10/10/2024
Meet the crew of “The Special” during National Newspaper Week
There’s a well-known proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child,” meaning that the collective efforts of a community shape a child's upbringing. The same can be said for producing a successful newspaper—it requires the support and contributions of an entire community. With this in mind, we at “The Special” are proud to celebrate this year’s National Newspaper Week.
National Newspaper Week is an annual celebration of the critical role newspapers play in preserving a free and informed society. Typically observed during the first full week of October, the event emphasizes the importance of accurate, reliable journalism and the role newspapers play in fostering civic engagement. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of journalists, editors, and everyone behind the scenes who brings the news to life—including the community members who contribute so much to our success.
Many publications take this week to reflect on the value of journalism and the freedom of the press, reminding readers of how essential newspapers are to educating the public, holding leaders accountable, and supporting democracy. This year, however, I’d like to do something a little different. I want to introduce you to the incredible team behind “The Special”—the people working tirelessly every week to deliver the news you rely on. You might be surprised at how many hands are involved in bringing the paper to life!
At the helm of our parent company, New Century Press, is COO Lisa Miller. Based out of Rock Rapids, IA, Lisa oversees a publishing company that spans multiple states—including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota—and produces a variety of periodicals, “The Special” included.
Here in Salem, SD, I, Troy Schwans, serve as Managing Editor, and I’m assisted in editorial duties by Owen Reitzel, who works from Alexandria, SD. Together, we call the shots you'd expect editors to call, while also handling writing and photography to keep the news flowing.
Working alongside me in the Salem office are Luann McKillop and Donna Diede, who handle many essential day-to-day operations. From answering phones and retrieving mail to proofreading and curating the popular “From the Early Files” column, they keep everything running smoothly.
Carla Snyders, also based in Salem, contributes her talents as a columnist and feature writer, while also lending a hand with photography.
On the advertising side, we’re supported by our media advisors—those responsible for selling and placing ads. Victoria Englebrecht is a familiar face here in Salem, while Kari Jurrens from Rock Rapids and Michelle Stewart from our Parker office also assist in media advising for this area.
When it comes to design, our talented graphic artists out of Rock Rapids handle all the visual aspects of the paper and advertisements. Ashley Huisman designs “The Special” each week, with additional support from graphic artists Katie Vanden Top, Ben Van Aartsen, and Josh Werre.
Our subscription department is in good hands with Katie Fick, who manages all the details for our subscribers. We’re also supported by advertising assistant Teri Marken and business manager Wendy DeLaRosa-Gacke, all from the Rock Rapids office.
And let’s not forget our dedicated community contributors! Regular contributors like Laurel Seubert from Canistota, Ellen Head from Montrose, and Kendra Huls from Montrose provide invaluable content.
Columnist Joyce Tegtmeier, with her popular "Paws for Thought" column, is another key voice in our paper.
One of the unique features of “The Special” is the involvement of local high school journalism students. Students from Bridgewater-Emery, Canistota, Hanson, and McCook Central high schools contribute their own page each week, writing and designing the content themselves. Their hard work and creativity are a fantastic addition to the paper, and we’re grateful for their participation.
Of course, “The Special” also benefits from our connections with other New Century Press publications. Editors and staff across the company often share content and ideas, further enriching what we offer to our readers.
So, as we celebrate National Newspaper Week, I want to personally thank every person involved in making “The Special” what it is today—from our talented staff to our loyal subscribers and community contributors. It truly takes a community to run a newspaper, and I appreciate each and every one of you!
