As most of you already know, my name is Jennie and I am the new editor of the News-Leader, taking over for Jessica, who is on to a much warmer, sunnier place (OK, so maybe I’m a little jealous).
Born and raised in Cornell, Wis., which is just a hop, skip and a jump up the highway (if you want to spend nearly two hours hopping, skipping and jumping, that is), I attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where I received my bachelor’s degree in journalism. From there, it was off to the mountains. Right out of college, I was offered a reporting position at a weekly newspaper in Pinedale, Wyo.
While I had wanted to venture west and live near the mountains since I was a little girl and took my first glimpse of the Rockies, I definitely wasn’t prepared for the desolation that came with the gorgeous scenery. As far as I’m concerned, in this day and age, it shouldn’t take an hour-long drive to get to civilization or a fast-food joint. But that was what I was stuck with. Imagine having to drive 90-some miles to get to a Wal-Mart ... or a McDonald’s. That lifestyle was definitely not my cup of tea.
Ergo, I’m back in Wisconsin bringing you the news every week ... and I’m loving every bit of it. At some point in my life, I just had to face the facts. You can take the girl out of the Midwest, but you can’t take the Midwest out of the girl. Don’t let the business attire fool you ... I’m definitely a country girl at heart.
And though I have changed the backdrop in my life, you’ll have to forgive me for not adapting back into Wisconsin in every aspect. That said, if you see a maroon Chevy Avalanche with Wyoming plates driving around town, don’t worry. I’m not a tourist ... I just haven’t gotten around to getting Wisconsin tags yet. And seeing as how I had to fork over $450 for the snazzy blue Wyoming license plates - which don’t expire until December - I am going to get my money’s worth out of them.
But I digress. Seeing as how I grew up in Wisconsin, it’s only fitting that I am a diehard Cheesehead. And while I will always appreciate all that Brett Favre did for the franchise, he crossed enemy lines and is pretty much dead to me ... and especially so this week with the big rivalry coming up.
And, in case any of you are wondering, my professional sports teams of choice are the Packers, obviously, the Atlanta Braves, the Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Red Wings. And for those of you who have been in my office and seen the Bobblehead doll, it’s true; I am a Jeff Gordon fan. I figured I had better just get that one out of the way now and let the harassment begin.
But, one thing you must know about me is that I’m very opinionated. I’m sure that will become more apparent after reading several of my editorials - this one being an exception. Sure, I may seem quiet and timid when you first meet me, but give it a few weeks and you’ll be able to see the real me. And that girl is one who is hard to shut up once you get her going. But, all in good time.
I am really looking forward to meeting more of you and getting to know you all better. So far, everyone has been very welcoming and that is much appreciated. I’m sure I won’t be able to fill Jessica’s shoes, but I will work my hardest to be a good editor.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
