Tara’s Takes
Per and I have an agreement when it comes to our weekly columns — if there is a subject we both want to write about, whoever calls “dibs” first gets it. This week is the exception. Mainly because today’s front page story affects us both so greatly and that we have very different roles coming into this new adventure.
Growing up, I told my mom I was going to take over for Joan London on Good Morning America. Many younger kids wouldn’t even know who that was. My dreams shifted some, but I still planned on working in the corporate world and even have a radio and television degree. Yet here I am, a few years later, co-owner of a smalltown newspaper.
Soon we’ll co-own four newspapers. Crazy!
A purchase like this brings a wide range of emotions, most of all excitement.
I am a graduate of RTR High School. While none of the schools I attended are left standing today, I’m proud of the education I got and the communities I come from. Per often talks about his love of owning his hometown’s newspaper. Now we’re adding mine, too. I can’t wait to be part of the history of the Tyler Community.
But it’s not just the Tyler Tribute, it’s Lake Benton and Hendricks papers, too. Growing up, Lake Benton was our rival. One of my closest friends today is a Lake Benton Bobcat and we joke about how much disdain we had for the other school and the students growing up. Now, while the community has changed dramatically, we get to keep reporting on the small town, helping keep people connected and highlighting all that is still Lake Benton.
And finally, we’re adding Hendricks to our paper family. Hendricks is such a unique and fun little town. Its main street is lined with unique businesses. They even have the Red Barn Theatre, which is an experience in itself. If you haven’t checked it out, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to fall in love with other special places in Hendricks.
Yes, excitement is the number one emotion I have, but there is a little tiny bit of nervousness going on, too, mainly, because Per and I are only two full-time people and we are very dedicated to Tracy and the Headlight. That isn’t going to change. But for our business to be successful in all four communities, my role needs to change some. I will be traveling more. I will be more visible in our three new communities. That’s exciting and nerve racking all at once.
When I was in Marshall, one of my favorite parts of the job was my “area day.” It was the one day of the week that I spent all day traveling to customers out of town. This is the side of the business I came up on, and connecting with and helping advertisers grow is still my number one passion of the job. The addition of the three Lincoln County papers will give me more opportunities to do that.
Here in Tracy, we are looking to add a position. We’re excited that the expansion of our company outside of Tracy will result in another local job here.
As for me, I’m going to be spending more time in the van. Those miles allow me more opportunities to work with our new communities, and I can’t wait to see what windshield opportunities come our way.
While I may not be the next Joan London, dreams change. I truly believe in the importance of local journalism and local newspapers. I am so honored that not only have we been able to serve Tracy for the last six-plus years, but we get to expand that to three more communities.
Bring on the new opportunities!
