Tara’s Takes
One of the walls at our Tyler office has been “wallpapered” with old copies of the Tyler Tribute. It’s one of my favorite parts of that office. On one front page, there is an article about Chuck Hunt, thenowner of Buffalo Ridge Newspapers, becoming the president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association on Jan. 31, 1998.
Not to age Chuck, but I was a junior in high school at that time. I could have never guessed where life would take me 28 years later.
On Friday, Jan. 30, I was elected president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Even after being elected to the board in 2019, the honor of being president seemed so far ahead. Now, seven years and four newspapers later, here I am.
It is ironic that we purchased the Buffalo Ridge Newspapers on Jan. 1 and not only am I following in Chuck’s footsteps in owning those newspapers, but I’m also helping to lead the Minnesota Newspaper Association.
I am humbled to be in the company I am on the MNA board of directors. The board and MNA staff work tirelessly for our industry. And industry that is changing constantly. What does the next year look like?
I can’t even say for certain. I have had several congratulations from past presidents as well as a few “buckle ups.” I thought my inbox was flooded before, but the number of incoming messages has greatly increased.
It looks to be a busy year, but one I am very excited to be part of.
I care deeply for local journalism. I understand the direct impact it has on small towns. While Per and I joke that it’s all we know, it is so much more than that.
It is also an industry that comes under fire often. I don’t believe you can group all media into one umbrella. Smalltown newspapers are not the same as national broadcast stations. We face completely different scenarios every day.
Even within the newspaper world, the Tracy Area Headlight Herald is not the same as the Washington Post. The Tyler Area Tribute is not the same as the Star Tribune. Our differences are much more than the size of our paper or staff. They are directly tied to the fact that local, smalltown journalists are right here, part of your community.
What is the same is the never ending fight for freedom of the press. It’s having to ask hard questions, to follow leads and get the actual story instead of what your neighbor’s friend’s dog posted on social media.
The industry may be changing but America needs journalists. We need ethics in journalism. We need the freedom of the press.
That’s my next year. To be here to help lead our organization. To hopefully make a difference for the future of newspapers in all forms at the local, state and perhaps national level. To help people reach their readers and customers through the power of the pen in news and advertising.
I may be a smalltown girl from southwest Minnesota, but I have big ideas and an even bigger work ethic.
It’s going to be a busy year with four papers and three kids, but as Per has taped to my office door so I see it several times a day: “Anything in life worth having is worth working for.” — Andrew Carnegie I’m ready to put in the work and continue to help put out amazing papers in southwest Minnesota, too.
• In addition to the honor of being elected MNA president for 2026, Above The Fold Publishing brought home nine Better Newspaper Contest awards, seven of them for the Tracy Area Headlight Herald.
While winning awards is always a highlight of the convention, we can only do this becuase of the amazing support we have here at home.
Our advertisers, readers and subscribers (print and online) make what we do every day worth it. The ink is in our blood for sure, and we strive every week to give our supporters the best possible paper.
We thank all of you for your support that allows us to bring you the news, sports and advertising ever week!
