Friday, December 20, 2019

January Anniversaries

1/6	16 YRS	Sellers, Dianna Lee	Corporate Services
1/10	9 YRS	Ross, Norman J	Delaware Printing
1/12	2 YRS	Hill, Cory Alan	Delaware Printing
1/13	23 YRS	Sheedy, Judith Kay	Okeechobee News
1/15	23 YRS	Martin, Robert J	Valley Printing
1/20	1 YR	Ziegler, Patrick E	Valley Printing
1/26	2 YRS	Ball, Roger A	West Valley
1/26	2 YRS	Ibarra-Rivera, Ricardo I	Valley Printing
1/26	11 YRS	Drzymalski, Scherie L	Corporate Services

INCREASE YOUR 401k INVESTMENT and SAVE FOR RETIREMENT!

Effective January 1, 2020, most employees can defer up to $19,500 of their annual salary to their 401k investment account --- a $500 increase over the limit in 2019. Employees age 50 and older can defer up to $26,000. In most cases, each participant may defer up to the maximum allowed by law. The plan defers taxes on the amount you invest in your 401k account. If you would like to increase your contribution, it's simple! Log onto the Principal website at https://www.principal.com/ . You can email inipayroll@newszap.com if there are questions.

Socks for seniors

OKEECHOBEE Keli Trimnal spearheaded collections for the Socks for Seniors drive at the Lake Okeechobee News office and in her neighborhood. The Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce organized the effort to collect colorful socks for seniors in nursing homes. Left to right are Lake Okeechobee News staffers Cathy Womble, Katrina Elsken Muros and Keli Trimnal.

Nicole Millner Named Accounting Manager

Nicole Millner has been named Corporate Services Accounting Manager for Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA. The announcement was made by Wanda Ford-Waring, Corporate Services Vice President.

Nicole has been with Independent for three years as Corporate Services’ Senior Accountant. As senior accountant, Nicole was involved with money management processes, fixed assets, taxes, inventory as well as month end preparation. She stepped into her new position after Toni Jackson resigned due to relocation. Nicole, a graduate of Strayer University in Washington DC brings extensive experience in the accounting field as an accounting manager, accounts payable manager and escheatment accounting supervisor. She worked for Advance Central Services on the accounting side (formerly known as Newspaper Support Services) that serviced 26 newspapers around the United States for 11 years.

Nicole will lead the accounting department that includes Dianna Sellers and Diane Richardson. Dianna Sellers has been Independent for 15 years is the accounts payable specialist. She was previously the Delaware State News classified manager. Diane Richardson has been with Independent for five months; and, is an accountant who happens to have a knack for developing processes and looking for efficiencies.

Nicole is a believer in Independent’s values and the mission of Corporate Services. We are excited to see where Nicole will lead the department in the new year. Nicole and any member on the accounting team can be reached at iniaccount@newszap.com .

Mission Stories from Florida

Anglers protest chemical spraying

Over the past year, anglers from around the state have complained about the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s use of chemical herbicides to combat invasive aquatic plants. FWC officials say the herbicide spraying is needed to control the spread of non-native invasive plants which block navigation channels and crowd out native plants. The anglers maintain that the chemicals are harming native plants and wildlife and threaten the safety of the water supply; they have called for more use of mechanical harvesting of aquatic plants. The Lake Okeechobee News has covered numerous meetings at which local fishermen have voiced objections to the herbicide use. In November, anglers from around the state came to Okeechobee for a protest. We continue to follow this story, which is of great interest to the fishermen around the lake.

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/community-news/anglers-protest-use-of-chemical-herbicides-on-lake/

Animal control officer replaced amid controversy

Earlier this year, Okeechobee area residents were concerned about allegations that the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control office was not taking animal neglect complaints seriously. In particular, there were concerns about horses that appeared to be starving. By the time the sheriff’s office intervened and seized the horses, one was in such poor shape that it died. The sheriff promised an investigation into his department’s actions, or lack thereof. Before that investigation was complete, Sgt. Arlene Durbin, the animal control officer resigned. Then in November, Durbin asked to take back her resignation, amid more controversy. The Lake Okeechobee News has kept the readers up to date on each step of the story.

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/crime/county-sheriff-speaks-up-about-animal-neglect-cases/

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/community-news/animal-control-officer-revokes-resignation/

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/community-news/meet-the-new-animal-control-director/

Canals themselves could be source of phosphorus

Water quality issues have been a concern for in the Lake Okeechobee Watershed for more than two decades. Millions of dollars have been spent on stormwater treatment areas, best management practices to reduce agricultural runoff, water retention areas and other plans to reduce the nutrient load going into Lake Okeechobee. But one possible source of nutrient loading has been ignored by the South Florida Water Management District and in large part by the media. Soil tests prove the canals themselves could be responsible for some of the phosphorus loading. Although this issue has been brought up many times over the past 30 years by members of the public at SFWMD meetings, the Lake Okeechobee News is the only area news outlet to cover this aspect of the nutrient load problem. Thanks to our online presence, this story is finally getting more attention outside the newspaper’s immediate circulation area.

https://lakeokeechobeenews.com/community-news/how-much-phosphorus-comes-from-flood-control-ditches/

MISSION STORIES ARIZONA

NOVEMBER 2019:

Daily Independent – Chris Caraveo – https://yourvalley.net/stories/help-is-out-there-for-caregivers-of-people-with-alzheimers-dementia,115905

Care for the caregivers – November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Considering our readers’ median age, a very appropriate story written by Chris making sure people don’t forget those who take care of people dealing with Alzheimer’s who themselves may be suffering from emotional stress and/or depression. Multiple medical professionals quoted and the story also includes ways to get help, if needed.

Daily Independent – Matt Roy – https://yourvalley.net/stories/avoid-rip-off-danger-shopping-lawman-experts-advice-black-friday,118374

Avoid rip-off, danger while shopping – Lawman, experts offer advice to those out on Black Friday

A very timely story ahead of the Black Friday shopping frenzy warning shoppers what to look out for and how to stay safe both physically and in the pocketbook. Advice from experts included along with several tips.

Apache Junction/Gold Canyon – Richard Dyer – https://yourvalley.net/apache-junction-independent/stories/mandatory-solid-waste-collection-approved-in-apache-junction,120376. Apache Junction adopted a somewhat controversial measure whereas municipal leaders installed civil and criminal infractions if residents do not sign-up for mandatory rubbish service with Republic Services. Richard Dyer, our East Valley news editor, provided the community with up-to-date and detailed reporting on the municipal program and now-official vote. The initial story accounted for nearly 6,000 page views, analytics show.

Glendale – Mark Carlisle - https://yourvalley.net/glendale-independent/stories/some-glendale-high-schools-seeking-grant-funding-for-police-officers-on-campus,118144? - Student safety and well-being is a concern in most any city or town, but it often comes at a cost, which is just what this story illustrates by presenting the fiscal facts of what is necessary to foster an economically feasible solution with the best interests of students, residents and service men and women in mind.

Litchfield Park - Mark Carlisle - https://yourvalley.net/litchfield-park-independent/stories/growth-on-tap-goodyear-invests-in-water-infrastructure-to-fuel-future-development,118492 - This story presents a broad picture of the region's connective socioeconomic dependency and covers no less than three issues affecting readers in the Goodyear area, discussing the interwoven effects of the city's population growth, its sustainable water sources, and further industrial development.

Paradise Valley – Melissa Rosequist -- https://www.yourvalley.net/paradise-valley-independent/stories/paradise-valley-continues-to-grapple-with-short-term-rental-prevalence-mitigation,120985. The elected leaders of the Town of Paradise Valley are --- along with neighboring Scottsdale --- are the epicenter of the short-term rental marketplace political conundrum. Along with the issues surrounding the bourgeoning marketplace of the shared economy the issue has become emotional and political on a few fronts as an elected leader in Paradise Valley is also the president and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce.

Peoria – Phil Haldiman - https://yourvalley.net/peoria-independent/stories/peoria-moving-forward-with-city-charter-changes-max-mayor-terms-could-go-from-2-to-3,119685 - Detailing five possible changes to the Peoria city charter, as well as the process involved in enacting those changes, this story offers readers a timeline of the proposed amendments and presents a breakdown of what is being considered and why.

Queen Creek – Richard Dyer - https://www.yourvalley.net/queen-creek-independent/stories/almost-time-to-be-counted-in-the-2020-census,117364. There is no community in Arizona experiencing more explosive growth than the Town of Queen Creek. Most importantly for a growing community is ensuring an accurate count of the residents. Our Queen Creek product offers a compelling and informative leader story on the upcoming Census. With a growing community, comes growing municipal needs and the Town of Queen Creek appears to now be embarking on the pursuit of its own police department. https://www.yourvalley.net/queen-creek-independent/stories/queen-creek-study-considers-starting-municipal-police-department,120928

Scottdale – Melissa Rosequist -- https://www.yourvalley.net/scottsdale-independent/stories/by-the-numbers-scottsdale-violent-crimes-reported,120959. A part of our 2019 Paper of Record effort: Melissa provided a report on violent crimes reported within city limits. The numbers reveal sexual assault has become very predominant in Scottsdale as law enforcement officials contend in contrast to other municipalities, Scottsdale is safe. In addition, to final installment of our Paper of Record initiative, the Scottsdale team offered robust election coverage, a feature piece saluting our nation’s heroes along with timely meet your neighbor profiles. https://www.yourvalley.net/scottsdale-independent/stories/the-cost-of-american-freedom,118589?. The Census: https://www.yourvalley.net/scottsdale-independent/stories/2020-census-what-is-it-good-for-in-scottsdale,118017

Sun City – Rusty Bradshaw - https://yourvalley.net/sun-city-independent/stories/sun-city-residents-vent-anger-over-proposal,120850 - Sun Citians frequently express their concern over the community's appearance, its financial stability, and the general sense of those in charge doing what's right for residents, and this story touches on all three factors as they relate to a piece of property's potential development, featuring commentary from all sides of the issue in the process.

Sun City West – Roger Ball - https://yourvalley.net/sun-city-west-independent/stories/ccr-committee-divided-on-duties,120584? - While Sun City West residents may have their own issues with the community’s covenants, conditions and restrictions, this story pulls back the curtain to reveal the contentions and contrasting opinions within the CC&R committee itself, integrating multiple sources to delve into the subject at hand, the value to all involved, and what residents should know about those making the decisions.

Surprise – Jason Stone - https://yourvalley.net/surprise-independent/stories/grand-avenue-traffic-speeds-up-through-surprise,121428? - As a relatively outlying city in the Valley, Surprise is routinely impacted by decisions regarding traffic and roadway suitability, and this story, discussing an increase in speed limit along a major street, gives residents a cursory overview of what they can expect, why the change in the first place, and how it may impact resident safety and accessibility.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Mission Stories from DelMarVa

MISSION STORIES

From Ashley Dawson, managing editor for Delaware

This month brought continued coverage of two big stories:

The official investigation of Harrington’s city manager and mayor following allegations by former planner Jeremy Rothwell.

https://delawarestatenews.net/news/harrington-manager-suspended-council-orders-investigation-into-allegations/

The updated action on the Kent County lodging tax that would have benefited DE Turf. The latter prompted speak out and commentaries, including one by bill sponsor Senator Trey Paradee, who outlined his reasoning for dropping the bill after what he considered slanted and sensationalized reporting by the upstate daily. In related news, Sussex County officials ultimately enacted their tax after criticism and concerns at a public hearing.

https://delawarestatenews.net/government/paradee-plans-to-withdraw-kent-lodging-tax-completely/

https://delawarestatenews.net/news/new-sussex-county-lodging-tax-triggers-criticism-concerns/

We reported on two new topics grabbing readers’ attention and reaction: the state’s plans to work with a private company to build a wind farm off Fenwick Island and Polytech High School’s plans to leave the Henlopen Conference athletics program.

Great reaction followed Polytech’s initial announcement, which was posted online and then in print the next day. There were two Speak Out columns. A Sunday, November 17, front-page story by Craig Anderson reached 20,871 people with 2,876 engagements. Then, a guest commentary by Frank Calio (which criticized the decision as sending the wrong message to students) on November 26 reached 18,846 people on Facebook with 53 shares.

The wind farm plans have drawn letters from Sussex readers, along with a Speak Out on November 22. Glenn Rolfe covered a meeting November 21 that was sponsored by Sussex legislators, seeking to get input separate from the state’s parks division. This will be an interesting debate as discussion of the master plan for Fenwick Island State Park continues.

https://delawarestatenews.net/news/wind-farm-proposal-draws-large-crowd-and-lots-of-questions/

https://delawarestatenews.net/schools/school-officials-promote-new-era-for-polytech-high-athletic-programs/

https://delawarestatenews.net/opinion/commentary-polytech-decision-sends-the-wrong-message-to-kids/

As the next General Assembly session start looms, Matt Bittle covered the committee work as legislators started gathering budget information. In the first look at budget-crafting hearings, he reported on the Department of Justice seeking $3 million more over last year (that generated a Speak Out column) and the Department of Education seeking $102 million more than last year.

https://delawarestatenews.net/news/doj-seeks-3-million-increase-in-spending/

Though it could be considered feature news, we did an excellent job highlighting Veterans Day and veterans in general this year. We ran an event listing ahead of the day, then we had personality profiles and ceremony coverage Saturday through Tuesday.

https://delawarestatenews.net/news/veterans-day-events-listed/

https://delawarestatenews.net/news/veteran-resolve-military-goes-from-war-to-career-for-smyrnas-richardson/

https://delawarestatenews.net/news/silent-partners-veterans-families-also-saluted-on-veterans-day/

Those stories featured older, diverse veterans – one who just turned 100 years old– who talked about their service, experiences and call to duty. Strong photos illustrated those stories. (And of course, that news coverage was complimented by the advertising department’s successful first veterans tribute section which was inserted in the State News.)

Dave Skocik contributed a guest commentary in the Saturday paper, Larry Koch of Magnolia was the guest commentary writer Sunday, and we published two letters to the editor thanking veterans on Monday. Reporter Brooke Schultz’s story on brothers who joined the Armed Forces, following in their mother and grandfather’s footsteps, reached 32,075 on Facebook. It was the most popular of the stories from a social media engagement standpoint.

https://delawarestatenews.net/opinion/commentary-the-importance-of-reaching-out-to-our-veterans/

https://delawarestatenews.net/opinion/commentary-for-veterans-day-what-is-the-secret-of-america/

https://delawarestatenews.net/news/family-proud-of-3-generations-of-usaf-service/

From Greg Bassett, editor of the Salisbury Independent

We’re highlighting two unusual stories in November, ones that aren’t typical news reports, yet received lots of feedback and seemed to connect with readers.

Carrie Samis attended a Veterans Day event that honored two of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Held at a local state university, the event might have otherwise been covered as a typical dog-and-pony show presentation, but the reporter went to great lengths to provide much more. She immediately bonded with the two men – each of whom is approaching the age of 100 – and produced a story rich with compelling quotes and stories of overcoming obstacles. She also turned the story into a history lesson, and included reaction from local high school students who attended.

The story received strong Facebook reaction and several complimentary calls and emails.

For our Thanksgiving edition, Brice Stump produced a holiday feature about a local man who collects stuffed turkeys. He actually has more than 2,000 birds and other turkey artifacts. What might have seemed a silly story instead – because of Stump’s photography and story-telling abilities – turned out to be an amazingly readable, engaging Thanksgiving feature that generated lots of reaction.

As the story subject told Stump after publication: “You have no idea how many people read your paper – my phone rang off the hook all weekend long.”

Both the Tuskegee Airmen and Turkey Man stories were shared with the Delmarva group papers and received reaction in multiple markets.

https://salisburyindependent.net/living/tuskegee-airmen-saluted-for-service-in-event-at-umes

https://salisburyindependent.net/living/salisburys-dan-fountain-has-lived-a-lifetime-of-turkeys

From Dave Ryan, editor of the Dorchester Banner

Banner highlights minority education summit

Reporters often seem to travel in packs. Our people at the Dorchester Banner know that's not always the best way to go.

We had the only journalist at a pretty significant event recently, the Dorchester County Public Schools' Minority Achievement Summit.

And why wouldn't we?

Held at the Dorchester Career & Technology Center, a very well-equipped and probably under-used vocational school, the day-long event attracted many prospective employers and dozens of students from both the county's high schools.

But a less-aware news operation might not have spotted the real significance here:

With so many companies sending paid employees to this, it was a real commitment on the part of local businesses to reach out to students. The school system made extraordinary efforts to provide hospitality, creating a positive and successful atmosphere; and the students themselves were engaged and enthusiastic, as they learned about careers - not necessarily requiring college - that will give them satisfying and meaningful work.

These choices would also keep them in Dorchester County, an issue that has adversely affected the area for generations. Many of the best and brightest go elsewhere after they graduate from high school, while the students with fewer marketable skills stay.

We should also be frank about something here: These were mostly African-American teens, who so often in our society are portrayed as being good at sports, and not always at academics or career training. But these kids were bright, active and truly interested - that's not a surprise to us, it simply means they deserve all the recognition a company like ours can give them.

They earned it.

So this article involved a variety of local folks pulling together, doing things they didn't have to do, but wanted to do, all for the purpose of being active in the county and helping their neighbors. That's what the Banner team is here for, to do their part in building community.

https://www.dorchesterbanner.com/business/students-study-career-choices-with-local-businesses

From Richard Crumbacker, editor of the County Times

In old movies newspaper reporters are often shown hanging around a precinct to get the latest on arrests by cajoling a surly desk sergeant or by poking through the police blotter.

In Maryland the most helpful tool since the introduction of Maryland Judiciary Case Search has to be Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC, pronounced M-DEC). It was rolled out piecemeal county-by-county and went live in Somerset County two years ago.

No longer must you rely on reaching the arresting officer, some police spokesperson (if there is one) or wait for a press release or Facebook post. Arrests are entered into the system along with supporting documentation and constantly updated as filings occur.

Included are the names of the judicial officers, plus the judge (whose name does not appear in Case Search). Sentencing is outlined in detail. When the prosecuting attorney says a defendant received a 10-year sentence, MDEC will tell you how much of that was suspended, or credited as time served, or even if the sentence is on weekends, through home confinement, etc.

Just a few cases from November that would have received no attention without MDEC ,included the charging of a local character who was rifling through unlocked cars looking for loose change or other valuables, to the conviction of a truck driver for criminal negligent manslaughter with a motor vehicle.

There were also new charges on a hapless town commissioner — this time stopped for driving on a suspended license. He was the same town commissioner previously charged with traffic offenses, an assault on a pregnant girlfriend, extortion in an election scandal, and was once cited by Natural Resources Police for having a live raccoon trapped on his porch.

Reporters hear things in the community. MDEC is today’s police blotter and an invaluable tool to check on these rumors and report them responsibly to readers.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Excellence in Education grant program kicks off; business partnership aims to prepare students for workforce

The role education plays in economic development took center stage at the inaugural Excellence in Education event, where the Delaware State News joined community partners – the Greater Kent Committee and Kent Economic Partnership – to tout a new grant program, designed to assist central Delaware educators in preparing students for the workforce.

Excellence in Education launched Nov. 13 during a dinner at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino that gathered community leaders, businesses and educators with a presentation that highlighted Kent County’s educational assets. The initiative includes a video, a publication produced by Delaware State News staff, and a brand new grant program.

Between multi-year commitments and the initial investment from Kent County Levy Court, more than $60,000 has been raised for grants, said Tonda Parks, Delaware State News director of Event Marketing & Community Outreach.

Grants will begin to be awarded next fall, when organizers hope to have at least $25,000 to support workforce development in schools. Grant application details will come through the non-profit CenDel Foundation.

“The mission for the Excellence in Education grant program is focused now on workforce development initiatives and it’s all about getting our young people to stay in Kent County and to work in Kent County and to have the skill-sets to meet and close the occupational shortages that we have,” Mrs. Parks said at the dinner. “There are a lot of job opportunities here. We’re looking toward filling those positions with skilled employees and residents of this county and we know that our schools have the programs to meet that. We hope to give them the funding they may need to highlight or tweak to meet the needs of the businesses.”

During this opening remarks, State News Publisher Darel La Prade said, “Our leaders realize we can create a much better Delaware if we can continue to invest in developing a talented workforce, while also promoting the quality of our schools and teachers to anyone out-of-area thinking of moving or opening a business in Kent County.”

“This project will help meet both objectives. . . . Good schools are made better by community support, and good schools are the surest way to grow, retain and attract the talent we will need to meet the future with success.”

As usual, Delmarva Marketing Director Heather Cregar played an essential role in pulling the event together, which attracted more than 250 people.

“This event would simply not have happened without Heather’s hard work and organizational skills, or without Tonda’s rainmaking,” La Prade said. “The two of them make an amazing team.”

The publication, “Excellence in Education, Central Delaware’s Economic Edge,” was designed by Tom Maglio, with a cover by Angi Hicks.

Tonda Parks (Delaware State News, Director Event Marketing & Community Outreach) presents a check for $54,000 to the Excellence in Education Fund and thanks all who made it possible.

Darel LaPrade (Delaware State News, Publisher) gives his opening remarks and introduces the Excellence in Education partners.

Delaware State News Staffers attending the dinner included (from left) Digital Sales Manager Marthy Valania, Executive Editor Andy West, Education Reporter Brooke Schultz, Managing Editor Ashley Dawson, Tonda parks, Heather Cregar, Group Advertising Director Konrad LaPrade, Darel LaPrade and Delaware Printing Operations and Sales Manager Jaclyn Fuller.

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