Getting to know people has been best part of last 45 years

By: 
Sarah Imada
The opinion page is the heart of this newspaper, and it was brought up to me several years ago, by the owner, that the employees of the Signal American should contribute editorials to let our readers know more about us. 
 After the many years that I have worked at the Weiser Signal American I find it truly hard to write stories. I give kudos to editor Phil Janquart, Nancy Grindstaff, the church page writers, Jody Goode, Ian Ross, Cindy Shaw and Carolyn Wesner who contribute their articles every week. There are also the sports writers who help with high school sports and Crystal Linn who writes the health articles each month, as well as Keith Bryant who helps with pictures. 
 This week we tried something new and instead of producing a special section on “Healthy Living” we included it within the pages of the paper. So please look at the six pages we have dedicated to help you live a healthier lifestyle. 
 We ran a little short on copy and on Sunday I knew we would need one more story to fill the pages. So, a quick text to Crystal and she came through with another piece on the benefits of the crop Idaho is known for, the potato. What a huge relief.
 Nancy wrote a great piece on her husband Alan’s journey fighting leukemia and receiving a stem cell transplant. It’s nice to hear about the progress of medicine and a success story from cancer.  
 My grandson Keith Boles also helps with school news and local events. He also has a love for writing – he didn’t get it from me, must be his English teacher mom, daughter-in-law Nicole Miller, who has written countless stories for us. Hope she has time with her new job to help us out occasionally.
 My mom and dad have helped me so much throughout the years. They have delivered papers, stuffed inserts, picked up the paper at the printers and my mom still helps address the papers to be mailed. Every Wednesday she comes in, addresses the papers and goes on the commercial route with me delivering them to the stores. My sons each had their own paper routes and now Keith delivers the route his father had when he was in school. It has been a family affair.
 This week marks the start of my 45th year at the newspaper. I started out through a high school program that paired students with businesses to teach skills to be successful in the work force. It was called the multi-occupations program and was taught by George Todd. 
 I worked for Jim and Betty Simpson and started out setting type with Eydie Fenton and helping Dorothy Booth, the bookkeeper.
 When I graduated from high school the Simpsons hired me on full-time. That summer the circulation director, Audrey Kersey, moved to Reno, Nev., and I took on her duties. 
 As time went on, it was time for Dorothy to retire and I ended up taking on her duties. I enjoyed the bookkeeping side. I kept all my previous jobs and just continued to get busier. 
 I worked for the Simpsons from 1979 to 2006 when they sold the business to Robb Hicks from Buffalo, Wyoming and Tom Mullen from Philipsburg, Mont. I was promoted to the job of general manager, and assumed the day-to-day business Jim did, but didn’t get to go golfing in the afternoon.
 I have seen many changes in the newspaper industry, but the people we meet is the best part of the job. I have met so many people that hold a lot of memories in my heart. I truly enjoy visiting with you.
 So if you have any news tips please let us know and I hope you enjoy reading this week’s edition of the Weiser Signal American. 
 

Category:

Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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