With the start of the trial to determine the mental state of convicted murderer Shane Hawkins, who has already been found guilty of brutally stabbing 17-year-old Jason Grau to death while he slept before dumping his body along the Chippewa River, I find myself upset with our justice system. As far as I'm concerned, someone who confesses to murder should be dealt with in the same manner as any other cold-blooded killer. It shouldn't matter what that person's mental state was at the time of the incident. There are thousands of people out there who are mentally ill and you don't see all of them using it as an excuse to go out and murder innocent people.
As one woman testified on Monday, mental state should not excuse Shane from what he did to Jason. This particular individual stated that she also suffers from mental defects, yet she insisted that Hawkins be punished to the full extent of the law. I couldn't agree more. Anyone who commits that kind of senseless act obviously isn't right in the head to begin with, regardless of their past mental issues. Whether or not a murderer knew what he or she was doing was wrong at the time the offense should be a moot point. Someone is dead; ergo, someone should be punished.
Basically, what the jury is deciding in this particular case is if Hawkins should be sent to prison or a mental institution. Already having been found guilty of murder, I don't think mental defect should entitle criminals any sort of leniency in terms of punishment. While I am aware that there is a statute of limitations associated with determining a killer's competence to stand trial, a jury has already ruled that Hawkins was capable to do so. In fact, he took the stand Monday. But what really upsets me is the fact that the judge allowed Hawkins to ramble on during his testimony about things that seemed more ludicrous than a child's nightmares about monsters in the closet.
Thanks to live streaming, I was able to listen to some of Hawkins' testimony, but it got so bizarre, I felt as though I were listening to a sci-fi book on tape. For nearly an hour, he went on about time travel, committing murder on other planets and gods telling him to kill people. At one point, he even stated that he was the first baby born in heaven 1,200 eternities ago. After listening to that, it's safe to say that he is, in fact, a delusional sort … but, I don't think that's ever been the question. Hawkins said he is fully aware that he killed the teenager and apologized to Grau before stabbing him in the neck. So, in essence, he knows that he was in the wrong.
However, what I don't quite comprehend is why our court system allowed Hawkins to go on and on like this, essentially wasting taxpayer dollars to prove what most people already figured out when details of the murder first emerged … the man is certifiably insane. I can only imagine what kinds of things are going through the minds of the victim's family as they are listening to all of this. Regardless of what the jury decides, I think Hawkins should spend the rest of his life behind bars. He robbed a young man of his life and took a son, grandson and brother from his family. And, in all honesty, I don't think any amount of time in a mental institution will be able to rehabilitate this lost soul.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Coincidence Or Bad Omen?
Lately, there have been a great deal of odd mass animal deaths around the world, which has led to much speculation about the cause and whether or not it could be somehow associated to the 2012 phenomenon. Scientists have linked a number of the mass bird deaths to the unusually cold weather and/or upper level hail. And that makes sense. But, what has shocked me is that it's not just fish and birds that are dying off mysteriously.
Over the weekend, 200 cows in Wisconsin were found dead in a field. Though this particular event could have been linked to a virus, it's a little disturbing that all of these mass deaths are happening so close together and in a variety of different species. I mean, there have been reports of crabs, blackbirds, buffalo, seals, penguins, bats and all different kinds of fish found dead in masses all over the world. Granted, it could be a mere coincidence, I have found it greatly unsettling to just accept that.
While I'm not big on conspiracy theories and have not bought into the fact that Dec. 21, 2012, will mark the end of the world, I've found it difficult to simply believe that these mass death trends are "natural" and "normal." And that's when I started thinking back to the episode of "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" where the former governor of Minnesota went on a mission to learn more about the 2012 fiasco. Evidently, he found people who were building underground condos in order to survive the apocalypse. Not only that, but he discovered a so-called government bomb shelter that was being built so that prominent government officials would survive as well.
While I admit to rolling my eyes at some of the crazy things depicted in that particular episode, the fact that this is all happening now makes me wonder if the government has more involvement in the 2012 conspiracy theory than what they're leading the public to believe. That being said, it wouldn't surprise me if extra attention is being paid to these animal deaths in order to instill fear in the population.
There is also reason to chalk the hype up to media coverage, as well. As scientists have speculated, this kind of thing happens all the time, but rarely garners this much attention. In all actuality, those who believe that the world will come to an end next year are likely the ones who are provoking all of the hype surrounding this so-called "Aflockalypse."
As such, I am still greatly resistant to jumping on the "End of the World" bandwagon. If it happens, so be it. And if these mass animal deaths are a sign of a forthcoming doomsday, there's really not a whole lot we can do to stop it. But, I will definitely be making plans for New Year's Eve 2012. However, if the Bears make it to and win the Super Bowl, that right there would be a sure sign that the apocalypse is near.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Over the weekend, 200 cows in Wisconsin were found dead in a field. Though this particular event could have been linked to a virus, it's a little disturbing that all of these mass deaths are happening so close together and in a variety of different species. I mean, there have been reports of crabs, blackbirds, buffalo, seals, penguins, bats and all different kinds of fish found dead in masses all over the world. Granted, it could be a mere coincidence, I have found it greatly unsettling to just accept that.
While I'm not big on conspiracy theories and have not bought into the fact that Dec. 21, 2012, will mark the end of the world, I've found it difficult to simply believe that these mass death trends are "natural" and "normal." And that's when I started thinking back to the episode of "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura" where the former governor of Minnesota went on a mission to learn more about the 2012 fiasco. Evidently, he found people who were building underground condos in order to survive the apocalypse. Not only that, but he discovered a so-called government bomb shelter that was being built so that prominent government officials would survive as well.
While I admit to rolling my eyes at some of the crazy things depicted in that particular episode, the fact that this is all happening now makes me wonder if the government has more involvement in the 2012 conspiracy theory than what they're leading the public to believe. That being said, it wouldn't surprise me if extra attention is being paid to these animal deaths in order to instill fear in the population.
There is also reason to chalk the hype up to media coverage, as well. As scientists have speculated, this kind of thing happens all the time, but rarely garners this much attention. In all actuality, those who believe that the world will come to an end next year are likely the ones who are provoking all of the hype surrounding this so-called "Aflockalypse."
As such, I am still greatly resistant to jumping on the "End of the World" bandwagon. If it happens, so be it. And if these mass animal deaths are a sign of a forthcoming doomsday, there's really not a whole lot we can do to stop it. But, I will definitely be making plans for New Year's Eve 2012. However, if the Bears make it to and win the Super Bowl, that right there would be a sure sign that the apocalypse is near.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Constituent-Politician Relationships Forever Changed
When politicians run for office, win elections and start working to make change or progress in this great nation, one would assume that, like celebrities, they become more of a public figure. Perhaps, that is why presidents and governors don't stray too far from security while making appearances and holding speaking engagements. However, with the way politics has evolved, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are beginning to attract more attention as well. And I'm not just talking about "Sarah Palin's Alaska" here. Deemed the representatives for the people in the United States Congress, these politicians are, in a sense, the only real direct link citizens have to the White House. As such, they are put under a great deal of scrutiny by their constituents.
Saturday's shooting in Arizona, while tragic, has proved just how necessary it is that all politicians at the national level should have security with them at all times, especially when making public appearances. And this measure should be taken, not only for the representatives, but for all the supporters and innocent bystanders at these events. Granted, by doing so, a lot of changes would have to be made, the most obvious being public meet-and-greets, like Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' "Congress on Your Corner" function, it may be the only way to ensure safety.
There's no doubt in my mind that, because of this incident, there will be a greater need for security at all political events, which can be both good and bad, depending on your viewpoint. My guess is that only a certain number of individuals will be able to meet with their Congressman or Congresswoman during public forums. In addition, those who attend such events will, more than likely, be subjected to security similar to that in airports – metal detectors, pat-downs and the like. However, seeing as how going to these events is not as imperative as airway transportation, I think that, if new security measures are implemented, the relationship between politicians and their constituents will change forever. It would, most definitely, take away from the one-on-one interaction citizens have had with their representatives. It would also, likely, mean people would be deterred from attending these events, in essence, lessening public involvement in government, which, as an American citizen, saddens me.
To think one bad apple will be responsible for ruining the political experience for so many others makes me cringe. As one individual commented during a breaking news broadcast Saturday, "there are a lot of nuts out there … And it's real easy for them to get their hands on guns capable of killing many people."
So sad, yet so true.
Side note: While I was greatly disheartened to learn about the shooting in Arizona, I was even more concerned that an event like this would shut down the law-making body of this country for at least a week. How do we know that's not what this assailant wanted? And, if so, we shouldn't let him win.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Saturday's shooting in Arizona, while tragic, has proved just how necessary it is that all politicians at the national level should have security with them at all times, especially when making public appearances. And this measure should be taken, not only for the representatives, but for all the supporters and innocent bystanders at these events. Granted, by doing so, a lot of changes would have to be made, the most obvious being public meet-and-greets, like Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' "Congress on Your Corner" function, it may be the only way to ensure safety.
There's no doubt in my mind that, because of this incident, there will be a greater need for security at all political events, which can be both good and bad, depending on your viewpoint. My guess is that only a certain number of individuals will be able to meet with their Congressman or Congresswoman during public forums. In addition, those who attend such events will, more than likely, be subjected to security similar to that in airports – metal detectors, pat-downs and the like. However, seeing as how going to these events is not as imperative as airway transportation, I think that, if new security measures are implemented, the relationship between politicians and their constituents will change forever. It would, most definitely, take away from the one-on-one interaction citizens have had with their representatives. It would also, likely, mean people would be deterred from attending these events, in essence, lessening public involvement in government, which, as an American citizen, saddens me.
To think one bad apple will be responsible for ruining the political experience for so many others makes me cringe. As one individual commented during a breaking news broadcast Saturday, "there are a lot of nuts out there … And it's real easy for them to get their hands on guns capable of killing many people."
So sad, yet so true.
Side note: While I was greatly disheartened to learn about the shooting in Arizona, I was even more concerned that an event like this would shut down the law-making body of this country for at least a week. How do we know that's not what this assailant wanted? And, if so, we shouldn't let him win.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Social Networks Deteriorating Communication
For those of you who don't know me, I would love to reintroduce myself. However, it seems extremely conceited of me to blab on and on about myself. If you follow my columns regularly, you'll quickly learn who I am and what I stand for … let me just warn you, though, I'm a very opinionated, through and through Wisconsinite. Now, onto my topic - social networking and how it has, ironically, corrupted social interaction all over the world.
Do you remember when the only mail you received came via the United States Postal Service and, in order to find out what your friends were up to, you had to actually talk to them. Well, thanks to social networks, that's no longer the case. Though I will admit to having every sort of social networking account (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Foursquare, among others) known to man, I am hardly what could be deemed a huge fan of this new craze. Sure, it's fun to upload photos and send messages that arrive in fractions of seconds, as opposed to snail mail. But, as I have found, having a Facebook, MySpace or similar account has led to a breakdown of communication. Face-to-face conversations are becoming fewer and fewer, I, like many others, rarely talk on the phone with my close friends and I can honestly say I've been invited to a wedding via Facebook. Sure, I received a real invitation in the mail some time later, but a group invite served as the Save-The-Date for the event.
Another thing that frustrates me about this new trend is how some people go overboard, thinking that, since they can share information, they have the green light to tell their entire life stories in the form of status updates. Honestly, I don't care if someone is brushing their teeth before they change into their pajamas and curl up with their favorite book before bed. And I certainly don't need an hourly recap that contains every detail of what a person has done every single minute since their last update.
Blogging is another thing that has started to turn my stomach, especially since these so-called experts are blogging about anything and everything, virtually tarnishing the credibility of the journalism profession. Granted, these people are not professionals, they infuriate me because there are people out there who actually rely on blogs for news. Oddly enough, for the past three years, I have tried, semi-unsuccessfully, to maintain my own blog. I started it as I approached my college graduation, more so because I figured it would be an easy way to keep my friends in the loop during my two-year stint in Wyoming. Needless to say, I never anticipated Facebook to become the social network icon that it has.
But, to think that, when I was born, computers were ginormous machines used by large corporations to store data, it blows my mind at how they have basically become everyday necessities for people around the globe. I remember back in elementary school how massive the systems were and how things had to be saved on floppy disks. As I type this column on my laptop in the kitchen of my parent's house, I can't wait to see where technological advances will take us in 20 more years.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Do you remember when the only mail you received came via the United States Postal Service and, in order to find out what your friends were up to, you had to actually talk to them. Well, thanks to social networks, that's no longer the case. Though I will admit to having every sort of social networking account (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Foursquare, among others) known to man, I am hardly what could be deemed a huge fan of this new craze. Sure, it's fun to upload photos and send messages that arrive in fractions of seconds, as opposed to snail mail. But, as I have found, having a Facebook, MySpace or similar account has led to a breakdown of communication. Face-to-face conversations are becoming fewer and fewer, I, like many others, rarely talk on the phone with my close friends and I can honestly say I've been invited to a wedding via Facebook. Sure, I received a real invitation in the mail some time later, but a group invite served as the Save-The-Date for the event.
Another thing that frustrates me about this new trend is how some people go overboard, thinking that, since they can share information, they have the green light to tell their entire life stories in the form of status updates. Honestly, I don't care if someone is brushing their teeth before they change into their pajamas and curl up with their favorite book before bed. And I certainly don't need an hourly recap that contains every detail of what a person has done every single minute since their last update.
Blogging is another thing that has started to turn my stomach, especially since these so-called experts are blogging about anything and everything, virtually tarnishing the credibility of the journalism profession. Granted, these people are not professionals, they infuriate me because there are people out there who actually rely on blogs for news. Oddly enough, for the past three years, I have tried, semi-unsuccessfully, to maintain my own blog. I started it as I approached my college graduation, more so because I figured it would be an easy way to keep my friends in the loop during my two-year stint in Wyoming. Needless to say, I never anticipated Facebook to become the social network icon that it has.
But, to think that, when I was born, computers were ginormous machines used by large corporations to store data, it blows my mind at how they have basically become everyday necessities for people around the globe. I remember back in elementary school how massive the systems were and how things had to be saved on floppy disks. As I type this column on my laptop in the kitchen of my parent's house, I can't wait to see where technological advances will take us in 20 more years.
Jennie Oemig
Staff Writer
Trempealeau County Times
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
This Is Not Goodbye
To say that I’ve enjoyed my time here at the News-Leader would be an incredible understatement. Having this position in such a great community has allowed me to meet so many new, interesting and wonderful people. And, while the newspaper office on Dettloff Drive will be closing this week, I assure you, this is not goodbye. Those who have seen my byline in the News-Leader will continue to see it, as I have accepted a position with the Trempealeau County Times as a reporter and staff writer.
In addition to my basic writing and reporting duties, I have also claimed real estate on the opinion pages of the new paper. Ergo, if you choose to do so, you can continue to follow my topical rants and hear my viewpoints on local, state or national issues, as “According to Jennie” will appear in the new publication. I will continue to cover the Arcadia City Council, Arcadia School Board and other items of interest in the community. I would love to tell you that Arcadia will be receiving the same amount of coverage as it is now, but that would be misleading.
Regardless, every week when we have our Trempealeau County Times staff meetings, I will be going to bat for the community to make sure that the most important issues are included in that paper. But, I will not be able to do it without you, the readers. While I don’t yet have any official contact information for the company, please share your story ideas with me via e-mail (jennie.oemig@gmail.com) in the meantime. And be on the lookout for additional staff contact information in the first issue of the Trempealeau County Times.
While I really had no idea what to expect when I first came to Arcadia, over the past year or so, I have learned that it is one of the most amazing communities I have ever lived in or visited. Though there are several reasons why I made the decision to stay on board as the News-Leader changed ownership, that was, by far, the biggest draw. In addition, Charles Gauger has managed to retain some familiar, and very capable, faces from the News-Leader, Galesville Republican and the Whitehall Times, thus, configuring a very knowledgable and talented staff, which I am certainly looking forward to working with at the new publication. Though there may be some rough waters as we leave the dock, I have no doubt that, once we get the first couple of issues out, there will be smooth sailing ahead.
And, last but certainly not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chuck Blaschko and the rest of the Blaschko Enterprises family for giving me the opportunity to serve as the editor at the Arcadia News-Leader for the past 14 months. Having been down on my luck for a year prior to sending in my resume – on a whim, mind you – I never anticipated this result. While I knew I was more than capable of taking on the responsibility of writing, reporting, editing and putting together a newspaper, I appreciate the fact that they afforded me the chance to prove it.
Not only will I be able to cross that achievement off my bucket list, but it will come in extremely useful as I continue moving forward in my journalistic career. Though it may not be sufficient enough to acknowledge my true feelings, I just want to say THANK YOU … from the bottom of my heart. As for the rest of you, I hope you’ve enjoyed the News-Leader over the years; we have really appreciated your readership. I’ll see you on the flip side!
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
In addition to my basic writing and reporting duties, I have also claimed real estate on the opinion pages of the new paper. Ergo, if you choose to do so, you can continue to follow my topical rants and hear my viewpoints on local, state or national issues, as “According to Jennie” will appear in the new publication. I will continue to cover the Arcadia City Council, Arcadia School Board and other items of interest in the community. I would love to tell you that Arcadia will be receiving the same amount of coverage as it is now, but that would be misleading.
Regardless, every week when we have our Trempealeau County Times staff meetings, I will be going to bat for the community to make sure that the most important issues are included in that paper. But, I will not be able to do it without you, the readers. While I don’t yet have any official contact information for the company, please share your story ideas with me via e-mail (jennie.oemig@gmail.com) in the meantime. And be on the lookout for additional staff contact information in the first issue of the Trempealeau County Times.
While I really had no idea what to expect when I first came to Arcadia, over the past year or so, I have learned that it is one of the most amazing communities I have ever lived in or visited. Though there are several reasons why I made the decision to stay on board as the News-Leader changed ownership, that was, by far, the biggest draw. In addition, Charles Gauger has managed to retain some familiar, and very capable, faces from the News-Leader, Galesville Republican and the Whitehall Times, thus, configuring a very knowledgable and talented staff, which I am certainly looking forward to working with at the new publication. Though there may be some rough waters as we leave the dock, I have no doubt that, once we get the first couple of issues out, there will be smooth sailing ahead.
And, last but certainly not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chuck Blaschko and the rest of the Blaschko Enterprises family for giving me the opportunity to serve as the editor at the Arcadia News-Leader for the past 14 months. Having been down on my luck for a year prior to sending in my resume – on a whim, mind you – I never anticipated this result. While I knew I was more than capable of taking on the responsibility of writing, reporting, editing and putting together a newspaper, I appreciate the fact that they afforded me the chance to prove it.
Not only will I be able to cross that achievement off my bucket list, but it will come in extremely useful as I continue moving forward in my journalistic career. Though it may not be sufficient enough to acknowledge my true feelings, I just want to say THANK YOU … from the bottom of my heart. As for the rest of you, I hope you’ve enjoyed the News-Leader over the years; we have really appreciated your readership. I’ll see you on the flip side!
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Loss Is Not Always A Loss
By now, I’m sure everyone’s taken sides on the issue regarding the loss of high-speed rail funding. For me, I truly believe that Wisconsin needs to start regaining its economic integrity before it raises people’s tax dollars to fund projects of this nature. Thus, that money leaving the state and being reallocated to other states is not the terrible result that liberals are making it out to be. Do I think it’s sad that Wisconsin lost out on government funding for one of its transportation projects? Without a doubt. However, I highly believe that building a high-speed rail between Milwaukee and Madison, at this point in time, is unrealistic. It is absolutely ridiculous that President Barack Obama would only allocate that money to states willing to build high-speed railways. The fact that there was no leniency in the way in which those funds could be used scares me. I thought this was a democracy, not a dictatorship.
Either way, I hold Gov. Jim Doyle responsible for his poor decision making. I know many are inclined to blame governor-elect Scott Walker for not retaining those dollars here in Wisconsin, but I’m not going to be so quick to jump on the anti-Wlaker bandwagon, especially given what Gov. Doyle is leaving him to deal with. First of all, why, with all the other infrastructure issues that need immediate attention, did Gov. Doyle go after these particular funds? Truth be told, we don’t NEED a high-speed rail right now. Yes, it would be nice to have one eventually, when our state’s financial situation is well enough to sustain such a project in the long run. Honestly, I would hate to see all this money put into a rail line and, due to lack of funding for upkeep, go by the wayside a few years down the road. If I were in Walker’s shoes, I probably would have done the same thing. While I understand that the implementation of high-speed rail would create jobs, I honestly believe that cutting this kind of unneeded spending and getting the state out of the huge economic hole that has been dug should be the highest priority.
Then, and only then, will businesses start to take Wisconsin seriously and relocate their companies here. Wisconsin has had a long history of having a warm and inviting business climate. But a growing deficit has sent a great deal of businesses packing. And rightfully so. From the get-go, I think Gov. Jim Doyle should have sought grants to help fund projects to improve the deteriorating condition of our state highways.Here in Arcadia, the state assisted our community with rebuilding the intersection of State Highway 95 and County J, a project that, ideally, should have been dealt with long ago.
Though that money is no longer ours to spend, I really don’t consider it a loss on our part. Just because the money is there to spend on projects, it doesn’t mean we have to take it, especially when our economy is not, in any way, shape or form, healthy enough to afford upkeep of a high-speed rail. If anything, this is a step in the right direction for Wisconsin. And, evidently, politicians are capable of holding true to their campaign spiels. Walker said he would cut wasteful spending and that is exactly what he’s doing.
Side note: I found it suspicious that the withdrawal of funding for high-speed rail projects took place in two states (Wisconsin and Ohio) in which Republican candidates won election last month … simply because they would rather use the funds for other, more important and practical projects.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Either way, I hold Gov. Jim Doyle responsible for his poor decision making. I know many are inclined to blame governor-elect Scott Walker for not retaining those dollars here in Wisconsin, but I’m not going to be so quick to jump on the anti-Wlaker bandwagon, especially given what Gov. Doyle is leaving him to deal with. First of all, why, with all the other infrastructure issues that need immediate attention, did Gov. Doyle go after these particular funds? Truth be told, we don’t NEED a high-speed rail right now. Yes, it would be nice to have one eventually, when our state’s financial situation is well enough to sustain such a project in the long run. Honestly, I would hate to see all this money put into a rail line and, due to lack of funding for upkeep, go by the wayside a few years down the road. If I were in Walker’s shoes, I probably would have done the same thing. While I understand that the implementation of high-speed rail would create jobs, I honestly believe that cutting this kind of unneeded spending and getting the state out of the huge economic hole that has been dug should be the highest priority.
Then, and only then, will businesses start to take Wisconsin seriously and relocate their companies here. Wisconsin has had a long history of having a warm and inviting business climate. But a growing deficit has sent a great deal of businesses packing. And rightfully so. From the get-go, I think Gov. Jim Doyle should have sought grants to help fund projects to improve the deteriorating condition of our state highways.Here in Arcadia, the state assisted our community with rebuilding the intersection of State Highway 95 and County J, a project that, ideally, should have been dealt with long ago.
Though that money is no longer ours to spend, I really don’t consider it a loss on our part. Just because the money is there to spend on projects, it doesn’t mean we have to take it, especially when our economy is not, in any way, shape or form, healthy enough to afford upkeep of a high-speed rail. If anything, this is a step in the right direction for Wisconsin. And, evidently, politicians are capable of holding true to their campaign spiels. Walker said he would cut wasteful spending and that is exactly what he’s doing.
Side note: I found it suspicious that the withdrawal of funding for high-speed rail projects took place in two states (Wisconsin and Ohio) in which Republican candidates won election last month … simply because they would rather use the funds for other, more important and practical projects.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Here Today, Gone In Two Weeks
Though I’ve become accustomed to reporting the news each and every week in the Arcadia News-Leader, all of a sudden, we have become news. When it was first revealed to me that the News-Leader, which has been my baby for a little over a year now, was being sold, my first reaction was fear. How would this affect me? Will I still have a job? Would I have to move for the third time in as many years? To be honest, it was a period of utter confusion and myriad emotions. The last time I left a job in journalism, I was completely lost … out in nowhere, Wyoming, where very few job opportunities presented themselves – except for those that required working in the gas fields. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a tough gal, but, when it comes to making ends meet, that was definitely not what I had in mind.
And, once I moved back here to Wisconsin, it took a while to get back on my feet, but, once I did, I found this job. Sadly, one year to the day after I started, I was told that the News-Leader would be done at the end of December. While I know how this news has affected Andrew, Annie and myself, I am hopeful that those of you who have enjoyed the News-Leader will find the new Trempealeau County Times to be a suitable substitute. Granted, there may be some content changes that readers will have to adjust to, I have a feeling that the Times’ broader coverage of the entire county will be beneficial to many, especially those who subscribe to more than one local paper.
Instead of seeing repetitive news items in both papers, there will be more news content from other local communities. That, in essence will allow people in Arcadia to be more aware of what’s happening in Blair, Whitehall and Galesville. And when it comes to advertising, I have no doubt that a county-wide newspaper will prove to be superior to a local newspaper. First of all, you have coverage area. Instead of reaching readers in Arcadia and its surrounding areas, advertisers will be able to reach a much broader audience.
Second is the monetary factor. Instead of placing several ads in several papers throughout the area, advertisers will be able to place one ad and reach basically the same amount of readers. Though the inception of the new paper is still a few weeks off, clearly, I’m sure everyone has questions that they would like to have answered, (i.e. where will the papers be sold?… how will this affect news and sports coverage of Arcadia? … how many pages will the new county-wide paper be? … where will I go to renew subscriptions or place ads?).
Some changes I do know and can share with you are that the new paper will be printed in a tabloid format, as opposed to broadsheet, the Sheriff’s Log that appears in the News-Leader will continue to be published and the office will be based out of Whitehall (the current Whitehall Times office). As we learn more, we will continue to share that information with you. Like you, we here at the News-Leader have been wondering these same types of things. So, if there are any questions that you would like answered regarding these changes, please don’t hesitate to call (323-3366 ext. 240) or e-mail (editor@arcadianewsleader.com) me. I may not have an answer for you right away, but I will get one. And please be patient and bear with us during this transitional period.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
And, once I moved back here to Wisconsin, it took a while to get back on my feet, but, once I did, I found this job. Sadly, one year to the day after I started, I was told that the News-Leader would be done at the end of December. While I know how this news has affected Andrew, Annie and myself, I am hopeful that those of you who have enjoyed the News-Leader will find the new Trempealeau County Times to be a suitable substitute. Granted, there may be some content changes that readers will have to adjust to, I have a feeling that the Times’ broader coverage of the entire county will be beneficial to many, especially those who subscribe to more than one local paper.
Instead of seeing repetitive news items in both papers, there will be more news content from other local communities. That, in essence will allow people in Arcadia to be more aware of what’s happening in Blair, Whitehall and Galesville. And when it comes to advertising, I have no doubt that a county-wide newspaper will prove to be superior to a local newspaper. First of all, you have coverage area. Instead of reaching readers in Arcadia and its surrounding areas, advertisers will be able to reach a much broader audience.
Second is the monetary factor. Instead of placing several ads in several papers throughout the area, advertisers will be able to place one ad and reach basically the same amount of readers. Though the inception of the new paper is still a few weeks off, clearly, I’m sure everyone has questions that they would like to have answered, (i.e. where will the papers be sold?… how will this affect news and sports coverage of Arcadia? … how many pages will the new county-wide paper be? … where will I go to renew subscriptions or place ads?).
Some changes I do know and can share with you are that the new paper will be printed in a tabloid format, as opposed to broadsheet, the Sheriff’s Log that appears in the News-Leader will continue to be published and the office will be based out of Whitehall (the current Whitehall Times office). As we learn more, we will continue to share that information with you. Like you, we here at the News-Leader have been wondering these same types of things. So, if there are any questions that you would like answered regarding these changes, please don’t hesitate to call (323-3366 ext. 240) or e-mail (editor@arcadianewsleader.com) me. I may not have an answer for you right away, but I will get one. And please be patient and bear with us during this transitional period.
Jennie Oemig,
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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