I believe the newspaper is still a vital part of every community. Keeping readers informed of government proceedings, and featuring the many wonderful people, organizations, and events we all get to experience is a great responsibility and privilege. As one of the “veterans” among the group, it was satisfying to see so many talented, passionate young people ready to take community journalism into a challenging, exciting future.

-Mike Kolbe

Even in the age of the internet, newspapers remain a vital resource for communities," said Fischer. "Information today may spread faster than it ever has, but it is useless, if not dangerous, without trusted professionals

-Travis Fischer

"Local newspapers like the Oskaloosa Herald and the Ottumwa Courier are the backbone of our communities. They are not only the primary source for credible news and information, but a watchdog of local government and a preservation of history. If our communities don't have either, they suffer.”

“There are many factors that are necessary to produce a thriving, successful newsroom, and this program helped me realize that empathetic leadership is one of them."

-Emily Hawk

As the editor of the local newspaper, I can’t think of an outlet where people get as much timely and accurate information as they do from the Humboldt Independent each and every week. We chronicle the happenings of the local community and are a recorder of history as it unfolds. A person can pick up our paper any given week and find out who was born and who died, what real estate deeds were transacted, what the local city council, board of supervisors or board of education did, how the local sports teams fared, the goings on of church and social clubs, see the activities of the police and sheriff’s departments, find out important information affecting people’s pocketbooks, welfare and health, and read features about their neighbors and friends or interesting people they have never met. And, find out about services, sales and commerce from local business advertisers. I was pleased to have a chance to participate in the Leo Mores Media Fellowship in mid-September. The training gave me a much deeper knowledge of my strengths and weaknesses as a manager and how I can use my strengths to help guide employees within our organization.  

-Kent Thompson