This is my first actual issue as managing editor of the Algona Upper Des Moines newspaper.
Since my arrival in Algona on Sept. 1, I have spent time meeting people, learning the lay of Kossuth County and understanding the operations of the local newspaper. Now it is my turn to implement ideas that will make your weekly newspaper one of the best in Iowa. I’m excited about that opportunity.
Some of you know a bit about me from our conversations over the past two months. I am married and have two children. Each of our children have loved ones of their own. One lives in San Diego, the other in Sioux Falls.
I have been married just as long as I have been in the newspaper business – more than 35 years. I am also a Marine Corps veteran. My family and my Marine Corps experience have made me who I am today.
As for the staff at the Algona Upper Des Moines, the potential is unlimited here. We are all poised to move forward and add more to a newspaper that has had a solid tradition in this community for 150 years.
We are planning on expanding our coverage in important areas such as agriculture, education and health care. Our goal is to have nothing but local content in the newspaper each week. That is where our readers come in. I have talked to many people over the first couple months and they have provided us good ideas for stories. Please continue to do that. It is imperative that our readers contact us and let us know what is happening in the communities of Kossuth County.
On an ending note, Mindy Baker has been working at this newspaper for the past 11 years. She has poured her heart and soul each week into putting together a quality product. She will be leaving the newspaper at the end of the year. Over the next couple of months, she will be working on two major projects to finish up her time here. If you see her over the next couple of months, please let her know you appreciate what she has done for the Algona Upper Des Moines newspaper.
