This week, we sent to press our special Year in Review section, and it has me reflecting on some of the stories I’ve worked on in 2015. I was lucky enough to have penned several of our top picks, but I also thought it would be fun to think about what pieces had a personal impact.
As a journalist, I’m always working to be objective, fair and accurate, but I’m a person too, so it’s natural that some articles are going to stick with me more than others.
Here are a few of my 2015 highlights, in no particular order:
1. “
Queen City of Food,” April 13
I learned a lot here. I knew a little about the far-reaching work of Noble & Associates Inc. and Marlin, but this story really opened my eyes to a well-established culture of food-focused advertising in Springfield. The work of these agencies and others should be a source of pride for locals.
2. “
Day in the Life: Michael Stelzer,” June 1
The “Day in the Life” feature is one of my very favorite things to do, and I really enjoyed getting to meet Michael. It was a treat getting an inside look at both his life at Marlin and his metal work out at the farm. This one was just fun.
3.
SOGI, March 16
The vote on the repeal of the sexual orientation and gender identity was such a divisive issue this spring. It was very important to me that I treat both sides fairly. I definitely felt a little pressure on this one, and was very grateful for my sources, who were clearly passionate about their positions. I hope we helped give people the information they needed heading into their polling places, regardless of how they voted.
4.
Ye Olde English Inn, Jan. 12
This is a bit of a different story for me, and I don’t think I nailed it. I was trying to capture the history and romanticism of the historic building for sale in Hollister. I loved learning about the building, and I’m proud of the article, but I can’t help but wish I would have had a bit more time on this one.
5.
Paul Mueller’s death, Feb. 2.
I was very humbled that David Moore and Larry Mueller invited us out to the family farm in Strafford to talk candidly about Paul Mueller’s legacy. They demonstrated a level of trust that is still humbling. Also, it’s a pretty impressive legacy that has really altered – and will continue to alter – this area well into the future.
6. “
#Fanfare,” Sept. 7
For me, there were a pair of web stories, a print story and a blog. The news of Hurts Donuts opening a second location in Springfield was a hot Web story for the year. News that Dunkin’ Donuts returned to town also garnered significant attention. Both stories, which gained a lot of traction with local media, were pulled together in the Sept. 7 article.
There is much else I’ll remember – an interview with Julie Blackmon, the Branson hoax and the unfolding drama between former financial adviser Nadia Cavner and Lawing Financial, for example – all of which helps me look forward to 2016. For auld lang syne, my friends.
