Passing the baton: Meet the new editor of the Hub City Times
By Kris Leonhardt
Editor
Strategic planning. Life today is all about strategy. Our eyes and ears constantly absorb the world around us. Much of it seems insignificant, but a great deal of it is orchestrated.
From the production set on our favorite television show to the “end caps” in the grocery store, it is all planned. Rare is a decision made these days without calculating the end result.
Still, there is the unplanned surprise that creeps up on you and catches you unaware. No matter how planned and calculated your moves, there is always something more at work.
A couple of years ago, I was on my way home from work at a local publication. I was in a hurry and swung into a grocery store to pick up a few items. As I walked into the entrance of the store, something caught my eye.
It is no big secret that I love history. What you may not know is that trains, public schools, and the pioneering of the Midwest and the West are at the top of my list when it comes to historical subjects.
When I walked through the entrance that day, a picture of a Canadian National locomotive jumped right off the front page of a newspaper that had been placed by the front door. Seeing “Free Weekly” above the picture, I grabbed the newspaper and went about my errands.
Later that evening, I sat down with the very first edition of the Hub City Times and read it in its entirety.
Within a week I was speaking with Adam Hocking and wrote my first history column for the publication. My only plan at that time was to share my love of history with Marshfield and the surrounding community.
Over the next years, I watched as Adam and the staff at Hub City Times churned out a daily publication online and a weekly in print. Adam quickly became my favorite editor to work with as I watched him deal with issues, in and out of print, with integrity and class.
I have had a great role model and mentor in Adam and plan to uphold the ideals and practices that Adam has established in the community and as a publication.
I have grown to understand what this publication means to its creators, staff, and readers and will do my best to uphold it. Over a decade in the journalism field has prepared me for this role, and I am grateful to have been trusted with this position.
It is my strategic plan for the transition to go smoothly in the upcoming weeks, but as life is unrehearsed, there may be a bump or two along the way.
I invite you to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached at 715-316-4617 or [email protected].
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