to Gov. Jay Nixon’s comments about the up other training programs for you. Attend when you can! state of the state. MPA advertising director Greg Baker has been holding Some members of the Capitol press corps expressed their meetings around the state telling area newspaper staffers about gratitude that the MPA made the event possible. They say selling political advertising and using research that shows local they very rarely have the opportunity these days to engage in newspapers are the best source of information for voters. He’ll give-and-take with the governor, who tends to avoid hold- have one of those sessions in Bethany on March 15. ing news conferences outside a staged event or an announce- We also urge you to sign up for the Missouri Advertising ment about one issue or another. Managers’ Association meeting in April in Columbia. Details After we returned home, we saw firsthand some of the are right over there on the facing page. Register today! challenges we are all going to have in working with our post Hope to see you down the road.

PRESIDENT: Phil Conger, DIRECTORS: Joe May, Mexico Ledger Bethany Republican-Clipper Brad Gentry, Houston Herald FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: Mark Maassen, Joe Spaar, The Odessan The Kansas City Star Richard Gard, St. Louis, Missouri Lawyers Media SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: Jon Rust, Cape Girardeau Southeast Missourian SECRETARY: Shelly Arth, Marshall Dennis Warden, Gasconade County Republican VOL. 80, NO. 3 Democrat-News Jim Robertson, Columbia Daily Tribune MARCH 2012 TREASURER: Bill Miller Jr., Washington Missourian Official Publication of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Doug Crews Jeff Schrag, Springfield Daily Events Missouri Press ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Greg Baker NNA REPRESENTATIVE: Trevor Vernon, Association, Inc. EDITOR: Kent M. Ford Eldon Advertiser

MISSOURI PRESS NEWS (ISSN 00266671) is published every month for $12 per year by the Missouri Press Association, Inc., 802 Locust St., Columbia, MO 65201-4888; phone (573) 449-4167; fax (573) 874-5894; e-mail [email protected]; website www.mopress.com. Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, MO 65201-9998. (USPS No. 355620). POSTMASTER: Please send changes of address to Missouri Press Association, 802 Locust St., Columbia, MO 65201-4888.

www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 Attend MAMA meeting in April any of you produced terrific At dinner Thursday evening, awards advertisements or campaigns Your great ad idea will be presented to the winners of the Min 2011. You could win a little 2012 Better Ad Contest. extra cash for that effort if you submit Sessions will resume at 8 a.m. Friday your advertising idea to the Missouri could win you cash with “Becoming a Brand Expert.” This Advertising Managers’ Association. session will help you construct brand- All ideas submitted will be presented at the Ad Managers’ building programs for clients. and voted on at the annual MAMA That session will be followed by meeting April 19-20 at the Courtyard meeting in Columbia “Strategic Marketing Plans.” You’ll by Marriott in Columbia. learn how to help advertisers build Mail or email your entry multi-media marketing strategies by us- for the Great Idea Session ing everything from traditional media before the meeting so it can to new media. be prepared for presentation. Krauth began her career in the media Or take a detailed description industry in 1994. Most recently she was and sample copies to pass the publisher of Steamboat Pilot, Steam- around to attendees. boat Today, and Hayden Valley Press. She Send your ideas to Greg was the publisher of numerous maga- Baker at [email protected], zines and websites, including Yampa limit one entry per attendee. Valley Real Estate, At Home in Steam- Entries will be voted on by all boat, Colorado Hunter, steamboatpilot. attendees of the meeting. Bryna Krauth com and exploresteamboat.com. The speaker for this year’s She has worked and lived in north- meeting will be marketing specialist NBC’s Last Comic Standing. west Colorado since 1996, and during Bryna Krauth. She is president of Or- The ad meeting will open at noon that time specialized in implementing ganic Marketing and has spent the past on Thursday with Missouri Press legal new revenue-generating products for 15 years in media and marketing. counselor Jean Maneke, who will ad- the news organization and leading a The MAMA meeting will begin after dress current issues affecting newspaper team of advertising consultants. She has noon on Thursday and adjourn around advertising. held nearly every management position noon on Friday, so those who attend can That will be followed by the Great in the newspaper business and is a past drive to Columbia Thursday morning Idea Session. You could win $20, $30 member of the board of the Colorado and drive home Friday afternoon. or $50. Send in your entry! Press Association. While they’re in town Thursday eve- After the ideas session, Krauth will A registration form for the meeting ning, the MAMA guests will visit the talk about “All Things Digital,” helping and an agenda can be found at mopress. Déja Vu Comedy Club in downtown advertisers grow revenue using social com/current_forms/php. Columbia to see Josh Blue, a winner of media, websites and blogs. Nominate people for Tornado video will debut May 3 Young Journalist awards, he Missouri Press Association will “Trustees for the Public” in 2008. two Halls of Fame Tshow its documentary film “Dead- The program will begin with a re- issouri Press is taking nominations line In Disaster” about the Joplin tor- ception and silent auction at 6 p.m. Mfor the 2012 Young Journalists of nado on May 3 in the Missouri Theater The film will be shown at 7, followed the Year and for induction into the Mis- in Columbia. by a question-and-answer session with souri Newspaper Hall of Fame and the The hour-long film spotlights The members of The Globe staff. An infor- Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame. Joplin Globe, its staff and its service to mal gathering for visiting will be held Nomination forms for all three are at the Joplin community after the May after the program. mopress.com/current_forms.php. Or 22, 2011, tornado that killed 161 peo- Tickets cost $10 per person and will contact the MPA office and ask that ple and destroyed a third of the city, in- be available at the door. The Missouri forms be sent to you. cluding the high school and a hospital. Theater is at 9th and Locust streets in Nominations must be in by April 30. Beth Pike, Stephen Hudnell and downtown Columbia, a block east of The Young Journalist awards and Scott Charton directed, shot and ed- the MPA office. both Halls of Fame depend upon nom- ited the video. That’s the team that pro- The film will be shown on May 24 inations to recognize those who deserve duced the MPA’s Emmy-winning film at the restored Fox Theatre in Joplin. to be honored.

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 3 ‘We’re trying to really hit on the idea that it’s fresher news.’

Guests at the annual MPA/AP Day at the Capitol on Feb. 9 gathered in of Elementary and Secondary Education, talked about the school the Senate Lounge to hear legislators and others talk about current funding formula. In the final morning session in the Capitol, Anne issues. After the AP held a Media Editors awards breakfast in a House Marie Moy of Missouri Taxpayer Relief, and Jim Moody of Missourians hearing room, guests heard Sen. Kurt Schaefer and Sen. Tim Green for Fair Taxation, debated the pros and cons of the initiative petition talk about the state budget. After that, Sen. David Pearce, Sen. Eric proposal to amend the state Constitution to do away with the state Schmitt, Rep. Mike Thomson and Dr. Ron Lankford, of the Department income tax and replace it with a higher state sales tax. MPA/AP Day at the Capitol

MPA President Phil Conger, Bethany, front right, and his wife, Kathy, front center, joined Gov. Jay Nixon and his wife, Georganne, back center, at lunch in the Governor’s Mansion during Day at the Capitol. Others at the table are MPA First Vice President Mark Maassen, Kan- sas City, hidden left; 2009 MPA President Vicki Russell, Co- lumbia, left; Joplin Globe editor Carol Stark, talking with Gov. Nixon; and 2007 MPA President Dave Bradley, St. Joseph, hidden right.

4 www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 Gov. Nixon spoke briefly and then answered questions after lunch in the Governor’s Mansion. MPA ad director Greg Baker asked the governor if he plans to use newspaper advertising in his campaign for re-election this year. Gov. Nixon said he always has used newspaper advertising and he intends to continue doing so.

Day at the Capitol guests had the usual bountiful lunch buffet, complete with cobbler and ice cream, in the Governor’s Mansion. Missouri‘s governors and first ladies have been hosts for MPA and AP for many years for lunch in the Mansion during Day at the Capitol. Missouri Press held a reception for legislators the previous evening in the DoubleTree Hotel in Jefferson City. More than 100 legislators attended.

Jim Moody of Missourians for Fair Taxation spoke “Fair tax” proponent against the “fair tax” issue Anne Marie Moy said at Day at the Capitol. He eliminating the state said the proposal does income tax would create not spell out what goods jobs by making Missouri and services would be more attractive to taxed and which wouldn’t business and industry. (advertising would), the Powerpoint slides used proposed sales tax would by Moy and Moody can not bring in enough be seen on the MPA revenue and it would website at http://www. disproportionately impact mopress.com/legislative. the poor and middle class. php?blog_id=64.

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 5 Contest fee raised to $7 per entry ules for this year’s Better Newspa- Dailies classes: 0-5,000; 5,001-15,000; the entries. (Members of the Wisconsin per Contest remain substantially 15,001-over. Newspaper Association will judge this R the same as last year, but the fee Last year some of the categories in year’s entries.) has been raised from $6 to $7 per entry. the smallest weeklies class had zero or Newspapers that enter the con- A conference call of the Contest few entries. The committee encourages test are strongly encouraged to read Committee was held Feb. 3 to set more small papers to enter the contest, the rules for entering. The rules will the rules for this year’s Missouri Press which is a primary goal of setting the answer many of the questions you Foundation contest. Rules and cat- circulation classes. might have about entering the con- egories have been sent to newspapers, Committee discussion included test, and they explain how entries and they are on the MPA website at many of the issues that arise every year, should be prepared and shipped. mopress.com/BNC.php. such as putting smaller daily papers in hese members of the Contest Com- Missouri Press last year invited mem- the same class as the two large metro Tmittee participated in the Feb. 3 bers to email suggestions for the contest papers, adding or deleting categories, telephone meeting: Committee chair and to participate on the Contest Com- and types of awards to present. Buck Collier, New Haven Leader; Bill mittee. All comments were presented to Because few entries were received in Dalton, Kansas City Star; Rick Jackoway, the committee for consideration. Family Living Coverage and Coverage Missouri Lawyers Media, St. Louis; Bob The committee left circulation class- of Young People categories last year, Satnan, Sedalia Democrat; Ron Schott, es as they were last year, this being only they were combined into one category Vandalia Leader; Becky Holloway, the second year for these firm circula- — Best Coverage of Community/Peo- Tipton Times; Diane Lowrey, Trenton tion classes. ple/Lifestyles. Republican-Times; Jack Miles, Warrens- MPA staff was given discretion to n some categories last year judges did burg Daily Star-Journal; Dave Marner, combine circulation classes in catego- Inot select first-place winners. The Owensville Gasconade Co. Republican; ries where the numbers of entries is committee wants judges to be instructed Doug Crews and Kent Ford, MPA, very low. Weeklies classes: 0-2,000; to select at least a first-place winner Columbia. 2,001-4,000; 4,001-8,000; 8,001-over; regardless of the number and quality of

MDC media staff can help you cover We can help news about outdoor Missouri. Topics you help your for next month include: readers discover • MDC 75th focus: healthy forests nature. • Turkey hunting clinics for spring turkey season • Trumpeter swans visit Missouri • MDC has help for nuisance wildlife problems • Spring snow goose hunting/migration • Vulture Venture in the Southwest Region • Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MONASP) regional tournaments

For more information, contact Jim Low Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator News Services Coordinator 573-522-4115 x3243 573-522-4115 x3362 [email protected] [email protected] www.MissouriConservation.org

6 www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 News still matters; attend RJI sessions March 9 workshop will feature four instructors from Journalism School to sharpen your skills ditors — and reporters too — can enhance and polish their skills in a EMarch 9 program at the Reynolds John Schneller Frank Russell ment agencies are a gold mine of stories Journalism Institute on the MU campus that never see the light of day. Many in Columbia. reporters never think to ask for data be- MPA’s 2012 Editors Seminar: Skills cause they don’t know what’s available for Today and Tomorrow will be held or they’re intimidated by the prospect from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be of analyzing the data. But many great provided. The registration fee is $50. stories can be told without advanced A registration form is at mopress. database skills. com/current_forms/php. This session focuses on developing Sessions, taught by print and digital local story ideas, finding and obtaining news faculty at the School of Journal- data, and turning it into stories. (Pre- ism, are designed to sharpen the skills senter: David Herzog, creator of Open- of editors and others who work in your David Herzog Joy Mayer Missouri.org) newsroom. • How to use social media platforms Topics: and digital. Headlines are the best read to engage and report. From the biggest • Bringing government stories to content in newspapers, but sometimes newspaper to one-person blogs, news life. Far too many of these stories are they get the least amount of thought organizations need to put engagement told from top-down, the official points and attention. This session will fo- at the heart of their reporting efforts, of view. Many of them have compelling cus on how to write heads for impact and social media enable that effort. human angles, but reporters must learn in print, and how to write heads that This session will teach participants how to identify them and the real people af- will capture search engine traffic on the to create engagement by developing fected by the action. This session will web. (Presenter: Frank Russell) conversations with readers, and how to focus on sourcing and reporting stories • How to find local stories in data. use social media tools to find story ideas to capture the interest of ordinary read- Public records maintained by govern- and sources. (Presenter: Joy Mayer) ers. (Presenter: John Schneller) • Writing better headlines for print Looking for a Complete Combination Solution for Print and Online Now you can get fully-templated, full-color print special sections and companion, ready-to-post online Obituary Special Sections? MicroSite sections from Metro Editorial Services! Lee’s Summit I Ready to sell I Professional, Anna Wempner eye-catching designs I Timely, relevant nna LoRaine Triggs Wempner, 99, editorial content A died Jan. 31, 2012, at John Knox I Extremely Cost Effective! Care Center, Lee’s Summit. Mrs. Wempner was a graduate of View samples and get LaPlata High School. She was married + more information from metrocreativeconnection.com, to Orville Triggs, and they co-owned call Metro Client Services at 1-800-223-1600, and operated The Oak Grove Banner. or send an e-mail to She later married Walter Wempner. Metro Creative Graphics, Inc. [email protected] Survivors include two stepchildren, 1.800.223.1600 three grandsons and eight great-grand- www.metrocreativeconnection.com children.

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 7 Repeal statute allowing ‘non-elections’ By DAVE MOLLER / Louisiana Press-Journal money to be placed on the ballot. We has to pay for. not very well known Missouri law also have no evidence these districts are The prospective candidate could be A with good fiscal intentions but trying to deceive the voters by declaring cajoled to not run, or even threatened potentially terrible political ones has al- no election to the county clerk’s office with the political fallout of causing the lowed five Pike County special districts However, there is a huge and danger- race to occur. to not hold elections this year, and they ous caveat here. We wish the state legislature would will not appear on the ballot. The law allows candidates and offi- repeal the law ... The law allows those districts to save cials to urge others to not run against It also occurs to us that without money by staying off the ballot if there entrenched incumbents in order to save newspapers pointing this out, small are not enough candidates for a true cash-strapped districts money. ... rural districts could go years with the race. Like everyone else, most small It’s not hard to envision a scenario same board members with no elec- government entities are hurting for cash where district officials would place a tions for the public to usher in new and these days, and we’re somewhat glad guilt trip on someone who was plan- younger thoughts. the small districts don’t have to spend ning to file and cause a race the board It can also lead to secret government.

Sources and Resources for Missouri Newspapers

For information about agriculture or issues affecting rural Missouri, contact:

(573) 893-1467

For information about health care, contact: Lizabeth Fleenor Director of Communications Missouri Managing Editor, Missouri Medicine Farm 800-869-6762 Bureau [email protected] • www.msma.org

CenturyLinkTM High-Speed Internet, Entertainment, Voice For CenturyLink information, contact: Greg Gaffke Pamela Anderson CenturyLink North Missouri CenturyLink South Missouri 573.634.1704 417.334.9253 [email protected] [email protected] The Missouri Bar Jefferson City • 573-635-4128 See how we connect at centurylink.com. Find us on Twitter @mobarnews, Services not available in all areas. © 2011 CenturyLink, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The name CenturyLink, the pathways logo, and the CenturyLink brand sub-graphic are trademarks of CenturyLink, Inc. on Facebook.com/MissouriBar

Align with the lower right-hand corner of the page.

Call us for one-order, Advertise on the websites that people go to Missouri Press will get your one-bill newspaper — their local newspapers. Across Missouri, news to all the media in across the country. Call Missouri Press Service. advertising placement. Missouri in a flash! Just call 573.449.4167 573-449-4167 573.449.4167

8 www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 86% of voters read local newspapers RLINGTON, Va.—A new survey the least “annoying” of any medium. of U.S. voters’ media use demon- “Campaigns need look 54% of voters rate local TV political ads A strates the advantages newspaper as “annoying.” Only 18% of voters say media hold in connecting political ad- no further than the same for local newspaper ads. vertisers – election campaigns and issues their local newspaper.” • Among voters who plan to use mo- advocates – with registered voters, the bile devices for campaign and election group most likely to vote. news, 58% plan to turn to newspaper Results of this study confirm results of dium’s digital and mobile platforms, sources. That number rises to 62% similar studies done in the past few years. newspapers have a clear advantage in among the 18-to-34 demographic. The American Voters Media Use Study, reaching and motivating those highly • 91% of voters who contribute to conducted by Moore Information, likely to vote. Campaigns and advocates campaigns read papers in print or online. shows that 86 percent of registered seeking effective advertising to reach Moore Information, which specializes voters read newspapers in print or on- their target audiences need look no fur- in opinion research for political cam- line. Ninety-one percent of voters who ther than the local newspaper.” paigns, ballot measures, corporations, contributed money to a campaign read ey findings of the Moore Informa- nonprofits and government agencies, online or print newspapers. K tion study include: conducted the American Voters Media “Cutting across party affiliations and • 86% of voters who cast ballots in Use Survey for NAA of 2,000 registered age groups, it’s clear that newspapers and the last local election read newspapers voters after the New Hampshire primary their digital platforms provide a superior in print or online, regardless of party. and before the South Carolina primary. medium for advertising that supports • 79% of voters ages 18 to 34 read summary presentation on the Ameri- election campaigns and drives aware- newspapers in print or online. A can Voters Media Use Survey is avail- ness of the issues,” said Caroline Little, • Newspapers and their websites con- able at www.naa.org/political. president and CEO of the Newspaper sistently outscore other media for being NAA is a nonprofit organization head- Association of America. “reliable,” “accurate” and “in-depth” quartered in Arlington, Va., representing “Whether measuring perceptions of about local civic and political issues. nearly 2,000 newspapers in the United trust and reliability or use of the me- • Newspaper political advertising is States and Canada.

AARP Missouri. Brokers Appraisers Consultants Your one-stop source A tradition of service to community newspapers of information for and about people age 50+. If you have been considering a transaction, and would like to achieve a strong market value, we look forward to an initial conversation with AARP Missouri has more than 805,000 members you. We represent a tradition of serving our clients’ best interests and the best interests of each community our clients serve. statewide. AARP has almost 40 million nationwide. People age 50 and older and their families look to us for advocacy, service and information. If you need to know more about this group, we’re here to help.

AARP Missouri 700 W. 47th St., Ste. 110 Kansas City, MO 64112 Call toll-free, 1-866-389-5627. THOMAS C. BOLITHO EDWARD M. ANDERSON P.O. BOX 849 P.O. Box 2001 ADA, OK 74821 BRANSON, MO 65616 For more information, contact AARP Missouri’s Associate (580) 421-9600 (417) 336-3457 [email protected] [email protected] State Director for Public Affairs, Anita K. Parran, nationalmediasales.com at 816-360-2202 or [email protected]. EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE INTEGRITY

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 9 Larry Freels Shelbina native worked at newspapers in several retires after communities before joining American Publishing and moving to Kirksville in 1990 nearly 50 and loyalty to each other, to their fam- Freels enlisted in the Army in 1967 ily, to the newspaper and to the com- and spent 13 months as a combat medic years with munity,” said Judy Tritz, Daily Express in Vietnam. He returned in 1969 and editor from 1990 to 2003. was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. Missouri George Wriedt is now the His wife had taken a job at general manager of the Daily the Gateway Guide in nearby Express. He said that when he Waynesville. newspapers started working in sales at the He soon found himself newspaper in 1993 he knew working at the paper when he or nearly 22 years Larry Freels nothing about the business. got off duty at the fort. The oversaw the production of news That quickly changed, he couple remained at the Guide Fat the Kirksville Daily Express. He said, and he learned this was when Freels left the service in directed news staffs, composition em- more than a job. the summer of 1970. He be- ployees, pressmen, sales representatives “Larry told me the news- came general manager in 1974 and more. paper is not your job ... it’s Larry Freels and the paper converted to a Freels guided the Daily Express your life,” Wriedt said. daily. through the transition from its long- Freels, a native of Shelbina, attended Freels left newspapers from 1985- time ownership by the Swain family to Clarence High School and began work- 1990 and worked in retail management the American Publishing Co. in 1990. ing part-time at the Clarence Courier, before taking a job with American Now, the Daily Express is undergoing a weekly newspaper, as a sophomore. Publishing Co. in March 1990, a few another transition as Freels retired Jan. He graduated in 1960 and received a months before the company purchased 31 after almost 50 years in the newspa- scholarship from the Missouri Press the Daily Express. The Freels moved to per business. Association to attend the University of Kirksville that August. Carol Ann Freels, his wife and long- Missouri Linotype School. At Freels’ request the Daily Express time business manager at the Daily Ex- When he finished, Freels split his kept his departure low key. press, died Jan. 23 after a lengthy battle time between work at the Courier and Rod Dixon, GateHouse Media’s with cancer. They worked alongside Shelbina Democrat before taking on group publisher for the papers in each other at the paper for 22 years. full-time duties at the Democrat. He Chillicothe, Brookfield, Moberly and “I was saddened by Larry’s decision then worked at the Monroe City News Macon, now is also the publisher of to retire and his wife’s recent passing, before returning to the Democrat, the Daily Express. (From a Daily Express but I celebrate their contributions to where he met and married Carol Ann story by managing editor Jason Hun- Kirksville, especially their dedication Purdy of Shelbina. sicker.) Lee refinances debt, emerges from bankruptcy federal judge in Lee Enterprises’ ments with 97 percent of its creditors to bankruptcy case confirmed the St. Louis Post-Dispatch refinance its debt. Unanimous approval A newspaper publisher’s reorgani- was necessary for the refinancing, so Lee zation plan, and Lee exited bankruptcy filed its voluntary bankruptcy petition, on Jan. 30. owner still owes predicting it would exit bankruptcy in Lee, based in Davenport, Iowa, owns about $1 billion 60 days or less. the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and 47 other Unlike most companies in bankrupt- daily newspapers. It filed for Chapter cy, Lee shed no debt. Rather, it will pay 11 bankruptcy on Dec. 12 in an effort tion of Pulitzer Inc. for $1.46 billion, higher interest on all of the money it to refinance about $1 billion in debt. which included the Post-Dispatch and owes, with rates jumping from 5.1 per- Lee, one of the nation’s largest news- 13 smaller daily papers nationwide. An cent to 9.2 percent. paper chains, struggled last year to re- effort by Lee to issue junk bonds last In approving Lee’s reorganization finance its massive debt load before a spring failed. plan, Judge Kevin Gross said lenders maturity date in April. Much of that When it filed its pre-packaged bank- overwhelmingly approved of the new debt came from Lee’s 2005 acquisi- ruptcy, Lee said it had secured agree- terms. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

10 www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 Joining Dakin and Walker in the Licking office is intern Skyler Huff, a senior at Licking High School. On• Minneapolis the — Move Randy Picht, Lake Ozark, has newspaper product manager for The joined Lake Me- • Perryville — Reporter Amanda Associated Press, has been named chief dia as the group Keefe, 23, St. Louis, has joined the staff of bureau for a new Midwest territory advertising direc- of the Perry County that includes Minnesota, Nebraska, tor. She oversees Republic-Monitor. North Dakota and South Dakota. He the sales and mar- Keefe, a jour- is based in Minneapolis. keting of all Lake nalism graduate of Picht, 52, began his AP career in Al- Media newspapers, Webster University, bany, N.Y., in 1983 and worked in bu- magazines and on- was the editor of reaus in Rochester, N.Y., St. Louis, and line products: Lake the university paper Kansas City, before transferring to New Melissa Carroll Sun, Lake Lifestyles, for more than two York as business news editor in 1997. Focus, Westside Star, Weekly Standard, years. She attended In 2003, Picht was named to lead Vacation News, LakeNewsOnline.com, St. Louis Commu- Capitolwire, an Internet start-up busi- TheLakeOnline.com and a number of nity College-Mera- ness purchased by the AP. He was ap- other specialty publications. mec before attend- Amanda Keefe pointed chief of bureau for Missouri Carroll is a 1992 graduate of Ful- ing Webster. and Kansas in 2005 before taking on a ton High School and a 2003 business Nicole Richar- series of special assignments for the AP administration graduate of Columbia det, 23, has joined beginning in 2008. College. She previously worked for LO the Republic-Mon- PROFILE magazine and Lake Printing. itor as an ad rep. • Warrenton — Debbie Hinrichs She’s a native of Per- has joined The Warren County Record • Jefferson City — Wes Duplan- ryville and a 2011 as its Record In tier, who has worked for several mid- communications Education spon- Missouri news outlets, The Associated graduate of South- sorship coordina- Press among them, has returned to his east Missouri State tor. She will raise role as a state government reporter with University in Cape Nicole Richardet funds to support the AP for the 2012 legislative session. Girardeau. the newspaper’s Duplantier, 21, an English major at Richardet and her fiancé live in Bie- literacy programs, the University of Missouri, originally hle. They are planning a May wedding. which include the joined the AP in Jefferson City to help weekly delivery of cover the 2011 session. He is a native • Eldon — Eldon native David Ver- 1,598 papers to 81 of Palo Alto, Calif., and has worked for non has joined the ad sales staff of the Debbie Hinrichs teachers in nine area the Jefferson City News Tribune, Mis- Advertiser and the Miller County Auto- schools. souri Life magazine, The Mexico Ledger gram in Tuscumbia. Hinrichs, of Marthasville, retired in and The Sedalia Democrat. For nine years Vernon worked for September as the circuit manager for the state as a victims services special- the Missouri Social Services Children’s • Joplin — Kobie ist, acting as liaison between victims of Division in the 45th Judicial Circuit Langford has been felony crimes and the state. representing Lincoln and Pike coun- hired by the Joplin Vernon, a distant relative of the Ver- ties. She held that position since 2003. Tri-State Business non family that owns the papers, has Before that she was the Warren County Journal as an ad two daughters and two stepsons. His director for the Children’s Division for rep. He previously wife’s name is Allie. two years. worked at Lakeland Office Systems. • St. Louis — Jennifer Wood has • Ash Grove — Gail Smith, a vet- been named publisher of the Suburban eran of southwest Missouri weekly Kobie Langford • Licking — Journals of Greater St. Louis, replacing- newspapers, has joined the staff of the Debbie Dakin has Dave Bundy, the new editor of the Lin- Ash Grove Commonwealth and Willard been named managing editor of The coln Journal Star in Nebraska. Cross Country Times. Mrs. Smith and Licking News. She has worked for the Wood has served as senior vice presi- her husband, the late Jimmie A. Smith, newspaper for 8-1/2 years and replaced dent of advertising at the St. Louis Post- who died in spring 2011, published Angela Barnes, editor for the past six Dispatch since 2010. weeklies in Republic and Willard for years, who planned to move away. The Suburban Journals and the St. many years. Durga Walker, who had been work- Louis Post-Dispatch are owned by Dav- ing part time, now works full time as a enport, Iowa-based Lee Enterprises. • Camdenton — Melissa Carroll, news and feature writer.

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 11 Springfield center will close Nevada Daily Mail he United States Postal Service said in a news release Feb. 23 that using yard signs Tlater this year it will move mail processing operations in Springfield to Kansas City. to promote itself “Consolidating operations is necessary if the Postal Service is to re- ard signs are nothing new, except main viable to provide mail service to the nation,” said Chief Operating when used like this. Officer Megan Brennan. Y “Spreading the news about what’s Consolidation with a facility 180 miles away could end next-day going on in your cormmunity is what delivery of first-class mail and timely delivery of newspapers. we’re all about,” Sending mail to Kansas City and then trucking it back could mean Nevada Daily Mail publisher Julie Simpson wrote. “So ... two- or three-day delivery, regional postal manager Gail Hendrix said we’ll be spreading the news in a whole during a session in Springfield a few weeks ago. new way. We’ve found a way to get the No changes to the Springfield Post Office Retail unit or the Business word out about your local newspaper Mail Entry unit are planned at present, the news release said. and to say thank you to some of our Along with wanting Congress to relax pension rules, the postal service loyal subscribers at the same time.” wants approval of five-day service and other economizing measures, such “Yard signs will be popping up in as consolidation. town that say, ‘1 (heart) NDM.’ Gra- cious subscribers have given the Daily Mail permission to put up the signs, and the newspaper is thanking them with a free, two-week extension on MPA members just want their subscriptions. Plus, some of their neighbors will be getting issues of the papers delivered on time Daily Mail absolutely free in their mail- boxes for two weeks,” Simpson wrote. ost MPA members who responded and accurate delivery of newspapers, “Local newspapers are a cornerstone Mto an email survey about the Postal six-day delivery and keeping processing of community support, and in many Service prefer that the association “ad- centers open would not be issues. cases the only regular and constant vocate for USPS commitment to timely That seems to sum up the thinking source for the local news. and accurate delivery of newspapers.” of most who responded to the survey. “The effort, too, helps to promote That was the top priority for 25 of They are concerned about results more literacy in the community and is a big the 39 responses to the early-February than the process. thank-you to readers of all ages for their survey (see the chart). Regarding the question about six-day, support. As Daily Mail marketing di- Missouri Press surveyed its members Monday-Saturday delivery, one person rector Marcia Lawrence was placing with similar questions several weeks noted that if delivery falls to five days a some of the signs, a group of children earlier. Responses to that survey were week, mail delivery on Monday should ran up to her, pleased that they and reviewed by the MPA board of directors be dropped rather than Saturday. We al- their families were being recognized. at its meeting on Feb. 8 in Jefferson City. ready get no mail on the many Monday “It’s a fun way thank everyone, and Board members requested the second holidays in the calendar. to remind our readers of the great value survey combining some of the questions The same person suggested closing the Daily Mail has been for all these from the first to provide a clearer picture small post offices to save money and years,” said Mail editor Lynn A. Wade. of members’ priorities. contracting with local businesses to “You get feature stories about inter- A number of people who responded handle that mail (this is being consid- esting things you never knew about included “additional thoughts” along ered by the Postal Service). people in this area, school news, sports, with their priority rankings. The results of the survey and all of the records like births, deaths, and police One person noted that with timely comments are on mopress.com. reports, government news, comics, life- style news, puzzles, special coverage of timely topics from time to time, plus Hiker/biker, sports fan blog in Kirksville information you need to know about he Kirksville Daily Express recently The other writes about local, college sales, specials and other offers from lo- Tlaunched its Community Blog sec- and professional sports. cal businesses. It’s all delivered to your tion with two local writers sharing their Readers were invited to follow the mailbox, five times a week.” thoughts. blogs, contribute their comments and The signs and free sampling moved One of the bloggers writes about become bloggers themselves. into other areas of the community. (Ne- biking and hiking around Kirksville. vada Daily Mail)

12 www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 • Harrisonville — The Cass County Democrat-Missourian received a first- Scrapbook place McClatchy President’s Award • Washington — The Missourian Telegraph and Bill Miller Jr., general in photography in February. The Lee’s has partnered with Legacy, a provider manager of The Washington Missourian. Summit Journal won an honorable of online obituaries for the newspaper mention in photography. industry. It adds features to the obitu- • Hannibal — The Courier-Post The awards, in McClatchy’s com- ary and death notices section at emis- joined with the Retired Senior Volun- munity newspaper division, recognize sourian.com. teer Program and Kids in Motion — the best journalism at the company’s Paid obituaries now can have photos, both branches of Douglass Community non-daily papers. They were among 10 readers can sign an online guestbook, Services — in sponsoring the Backpack awards presented. and they can search for obituaries by Program at Hannibal Middle School. Stephanie Yeagle’s photograph of two name or location. The program provides food and football players in a moment of despair other essentials for children from needy as their team lost in overtime won the • Piedmont — The Wayne County families to take home from school each first-place honor. Journal-Banner on Feb. 23 published weekend. Julie Scheidegger’s photo of a woman a section titled “Think Local, Buy Lo- observing the 10th anniversary of 9/11 cal.” It contained interviews with may- • Marshfield —The Marshfield Mail received the honorable mention award. ors and civic leaders from Piedmont, introduced digital subscriptions on Greenville, Patterson, Williamsville, Feb. 8. Home delivery subscribers of • Seneca — The News Dispatch has Mill Spring, Des Arc and Annapolis. the print paper can receive the digital scheduled forums in March for those They talked about what new projects edition at a substantially reduced rate seeking positions on the Seneca school are in the works and their thoughts and and full access to the paper’s website. board and the Seneca city council. ideas on what the year will hold for their towns and Wayne County. Feature stories about the communities, their history and claims to fame, were included in the section, along with man-on-the- street interviews. The paper asked readers to submit their ideas about their communities’ claims to fame and what made them hese individuals and organizations made recent contributions to Mis- unique. Tsouri Press Foundation. Donations to the Foundation are wonderful The section kicked off a year-long tributes to Missouri newspaper people, and they support programs that campaign by the paper to remind read- advance the newspaper industry in Missouri. ers to shop locally. To make a donation with a credit card, call (573) 449-4167, or send checks to Missouri Press Foundation, 802 Locust St., Columbia, MO 65201. • Lexington — Kansas City Star col- umnist Charles W. Gusewelle was the Missouri Press Foundation guest speaker at the Kids First Educa- Times Tribune, Grant City tion Foundation of Wellington-Napo- leon School District’s seventh annual Warren County Record Newspaper in Education Program Foundation Banquet in February. Harris Automotive & Tire, Wentzville Funds raised by the foundation assist American Bank of Missouri, Wright City in classroom instruction, academic and industrial scholarships in the district. Republic Monitor Newspaper in Education Program Vance Chiropractic Clinic, Inc., Republic • Webster Groves — Webster-Kirk- wood Times editor-in-chief Don Corri- gan took to the airwaves Jan. 12 as part St. Louis Post-Dispatch Newspaper in Education Program of a panel discussion on community The Missouri Valley Conference, St. Louis journalism and the role of community Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis newspapers in the digital age. St. Louis On the Air host Don Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame Marsh of 90.7 KWMU welcomed to Mr. and Mrs. William L. Miller, Sr., Washington his studio for the discussion Corrigan and journalists Jill Moon of The Alton

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 13 of its Bootheel Beacon shopper in Ca- ruthersville, Hayti and the area. The Democrat Argus also moved up Circuit judge suspended sentence, closed file its production schedule to allow for Wednesday delivery to subscribers.

• Washington — The Missourian’s website, emissourian.com, now has a calendar where registered users of the website can post their events.

• Alma — The Santa Fe Times has moved to 103rd St., Suite A, in Alma.

• Park Hills — The Park Hills-Lead- ington Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet ended with the presentation of the Daily Journal’s Citizen of the Year Award to Park Hills Fire Chief Jackie Wagganer. Fair raises money for Friday Backpacks Daily Journal publisher Gary Ber- Representatives from a local florist serve cupcakes to visitors at the 18th annual Leader blinger presented the award during the Wedding Fair on Jan. 29. Sponsored by Leader Publications in Jefferson County, the fair banquet in Leadington. attracted nearly 70 vendors and more than 1,000 guests. It brought in $2,265 for Friday Backpacks, a countywide program that provides food for needy school children to take • Columbia — Daily Tribune man- home for the weekend. To help promote the Wedding Fair, Leader Publications produced a aging editor Jim Robertson moderated special section, inserted in the Arnold-Imperial Leader and the Jefferson County Leader, with advertisements from vendors and news stories about the event and wedding planning. a discussion recently on Columbia Ac- Readers submitted stories about the most romantic things their partners ever did. Stories cess Television about the Missouri ini- and photos were included in the special section, and those who participated had a chance to tiative petition process. win $200 in a drawing. Photos from the Wedding Fair can be viewed at myleaderpaper.com. The League of Women Voters pro- (Leader Publications photo) gram “Petitions: Citizen Democracy or a Tool for Rich People and Out of State The school board forum will be • Joplin — Dave Woods, market Groups?” aired a number of times. It March 12 at the board of education of- development manager for The Joplin can be viewed at columbiaaccess.tv. fice. City council candidates will talk Globe and its website, attended the Panelists were Rep. Chris Kelly, D- about issues on March 19 in City Hall. Maynard Institute for Journalism Edu- Columbia; Ryan Hobart, communica- Publisher Jimmy Sexton will moder- cation’s Media Academy in January and tions director with the Missouri Sec- ate both forums. will return for another session in March retary of State’s Office; and University at Harvard University. of Missouri political science professor • Tuscumbia — The Miller County The program, conducted in partner- Marvin Overby. Autogram-Sentinel and other Vernon ship with the Neiman Foundation at Publishing Co. papers held a Valen- Harvard, helps journalism and media • St. Joseph — A News-Press & tine’s Day contest with area advertisers. managers achieve success in all depart- Gazette Co. television station in Palm Readers wrote their names and phone ments, including editorial, sales and Desert, Calif., has purchased a compet- numbers on special heart advertise- marketing, and product development. ing station in nearby Thousand Palms, ments in the paper and dropped them In 2008 and 2010, Woods was one of Calif. in boxes at participating businesses. 20 editors chosen for Knight Center for David Bradley, chairman and CEO Each business held a drawing, and Digital Media fellowships at the Uni- of News-Press & Gazette, said the Palm one person won the grand prize of a versity of California, Berkeley. In 2009 Desert operation likely would move to night’s lodging at Tan-Tar-A Resort in he was selected to attend the Maynard the facility in Thousand Palms. About Osage Beach. Institute’s Multimedia Program for Edi- 30 people were laid off. tors at the University of Nevada-Reno. The purchase gives NP&G station • Butler — Eddie Herrman on Jan. Woods became The Globe’s first inter- affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox, CW and 13 retired his “Herrman’s Historical net editor in 2005. Telemundo in that market. Happenings” column from the News Xpress after 27 years. He had written the • Caruthersville — Early in Febru- • Springfield — As it converted to column since just after the newspaper ary, the Democrat Argus switched from a new computer system in January, the started in October 1984. carriers to third class mail for delivery News-Leader began phasing in a larger

14 www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 type size for its news stories, from 9 The first 12 stories read on the web- to their liking, and will see the value of point to 9.5 point. site every 30 days are free. After that, getting the full story in the Linn County readers are asked to subscribe. Print Leader and on our website, linncoun- • Wellsville — The Optic News in subscribers are asked to pay $1.25 a tyleader.com.” January began publishing old photos month, non-subscribers $2.25. from its archives. Readers are asked to Digital subscribers also have access • Cape Girardeau — The South- help identify the people or activity in to the e-edition and the mobile version east Missourian has dropped its $2.95 the photos if the archive does not pro- for their smartphones. monthly fee for subscribers to the vide that information. printed paper to get unlimited access Readers were invited to stop by the • Eldon — The Eldon Advertiser and to semissourian.com. Non-subscribers newspaper office and get the photos. other Vernon Publishing Co. papers pay $7.95 a month for total access. have resumed running television list- Subscribers to the printed paper also • Cameron — Cameron Newspapers ings, which were pulled earlier because now receive free access to the Southeast and a local radio station will hold a fo- of the cost. Missourian’s content through mobile rum on March 30 for the public and The papers reported that several area applications. the four candidates for Cameron city businesses responded to the readers’ council. Voters were invited to submit desire to have the listings in the papers • Eldon — Vernon Publishing Co. written questions to be asked. and are supporting them through ad- newspapers offered candidates in their vertising in the papers. communities free announcements of • Boonville — GateHouse Media, their candidacy, up to a 250-word limit. the owner of the Daily News, has placed • Brookfield — The Linn County Papers in Eldon, Tuscumbia, Stover, the newspaper building at 412 High Leader and a local radio station have Tipton and Versailles asked candidates Street and other local properties up for started a news sharing agreement. to submit biographical information and sale. The newspaper reported that it no Listeners to Mike in the Morning on statements about why they were run- longer needs all of the space. KDWD will now hear the My County ning, along with photos of themselves. 99.1/Linn County Leader Newsroom “This will be the last opportunity • St. Louis — Judge Nathan B. where they will get glimpses into the for free election exposure prior to the Young, a Yale Law School graduate and most recent editions of the Linn County April election,” the papers wrote. “The co-founder of the St. Louis American, Leader. candidate will be responsible for promot- practiced law in St. Louis for nearly 40 Dustin Watson, Leader sports editor, ing his or her campaign further through years. He also produced many paint- said, “We feel that the radio audience print advertising.” ings that chronicled the changes and will find our news and sports coverage development of the American experience for African Americans. Some of Young’s paintings are featured in “Spirit and History,” an ex- hibit running through March 4 at the Lebanon paper sued over Saint Louis University Museum of Art.

• Monroe City — The Lake Gazette reporting of police dispute has a new website — lakegazette.net — he Lebanon Daily Record has been the defendants knew or should have that loads faster than the old site and Tadded as a defendant in a civil suit known the statements were false, and streamlines navigation. It includes a involving a dispatcher from the Lebanon that they publicized the false statements new Community Calendar with easy Police Department who claims that with malicious intent. uploading for the public. the publication damaged her with its The Daily Record stands behind its reporting. reporting, editor Julie Turner-Crawford • Slater — The Main Street News The dispatcher is asking for more said. sponsored a Valentine’s Day Free Meals than $25,000 per count in a two-count During its reporting of the incident for Sweethearts drawing. Local busi- suit that alleges her former supervisor involving the dispatcher, the Daily Re- nesses offered free meals for two, and with the Lebanon Police Department cord upheld its policy of not releasing everyone was invited to stop in the and the Daily Record intentionally the names of those not charged with newspaper office to enter the drawings. made false claims about her. a crime, and did not name the person The plaintiff claims she has suffered until she filed suit against her former • Houston — The Herald has a new severe emotional and social problems as supervisor, Turner-Crawford said. metered model for its website, provid- a result of the claims. Once that suit was filed in Laclede ing free access for subscribers to its 62- She also alleges that the Daily Record County Circuit Court, it became an year digital archives and a new electron- knowingly and intentionally published open record, she said. (From the Leba- ic edition with the look of a newspaper. false and misleading statements, that non Daily Record)

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 15 Newspaper In Education Report with The Missouri Bar on a four-part series teaching about the Civil War Amendments – the 13th, 14th and 15th. So far, 39 newspapers have used this se- More than 1200 downloads ries, and we anticipate it will be popular again this fall. of our recent youth features The final feature included in the 1,200 downloads we tracked for this column was our serial story, “Patriotic Watch for new projects coming in spring Pals, Tails of the Civil War.” This nine- ut of the hundreds of features/ can Civil War.” To date, 381 newspa- part series was offered to Missouri news- series that are downloaded from pers from Missouri and beyond have papers through our annual Reading Owww.mo-nie.com each year, downloaded the 10-part series. Across Missouri project and to news- more than 1,200 newspaper log-ins have We provided 10 companion edu- papers nationwide through a Reading been recorded in the past 11 months cational pages that newspapers could Across the Na- accessing six youth series post on their websites, tion project with we created in the past year. but many have chosen the National You can still That’s amazing traffic to publish those in the Newspaper Asso- and shows just how en- newspaper as well. The ciation. download for gaged community news- commemoration will last All newspa- papers continue to be through 2015, but the pers have six free our most with young readers. And story of the Civil War months to pub- popular it illustrates how Mis- will always be important, lish this story at souri Press continues to so we anticipate interest no cost. So far, feature ever, meet our goal of creating in this series to continue. 119 Missouri quality content to help In September, MPA newspapers have “Patriotic newspapers of all sizes and The Missouri Bar downloaded the reach young readers. produced another impor- story using our Pals, Tails Last spring we released tant feature highlighting code: readmo12. of the The Lost Ladybug se- the Constitution. Sept. Newspapers from ries in partnership with Dawn Kitchell is MPA’s NIE 17 is Constitution Day, 42 other states Civil War.” Cornell University. Two director. Contact her at a day public schools are, — 262 so far — (636) 932-4301; dawn.kitch- features told the story of [email protected]. by law, supposed to teach have downloaded the near demise of sev- students about the Con- the files using the NNA code: nnaread. eral domestic ladybugs and encouraged stitution. Our feature compared the This is by far our most popular serial readers to become citizen scientists and Missouri Constitution to the United story to date. photograph local ladybugs. States Constitution. These facts and figures don’t include The series was time sensitive through choolteachers told us there was a lack our 32 other serials or hundreds of October in our region, and during that Sof material about our state Constitu- other features that are accessed through period 109 newspapers downloaded the tion. We now have an archive of four our online archive daily. It’s rewarding features. A recent story in USA Today different features newspapers can use to see the service we provide to com- shared the success of The Lost Ladybug in September to help educate readers of munity newspapers nationwide and to Project — they’ve received more than all ages on our nation’s founding docu- know the role we have and continue 13,000 photographs! ment. 49 newspapers pulled features to play in helping newspapers connect I’m certain our efforts contributed from that archive in the past year. with readers, young and older, in their to that success. And thanks to a mild Just in time for Veteran’s Day, we communities. winter, this spring may be optimal for published a feature on U.S. Flag Eti- hree new projects are in production ladybug locating, and more newspapers quette created with funding from The Tand will be released this spring! may take advantage of this terrific sci- Missouri Bar. In just three weeks, 267 “Windows to the Past” is a new eight- ence series. newspapers downloaded the feature! chapter serial story that commemorates he sesquicentennial of the Civil War More than 150 were Missouri newspa- the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, Tis under way, and our features tied pers, and the rest were from 19 other a six-part gardening series is being cre- to the war have been hugely popular with states, including 32 papers in Indiana, ated in partnership with University of newspapers across the country. We’ve 27 in New York and 15 in Colorado. Missouri Extension, and a feature tied produced three different projects. This feature should continue to be to the anniversary of the Joplin tornado In April 2011 we released a revised popular in November, but also in June will be released before May 22. Watch version of a series created by The Joplin for Flag Day. mopress.com, email updates and our Globe, “A Nation Divided: The Ameri- In November MPA again partnered MPA publications for details.

16 www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 Study shows work needed at museum in Arrow Rock he building in Arrow Rock that Thouses the Missouri Press Founda- tion’s Print Shop Museum needs work, a study has shown. In February 2011, Jeffris Heart- land Fund, administered by the Na- tional Trust for Historic Preservation, awarded the Friends of Arrow Rock a $25,000 matching grant to fund His- toric Structure Reports for five th19 - century properties. The grant was matched by a $25,000 gift from the William T. Kemper Foun- dation, Commerce Bank Trustee, and gifts from the Board of Governors of the Miller Gift and proceeds from the Friends of Arrow Rock’s 50th Anniver- Weatherbird has ‘birdday’ party sary Capital Campaign. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch held a “birdday” party on Feb. 9 at 4 Hands Brewing Co. for the Weatherbird. The oldest continuously published cartoon in American journalism turned 111 The study, which has just been com- early in February. Weatherbird artist Dan Martin, the fourth artist for the daily page 1 cartoon, pleted, reveals $319,000 of high priori- was at the party drawing Birds and signing autographs. Some sweet treats served at the party ty needs for the John P. Sites House and featured Weatherbird, too (below right). The Post-Dispatch posted photos from the party and Gun Shop, the Masonic Lodge Hall, historical information and old versions of Weatherbird. The birdday party photos were taken the I.O.O.F. Lodge Hall, which houses by Gary Hairlson, the Post-Dispatch’s video editor. the Print Shop Museum, and the Miller Bradford House. “These five buildings have an average age of about 160 years, so it is not sur- prising that they all need definitive res- toration and preservation work,” said Friends of Arrow Rock president Tom Hall. “We have never had this depth of analysis on any of our buildings before. We now know exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost to do it. We are indebted to the National Trust and the Jeffris Foundation for provid- ing the impetus for such vital reports.” Founded in 1959, the Friends of Ar- row Rock owns or leases 13 historic Letter properties in the National Historic lic notices. An important point to always Landmark Village of Arrow Rock, pro- ‘People are crooks if make: If it’s printed black on white in ink viding tours, lectures, children’s educa- on paper, it is a more permanent record. tional programs and publications. This they want to hide An item on the internet is here today and year, Arrow Rock celebrates 100 years public notices’ online gone tomorrow. of historic preservation dating back People are crooks if they want to hide to the first group who met in 1912 to i (Missouri Press). public notices in a medium which is form a local chapter of the National H I like your magazine. Bill Bray gone when the lights are out. Old Trails Road Association. and I always argued that he should be MAINTAIN, Ben Blackstock Through the years the Missouri Press sending out a tabloid. He wasn’t in the (Ben Blackstock is a former longtime Foundation has helped the Friends of magazine business. Well, you know how executive director of the Oklahoma Arrow maintain the I.O.O.F. Lodge stubborn he was. Press Association and close friend of Hall and Print Shop building. On the back page of your (February) the late Bill Bray, former MPA executive issue is a good plug for government pub- director.)

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 17 Development authorities Call me for a sample of a Terms of Use statement for people who should do business openly comment on your website. Minor statute change makes them ‘public’ this analysis by their attorneys. They ecently, a reporter called to be of major significance in determining are spending public funds and this may discuss in detail whether the whether the court’s holding in Champ be what you need to get access to their R local Industrial Development still applies. budget and meeting notices or minutes. Authority was subject to the sunshine Before 1998 the definition section n another note, I don’t want to law. It’s something he and I have been of the law spoke specifically of “legis- Ospend an entire column on the discussing for some time, lative or administrative subject of Terms of Use for your websites, and I thought perhaps that governmental entities.” but if you don’t have such a document some of you may be hav- The term “administra- for those who are commenting on your ing the same issue. tive governmental entity” newspaper websites, I’d be happy to Industrial Develop- was the phrase that was supply several samples to you. As we ment Authorities, gen- the underpinning of the discussed at regional press association erally known as IDAs, holding in Champ. To- meetings last year, I believe it’s impor- are created by statute in day, the law specifically tant for those who are commenting on Missouri. Chapter 349, is defined as applying to your websites to do some kind of “click- Section 349.012, provides “legislative, administrative through” acknowledgment of having for the creation of corpo- OR governmental enti- reviewed and accepted your terms of use rations “to promote com- ties” created by statute. before they can comment, in order to mercial and industrial de- Therefore, is an IDA an protect the newspaper from subpoenas velopment and, in order to “administrative entity ... and for intellectual property reasons. achieve such promotion, Jean Maneke, MPA’s Legal created by statute” under If you want to see some samples, to engage in any activities, Hotline attorney, can be the terms of the sunshine contact me and I’ll be happy to supply either on its own or in con- reached at (816) 753-9000, law as it exists today? them. I am sure there are many others junction and by contract [email protected]. Back when Champ was that are excellent, but they will give you with any not-for-profit decided, the court talked some idea of what you might want to organization, which it deems necessary about it not being able to tax, formulate use if you are thinking about this issue. to carry on such promotional work.” governmental policy or promulgate As detailed in the statutes, the orga- rules. But the court also noted that its nizations have the power to issue bonds purpose benefitted the public. And the without voter approval, loan proceeds of court specifically noted in Champ that the bonds for the purchase and construc- if the legislature wanted non-governing tion of development projects, lease or entities to be included in the sunshine sell property and collect rents and fees law, it would have struck the term “gov- for their services. ernmental” from the definition. nd the issue of whether these entities Well, it seems that is exactly what the A are governed by the sunshine law legislature did in 1998 when it amended was discussed specifically in the case of this definition of public governmental Champ v. Poelker, a 1988 case that was bodies. And in that one slight change, I heard in the Court of Appeals for the believe the legislature may have wiped Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis. out the underpinnings of the Champ In that case, the court held that the IDA case law holding as far as it relates to was NOT a public governmental body as Industrial Development Authorities be- that term was defined in the definitions ing subject to the sunshine law. section of the sunshine law in Section After all, clearly these are entities that 610.010 in 1988. handle public funds and most voters per- However, what is critical to the full ceive as being public bodies. Therefore, understanding of this issue is that the while I can’t say that there is existing case definition of a “public governmental law supporting my point, I do think I’m body” that the court in Champ relied right about this issue. on was amended in 1998 in House Bill If your IDA claims it is not subject 1095. It was a minor change, but might to the sunshine law, ask them to run

18 www.mopress.com Missouri Press News, March 2012 Missouri Newspaper Organizations NORTHWEST MISSOURI PRESS ASSOCIATION: President, Matt Daugherty, Smithville/ CALENDAR Kearney/Libertyv; Vice President, Phil Cobb, Maryville; Secretary, Kathy Conger, Bethany; March Treasurer, W.C. Farmer, Rock Port. Directors: Past President Jim Fall, Maryville; Dennis Ellsworth, St. Joseph; Jim McPherson, Weston; Chuck Haney, Chillicothe; Adam Johnson, Mound City; Steve Tinnen, Plattsburg; Kay Wilson, Maryville; Steve Booher, St. Joseph; 8-9 — NNA “We Believe in News- D’Anna Balliett, Cameron. papers” Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C. (formerly GAC) SHOW-ME PRESS ASSOCIATION: President, David Eales, Paris; Vice President, Jeff Grimes, Centralia; Secretary-Treasurer, Sandy Nelson, News-Press & Gazette Co. 9 — Missouri Press Foundation / Directors: Dennis Warden, Owensville; Stacy Rice, Drexel; Past President/Director, Linda Reynolds Journalism Institute Geist, Monroe City. news skills workshop, Columbia

OZARK PRESS ASSOCIATION: President, Keith Moore, Ava; Vice President, Whitney 11-17 — National Sunshine Week Anderson, Crane; Secretary-Treasurer, Dala Whittaker, Cabool. Directors: Roger Dillon, Eminence; Brad Gentry, Houston; Jeff Schrag, Springfield; Chris Case, Cuba; Tianna 15 — Missouri Sunshine Coalition Brooks, Mountain View; Sharon Vaughn, Summersville. program celebrating Sunshine Week, 5-6:30 p.m., RJI, Columbia SOUTHEAST MISSOURI PRESS ASSOCIATION: President, Betty Watkins, Dexter; First Vice President, Amanda Layton, Perryville; Second Vice President, Donna Denson, Cape 15 — MPA Political Advertising Girardeau; Secretary-Treasurer, Michelle Friedrich, Poplar Bluff; Executive Secretary, Ann Workshop, 9-11 a.m., Bethany Hayes, Southeast Missouri State University; Historian, Peggy Scott, Festus. Directors: Chamber of Commerce Gera LeGrand, Cape Girardeau; Kim Combs, Piedmont; H. Scott Seal, Portageville; Kate Martin, Perryville; Deanna Nelson, Sikeston; Ed Thomason, New Madrid. April DEMOCRATIC EDITORS OF MISSOURI: President, Richard Fredrick, Paris; First Vice President, Bob Cunningham, Moberly; Secretary, Beth McPherson, Weston; Treasurer, 12-13 — Ozark Press Association Linda Geist, Monroe City. meeting, Branson

MISSOURI CIRCULATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION: President, Brenda Carney, 19-20 — Missouri Advertising Harrisonville; First Vice President, Jack Kaminsky, Joplin; Second Vice President, Steve Managers’ annual meeting, Edwards, St. Joseph; Secretary, David Pine, Kansas City; Treasurer, Doug Crews, Columbia. Courtyard by Marriott, Columbia Directors: Jim Kennedy, Bolivar; Ken Carpenter, Kansas City; Rob Siebeneck, Jefferson City. 26 — Missouri Press Foundation board MISSOURI ADVERTISING MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION: President, Dennis Warden, meeting, Columbia Owensville; First Vice President, Jane Haslag, Jefferson City; Second Vice President, Jana Todd, Warrenton; Secretary, Jeanine York, Washington; Treasurer, Kristie Williams, 26 — MPA Past Presidents and Spouses Columbia. Directors: Suzie Wilson, Milan; Bruce Wallace, Ashland; Brian Rice, Excelsior Dinner, Columbia Springs; Lisa Miller, Camdenton; Kevin Jones, St. Louis. Past President, Stacy Rice, Drexel. May MISSOURI ASSOCIATED DAILIES: President, Joe May, Mexico; Vice President, vacant; Secretary, Shelly Arth, Marshall; Treasurer, Doug Crews, Columbia; Past President, Larry 3 — Premiere of MPA film “Deadline Freels, Kirksville. Directors: Jack Whitaker, Hannibal; Arnie Robbins, St. Louis; Dan Potter, In Disaster” about The Joplin Globe’s Columbia. response to the May 22 tornado, MISSOURI PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATORS: President, Colene McEntee, St. Missouri Theater, Columbia Charles; President-Elect, vacant; Secretary, Peggy Koch, Barnhart; Treasurer, Roxanne Miller, Ballwin; Public Relations Officer, Suzanne Corbett, St. Louis; Membership Officer, 24 — Showing of “Deadline In Linda Briggs-Harty, St. Louis; Contest Director, Janice Denham, Kirkwood; Quest Awards Disaster,” Fox Theatre in Joplin Directors, Susan Fadem, St. Louis, and Marge Polcyn, St. Louis; Conference Director, vacant; Archivist, Dee Rabey, Granite City, Ill.; Past President, Fran Mannino, Kirkwood. June

MISSOURI PRESS SERVICE: President, Kevin Jones, St. Louis; Vice President, Vicki 1 — Southeast Missouri Press Russell, Columbia; Secretary-Treasurer, Jack Whitaker, Hannibal. Directors: Dave Bradley, Association meeting St. Joseph; Steve Oldfield, Adrian. 22 — Northwest Missouri Press MISSOURI PRESS FOUNDATION, INC.: President, Mrs. Betty Spaar, Odessa; First Vice Association meeting, St. Joseph President, Wendell Lenhart, Trenton; Second Vice President, Kirk Powell, Pleasant Hill; Secretary-Treasurer, Doug Crews, Columbia. Directors: R.B. Smith III, Lebanon; Rogers September Hewitt, Shelbyville; James Sterling, Columbia; Edward Steele, Columbia; Robert Wilson, Milan; Dane Vernon, Eldon; Vicki Russell, Columbia; Bill James, Harrisonville; Bill Miller 20-22 — Missouri Press Association Sr., Washington, Tom Miller, Washington; Chuck Haney, Chillicothe. Directors Emeritus: 146th Annual Convention, Holiday Mrs. Wanda Brown, Harrisonville; Wallace Vernon, Eldon. Inn Executive Center, Columbia MISSOURI-KANSAS AP PUBLISHERS AND EDITORS: Chairman, Susan Lynn, Iola, Kan. Missouri AP Managing Editors: Chairman, vacant; Past Chairman, Carol Stark, Joplin. October

MISSOURI COLLEGE MEDIA ASSOCIATION: President, Dave Hon, Missouri Western 4-7 — 126th annual National State University; Vice President, Andrea Sisney, Webster University; Secretary, Janaca Newspaper Association Convention, Scherer, University of Missouri, St. Louis; MPA Liaison, Jack Dimond, Missouri State Charleston, S.C. University; Adviser, Dr. Robert Bergland, Missouri Western State University.

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 19 You do.

Hardly a week passes without some small public notice being printed in your lo- calYou newspaper. do. Those legal advertisements,Hardly a week passeswhich are requiredwithout bysome state small law tonotice be being printed in this QQQuestion AA published in a newspaper, Answer newspaper. These legal affectadvertisements you, your family, affect your friendsyou and and your your family business. and friends. Who benefits TheyThey showshow howhow your your gov - from those ernmentgovernment is being is being run, how run, how much money is being Public much money is being spent spent and where. They Notices? andkeep on you what. in touchThey keepwith youyour ingovernment touch with governmentthrough this newspaper. through your newspaper. That’s the whole idea. That’s the whole idea.

And when a public notice is printed in a newspaper, it’s MissouriThis Press there for all time for every- AssociationNewspaper one to see. Supports supportsYour Right your rightto toKnow know

Missouri Press News, March 2012 www.mopress.com 21