Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
Where in the state are you located? Vernon County, bordering Kansas.
Who owns the newspaper? Rust Communications
In addition to publishing a newspaper, what other services do you/it provide? Full service print shop, web press, shoppers and sister paper (Fort Scott Tribune) in Kansas.
Circulation of newspaper: 850.
Issues per week and publication days: Four: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday.
Number of full-time and part-time staff: 15 staff, full & part-time, seven correspondents and one contractor.
Population of the town and county: Approx. 8,000 for the town and 20,000 for the county.
Is the community growing, declining, or holding steady? Holding steady with a slight decline.
Your greatest challenge: Adapting to culture changes and engaging the youth. Also, overcoming printing, advertising and circulation revenue declines.
Newspaper’s biggest strength: Grace of God, dedicated staff, community support and good corporate leadership.
Newspaper’s biggest weakness or obstacle to overcome: Maintain public trust and viability, compete with internet news, provide value driven advertising results and produce quality printing products.
Your family: My husband, Ryan, and I reside in Nevada along with two dogs, Sophie and Duke, six cats, Bella, Mac, Wilbur, Charlotte, Millie and Dina with six chickens (not all are named) among our loving family of parents, siblings and lots of nieces and nephews in Missouri, Arkansas, California and Ohio.
Your hobbies/interests: We enjoy nature and working outdoors, flower and vegetable gardening, fruit trees, grilling & smoking meats, motorcycle riding, motocross racing, hunting & fishing, boating, camping, wood working, reading, scripture study, community service and volunteering, spending time with family and friends.
Something interesting or unusual about you: We enjoy entertaining, hospitality, cooking and baking, canning fruits and vegetables, making jerky and summer sausage, dried fruits and nuts and summer sausage for family, neighbors and friends.
What is your favorite industry accomplishment? Maintaining a print operation amid the industry challenges.
If you weren’t working at the newspaper, what do you think you would be doing? Working with youth, teaching, mentoring and missionary work.
