It’s been a trip: Covering life at community newspapers for 46 years

Throughout my newspaper career I have moved more than some enlisted military personnel.

From Iowa to Minnesota to Wisconsin to North Carolina then back to Iowa to embarking on a newspaper adventure in New Mexico six years ago, I was always on the go.

That’s a lot of moving, packing and unpacking, thus I’m somewhat of a pro at it.

On Mother’s Day weekend, I celebrated my 46th year in the newspaper industry. Not a small feat when you consider how our industry has changed.

During that time frame I’ve covered the warts and triumphs of so many communities. Some stories were good; others … not so fantastic. There were many times when I contemplated just tossing my typewriter (or computer) and finding another career path to follow.

However, nothing seemed to cure my curiosity, challenge me or allow me to be a part of a community than working at a local newspaper at the ground level of recording history.

Working at local newspapers like El Defensor Chieftain, are the most challenging and rewarding jobs one will ever have. Local newspapers are the first writers of current history. They are the most often researched source for individuals seeking family records or community social or cultural information about the past.

The community newspaper provides a lifeline that provides continuity from generation to generation as well as between the town’s various interest groups.

I can’t tell how many times we’ve had folks visit the offices where I have worked to look through our archives seeking information on past events, family or relatives. Why? Because we’re a credible source of information. Our future depends on keeping the respect of local readers, advertisers and community leaders.

Every newspaper I have been associated with in the past four decades has encouraged local teamwork for the good of all.

We connect with most local families. The newspaper can educate, encourage and clearly explain “the why” something is happening in the community and how citizens can cooperate with those making the necessary changes and improvements.

Plus, our employees belong to a number of communities: the town they live in, the church they attend, the high school whose team they and their friends cheer for, the organizations they belong to and finally, the place where they work.

Individuals who are a part of those groups belong because it makes them feel comfortable, safe and secure and often provides an exciting challenge or satisfying experience.

Being a part of the newspaper community is like family. We care about each other.

Hometown newspapers have for generations been the first form of local social media and protector of individual rights.

We try to help enforce that important sense of community with powerful storytelling, reliable reporting and solid leadership. We try to create a closely-knit group of individuals sharing a common hope, goal and purpose.

As I think about all those communities I have been a part of the past four plus decades, I can honestly say each one has provided me with a sense of family. Each time I was promoted or left to pursue an opportunity out of my comfort zone, I felt God was challenging me to go beyond my life’s boundaries.

You know what ... I am glad he did. Yes, I miss many of my good friends I made in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina but I am so glad I have a sense of adventure in my heart.

My father knew I had an inkling for adventure when he nicknamed me “Wandering Wanda.” Somehow he knew his daughter would love to explore the land outside the rolling hills and farmland of of Iowa.

While there may be “no place like home,” I’m glad I’ve been blessed with a sense of adventure and a love for journalism.