Missouri Press Insider: Natha McAllister

Natha McAllister is editor, publisher and owner of the Tri-County Weekly newspaper in Jamesport. And when it comes to her community, she's a know it all.

Provided photo

Who owns the newspaper? Me, Natha McAllister.

In addition to publishing a newspaper, what other services do you/it provide? Commercial printing

Circulation of newspaper: 1,558 subscribers and another 300 in rack sales.

Publication day: Thursday.

Number of full-time and part-time staff: Five.

Population of the town and county: Jamesport, population: 520; and Daviess County, population: 8,541.

Is the community growing, declining, or holding steady?  We’re holding steady.

Your greatest challenge: Keeping up with the increase in business since the closing of neighboring newspapers.

Newspaper’s biggest strength: Amish news, obituaries and court news.

Newspaper’s biggest weakness or obstacle to overcome: Facebook.

Your family: Two grown sons, three granddaughters, two great -grandsons, and one-great-great-grandson.

Your hobbies/interests: I like to travel.

List something that is interesting or unusual about you: I’m 80 years old and still going to work each day.

What is your favorite journalism accomplishment? Being able to maintain a newspaper in a small town of just over 500 people for many years. 

If you weren’t an editor or a publisher, what do you think you would be doing? Since I’m older, I think I would enjoy just retiring and sitting at home.