Some research was necessary, but it appears we published our first “Who We Are” edition in 2011. Hence this week’s publication is our 12th effort. A dirty dozen.
It was not an original idea. Although I have one of those once in a while, this was stolen from a good friend who was the publisher of the Goshen News at the time. We had been putting out an annual “Progress” edition that was becoming a bit stale, as these efforts sometimes do. It was at our annual state newspaper association gathering that he brought a copy along of something they’d just completed. It included a profile of a Goshen businessman he knew that I knew. And besides, he was proud of the package. Rightfully so.
“Can I have this?” I asked Jim Kroemer. He didn’t ask whether I meant just that copy or the idea. He knew.
We adapted to it include some stories of our community’s annual “progress,” but I have always looked at it more as a profile of our community and the people who make it what it is. It has garnered many “Best Special Section” awards in state and regional competitions. That doesn’t help pay any of the bills, but it’s nice. More gratifying are the comments each year and, as June proceeds, several questions on the street this year as to when the edition will be published.
Jim retired a year or two later and in his absence, their annual effort died. When I retired from full time responsibilities, this is one project I asked to keep ahold of. Kind of my baby. As with anything in the print media world these days, its number of pages seems to have dwindled over the years. So if you enjoy it, pick out a couple advertisers and thank them for their support.
I was going to share a few more comments on my favorite story that I worked on this year, but all three of them tie for first place, for different reasons.
— I got to know Carson Mann on the golf course shortly after my arrival in Bluffton 20-some years ago. Getting to know the history of his business, now 90 years old, was only enhanced by visiting the museum he works in everyday.
— I had not had the opportunity to meet Kevin Morris, but his reputation as a “really good guy” preceded him. When news came that he was one of the three “educators-of-the-year” for the chamber, I welcomed the chance to write his story for the Chamber Directory. Was not disappointed. In fact, it needed a “WWA” follow-up.
— Anyone who knows Chester Township’s Herr family will appreciate that telling their story was fun. And the winery they’ve created in what used to be a sheep barn is nothing short of remarkable. Worth a visit if you’ve not already. Be sure to ask Twilla how she comes up with the farm-related names for their wines, and the one name she’d like to use. But can’t.
As N-B publisher Doug Brown mentions in his introduction, I have sometimes shared his concern as to whether we will have enough stories to pursue. But it’s just never been an issue. “There is an endless supply of greatness to promote,” as Doug wrote. And perhaps that’s why I still enjoy compiling the story list, collaborating with a variety of writers, taking on several stories myself and putting it all together. Even though it all falls in a space on the calendar when the weather is just beginning to get really nice.
“WWA” — our typed abbreviation in memos a file names — also comes around during a very busy time for the regular N-B crew, which means the annual edition would not be possible without tapping our contributing writers. Former and retired employees have made a habit of filling in. Joe Smekens wrote at least one article each year for several years. Former employees Justin Peeper and Chet Baumgartner continue to accept assignments. Jessica Bricker was a natural to do the profile of Bluffton’s state teacher of the year. When 34-year veteran Glen Werling moved on earlier this year, he quickly volunteered to write a couple articles and even had some suggestions ready. Although Kayleen Reusser had to pass this year due to other commitments, she has been a regular through the years. Bob Caylor and his wife, Tanya Isch Caylor, both veteran and gifted journalists, have become friends and cohorts. Their efforts — all of the above — are much appreciated.
Run out of ideas? Well, once again, we had several “leftovers” as the writers had all reached their capacity. Plus, the realization of the approaching 20th anniversary of the flood came too late to include some nominations of people involved in that. So those begin the list for 2024.
Effort No. 13. A baker’s dozen.
miller@news-banner.com
