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Articles by Denise Guttery
A morning walk through history
Back Home by Chris Hardie Download column Download photos Chris Hardie’s headshot The early morning fog hung low in the valley as I stepped out the back door for an autumn morning walk down Claire Road. As I headed north my morning thoughts drifted into the past. Our home – which was built by my great-grandparents George “Ray” and Hilda Hardie in 1925 – sits at the end of Claire Road, which is about one mile south from Jackson County HIghway C.
Report for America Opens Host Newsroom Application
Attend the Virtual Information Session to Learn More Report for America is now accepting applications from local news organizations interested in hosting a corps member beginning in July 2027. Applications are due October 19, 2026. October 8 at 2:30p.m. CT Register here Report for America, the flagship program of nonprofit journalism support organization Report Local, partners with newsrooms to add reporting capacity focused on under-covered communities and under-reported topics.
Wauwatosa West wins 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games State Finals
MADISON, Wis.—A team from Wauwatosa West High School has won the 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games state championship, the Universities of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation (WNAF) announced today after a day-long competition focused on civics, history, government, and current events. The Civics Games, presented by the Universities of Wisconsin in partnership with the WNAF, featured 16 teams from across the state vying for the crown at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
2025 WNAF Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest Winners
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 WNA Foundation Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest, now renamed the First Amendment Essay and Editorial Cartoon Contest. “I’m fortunate enough to live in a country where my freedoms and rights are protected. Under the First Amendment, I am allowed to speak freely, assemble peacefully, and petition my government,” wrote First Place High School Editorial Writer Rylie Kranich.
2025 Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial/Cartoon Contest Winners
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation is excited to announce the winners of the 2025 WNA Foundation Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest. “I’m fortunate enough to live in a country where my freedoms and rights are protected. Under the First Amendment, I am allowed to speak freely, assemble peacefully, and petition my government,” wrote First Place High School Editorial Writer Rylie Kranich.
Register for Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association and WNA Foundation is pleased to announce its 2026 inductees to the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame. WNAF’s Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the newspaper industry in Wisconsin. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet will take place on Thursday, March 5 at The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governors Club in downtown Madison.
Adams MultiMedia acquiring Cedar Rapids Gazette and 11 community newspaper titles | Wisconsin Newspaper Association
Adams MultiMedia, a Minnesota-based company, is purchasing The Cedar Rapids Gazette and 11 community newspaper titles, the companies announced jointly this morning. The agreement between Tom Pientok, president & CEO of Folience, Inc. and Mark Adams, President and CEO of Adams MultiMedia (AMM) is expected to be finalized by December 1, at which time most Gazette employees will join Adams MultiMedia.
Deadline Extended - Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest
The WNA Foundation is excited to announce the fifth annual Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest, which aims to increase civic education and engagement while celebrating the rights established by the First Amendment. The contest is open to all Wisconsin middle and high school students, including home-schooled students. Essays and cartoons should focus on the importance of the First Amendment. Students are encouraged to draw from personal experiences, current events and historical examples.
Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest now accepting entries
The WNA Foundation is excited to announce the fifth annual Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest, which aims to increase civic education and engagement while celebrating the rights established by the First Amendment. The contest is open to all Wisconsin middle and high school students, including home-schooled students. Essays and cartoons should focus on the importance of the First Amendment. Students are encouraged to draw from personal experiences, current events and historical examples.
2026 Wisconsin Civics Games Dates Announced
The WNA Foundation has announced the upcoming dates for the 2025 Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing and Cartoon Contest and 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games. Returning for a fifth year, the contest asks students to convey their opinion about an issue related to the First Amendment through editorial writing or an editorial cartoon. First-place winners will receive $500, second-place winners will receive $250, and third-place winners will receive $100.
2024 Wisconsin Civics Games Contest Winners
The WNA Foundation is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest. Returning for a fourth year, the contest asks students to convey their opinion about an issue related to the First Amendment through editorial writing or an editorial cartoon. Eighteen students will receive cash awards, certificates and the opportunity to be published by newspapers across the state.
WNAF announces 2024 Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest winners
Eighteen high school and middle school students have been recognized by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation for their submissions to the 2024 Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest. The contest asks Wisconsin youth to submit editorials or cartoons expressing their thoughts on the First Amendment.
Moving the goalposts on student achievement
By Bill Barth Download this column as a Word document Download headshot Let’s step back a few years, to trace the beginning of high stakes school test-taking in America. It’s January 8, 2002. The place is Hamilton, Ohio. The speaker is President George W. Bush, on the day he signed the so-called No Child Left Behind Act “The first way to solve a problem is to diagnose it. And so, what this bill says, it says every child can learn.
Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest now accepting entries
The WNA Foundation is excited to announce the fourth annual Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest, which aims to increase civic education and engagement while celebrating the rights established by the First Amendment. The contest is open to all Wisconsin middle and high school students, including home-schooled students. Essays and cartoons should focus on the importance of the First Amendment. Students are encouraged to draw from personal experiences, current events and historical examples.
Cunningham, Gaier, Stanley named 2024 Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame honorees
Retired La Crosse Tribune publisher Rusty Cunningham and former Wisconsin newspaper executive Gary Gaier will join former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel managing editor and current Wisconsin Watch chief executive officer George Stanley as 2024 inductees into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame. All three will be inducted during a ceremony hosted by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at The Madison Club, located at 5 E. Wilson St. in downtown Madison.
WNAF seeking sponsors for Newspaper Hall of Fame Banquet
As part of the WNA Foundation’s mission to increase public awareness and appreciation of newspapers, it annually recognizes visionaries and innovators in the industry. This year’s Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame banquet will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, at The Madison Club, 5 E. Wilson St., Madison.
Register for Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association and WNA Foundation is pleased to announce its 2024 inductees to the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame. WNAF’s Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the newspaper industry in Wisconsin. Inductees and award recipients will be honored during a banquet on Thursday, Nov. 7, at The Madison Club, 5 E. Wilson, St., Madison.
Past Presidents | Wisconsin Newspaper Association
The following were presidents of the Wisconsin Press Association, which merged with the Wisconsin Daily League in 1975 to form the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.
What Others Say: Race for legislative control gets serious
In the Assembly, it’s about control. In the Senate, it’s about setting the stage for 2026. Insiders are watching more than a dozen fall races under new maps to see if: Republicans can keep legislative control for another two years; or if Democrats can beat the odds and seize control of the Assembly for the first time since 2010 and set the stage for a Senate takeover two years from now.
Advertising Advisory: Campaign Advertising
If you have questions regarding any of these advertising advisory’s – please contact WNA Executive Director Beth Bennett. Wisconsin law requires that all campaign advertising include a “Paid for by” disclaimer followed by the name of the candidate or other individual making the payment or reimbursement or assuming responsibility for the communication.
‘Earn Your Press Pass’ provides newsroom training solutions
Members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association are offered a member benefit program, “Earn Your Press Pass.” The program aims to help editors and publishers navigate the ongoing community newspaper labor shortage by providing turnkey training options for amateur and early-career journalists.
Race for legislative control gets serious
The Capitol Report, produced by WisPolitics.com — a nonpartisan, Madison-based news service that specializes in coverage of government and politics — provides a weekly analysis of issues being debated in Wisconsin state government. It is underwritten by the WNA and produced exclusively for its members. WisPolitics.com President Jeff Mayers is a former editor and reporter for the Associated Press and a former political writer for the Wisconsin State Journal.
Wisconsin Media Group will switch to O’Rourke Media Group
Wisconsin Media Group and all of its affiliated newspapers and websites will now do business as O’Rourke Media Group. O’Rourke Media Group is a family-owned, diversified media company that was formed in 2018.
New editor at Times-Tribune
Alec Finger has taken over as news editor for Times-Tribune in Middleton-Cross Plains. A native of Madison, Finger graduated from Iowa State University. Alec joins his father, Tom and mother, Pam at Finger Publishing, which owns the Times-Tribune.
Peshtigo Times columnist retires
Shirley Prudhomme, columnist for the Peshtigo Times, retired in July after being published every week for more than 25 years. Her column, the “Country Cousin”, ran for the last time in the August 7 edition of the Peshtigo Times.
2025 WNA annual convention date set
The 2025 WNA annual convention will take place March 6-7 in Madison at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a nonprofit group that works to protect access to public meetings and records, will host its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. More information to come regarding the programming, registration and Conference hotel room block.
Florence Mining News hires new reporter
Tracy Asanuma has joined the Florence Mining News as a reporter. Asanuma is looking forward to getting to know the community and write for the Mining News. “Small rural communities often have the biggest hearts and the best stories, ” said Asanuma.
Sivertsen retires from The Forest Republican
Deb Sivertsen, owner and publisher, is retiring from The Forest Republican in Crandon. Sivertsen sold the newspaper to her editor, Sarah Giddings. “A lot of things recently came together to tell me it’s time.” For Sivertsen, retirement will be an opportunity to find new ways to serve the community she loves.
Hometown News announces new sports reporter
Alyssa Brooks joins Hometown News as a sports reporter for the Waunakee, Sun Prairie, DeForest, Lodi and Poynette high schools. Brooks graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in journalism. Since college, her background has been in sports. She interned for the Lakeshore Chinooks and Lake Country Dockhounds baseball teams in their media department. “We are excited to welcome Alyssa Brooks to our team at Hometown News Group.
Cheese Reporter Closes Madison Office
Cheese Reporter, which was acquired two months ago by Meliora Group, LLC, closed its office in Madison. Founded in 1876 in Sheboygan Falls, WI, Cheese Reporter has been based in Madison since 1962.
Kemmeter recognized for serving community
Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza honored Gene Kemmeter for more than 50 years of serving Portage County in the field of journalism. He presented a proclamation at the Wooden Chair Restaurant before a group of friends, former colleagues and family. Kemmeter currently write about Portage County history, for what is now the Stevens Point Gazette. He has also worked at the Ripon Commonwealth-Press and Stevens Point Journal.
Isthmus wins awards from Association of Alternative Newsmedia
Isthmus received five awards in Association of Alternative Newsmedia national contest, including top honors for best newsletter (Word of Mouth) and best illustration for Kay Reynolds’ Valentine’s Day-themed art for the February 2023 cover. Also announced at the conference — Madison will be hosting the AAN conference in July 2025. The conference was held in Madison once before, in 2002.
David James Giffey dies at 83
David Giffey of Arena, Wisconsin, died on Friday, July 19th. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in 1941 and raised on the Giffey dairy farm, David grounded his actions in love, kindness, and ethical clarity. Giffey was a renowned artist, activist, and journalist. He worked extensively as a journalist throughout his life, first as a reporter in the Fox River Valley, then for Stars and Stripes after he was drafted into the American War in Vietnam.
William "Bill" Lizdas dies at 74
William “Bill” Lizdas, age 74, of Madison, passed away on July 12, 2024, at Inglehaven Assisted Living in Mount Horeb, Wis. Bill graduated from Washington Park High School, where he met his future wife and mother of his children, Sheila Petersen. His love of photography began in his teens and his parents built him a darkroom in their basement.
The Community News & Small Business Support Act gains additional co-sponsors
Two additional Congressional representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of the Community News & Small Business Support Act (H.R. 4756), bringing the number of sponsors/co-sponsors to 48. Newly added are Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX-35). The act was introduced in the 118th Congress by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-1), both members of the Ways and Means Committee.
WNA held public notice webinar on July 18
Do you know how to calculate your public notice rates? Are you charging accurately? Have you leveraged the full value of your newspaper’s digital archive? Bill Goff, director of the newspaper certification program for the Wisconsin Department of Administration, and Denise Guttery, WNA Media Services Director, addressed these topics and more during an hour-long public notice webinar at noon on Thursday, July 18.
WNA held public notice webinar on July 18
Do you know how to calculate your public notice rates? Are you charging accurately? Have you leveraged the full value of your newspaper’s digital archive? Bill Goff, director of the newspaper certification program for the Wisconsin Department of Administration, and Denise Guttery, WNA Media Services Director, addressed these topics and more during an hour-long public notice webinar at noon on Thursday, July 18.
WNA to host free public notice webinar on July 18
Do you know how to calculate your public notice rates? Are you charging accurately? Have you leveraged the full value of your newspaper’s digital archive? Bill Goff, director of the newspaper certification program for the Wisconsin Department of Administration, and Denise Guttery, WNA Media Services Director, will address these topics and more during an hour-long public notice webinar at noon on Thursday, July 18.
Wisconsin Newspapers Win National Better Newspaper Contest Awards
Each year, the National Newspaper Association honors the best in community journalism through the Better Newspaper Editorial Contest and the best in community newspaper advertising through the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. This year, the contests received a total of 1,758 entries. Congratulations to the winning Wisconsin newspapers. Editorial Contest Winners The Edgerton Reporter won one first-place award, two second- and third-place awards, and two Honorable Mentions.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters win Excellence-in-Features journalism awards
The Society for Features Journalism recognized the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for Excellence-in-Features journalism awards, including one first-place prize. Tamia Fowlkes, an investigative reporter: won first place in a feature portfolio category for her coverage of a local property management company that wrongly threatened a 98-year-old with eviction. John Diedrich, an investigative reporter: won second place in the Feature Series or Project category.
Exner joins Hillsboro Sentry-Enterprise
Devin Exner is joining the Hillsboro Sentry-Enterprise team as a new reporter. Exner is a recent graduate of the National Guard Challenge Academy and has enjoyed writing since he was 10. He is following his passion and will be writing articles and taking pictures of different events taking place around Hillsboro.
Mertes honored for civic contributions in Sun Prairie
Middleton Times-Tribune contributing writer Chris Mertes received the James J. Reininger Lifetime Achievement Award. The Reininger Award, created in 1997, honors City of Sun Prairie residents for their service to the community of Sun Prairie.
Banner Journal welcomes new editor
Elaina Sanders joined the staff of the Banner Journal on June 17 in the role as editor/news reporter. Sanders will be covering local government, school districts and community events. She attend Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA, and worked at the college’s newspaper. She lives in Melrose area with her husband and daughter.
Brian Lund retires as Republican Journal publisher
After 40 years with the Republican Journal in Darlington, Brian Lund has retired. Lund has built a career in the newspaper business from the age of 10 in McHenry, Ill. His grandfather, Arnold Lund, was part owner of the McHenry Plaindealer at the time. His dad, Larry Lund, was the newspaper’s publisher. From sixth grade through high school, Lund was using the Addressograph machine, a machine used to print addresses for subscriptions.
Gregory A. Smith dies at 75
Gregory Arthur Smith, 75, died Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at his home in Stevens Point, WI. Greg was born in Austin, Minnesota, to Edmund E. and Maxiene J. Smith. He was third in a family of nine children, and he loved being a part of this big family. He attended St. Augustine elementary school and Pacelli High School in Austin. He attended Austin Junior College and later Mankato State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Journal welcomes summer intern Noah Windsor
Ellsworth High School freshman Noah Windsor joined the Pierce County Journal staff this summer as an intern. Windsor wrote that he is infatuated with writing, documenting, and interviewing. Working at the Journal will give him new knowledge on these subjects, as well as experience. He is excited for all there is to come with his internship.
Godfrey & Kahn to provide 24/7 support to journalists during upcoming convention
The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee is rapidly approaching, and Godfrey & Kahn will be making media hotline lawyers available 24/7 in the days immediately before, during, and for a few days after the July 15-18 convention sessions with their cell phone numbers.
WNA Foundation announces Wisconsin Community News Fund
Created in 2020 by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, the Wisconsin Community News Fund is an initiative to allow local newspapers to quickly and easily begin fundraising and accepting tax-deductible donations.
Ad-libs: Sunshine in the weather forecast
By John Foust, Greensboro, NC I remember attending a graduation ceremony for a class of nursing students. One of the speakers – who was also one of their instructors – said, “You help create the atmosphere in the room – for your patients, their families, your coworkers, and the doctors and technicians with whom you work. Your feelings have an impact, whether those feelings are cheerful or sad, optimistic or fearful.” She referred to a speech she heard at a healthcare convention.
Magazine commemorating the UW's 175th to be in Wisconsin newspapers
MADISON, WI (May 10, 2024) — During the week of May 12, 175 years of Badger connections and UW-Madison impact throughout Wisconsin will be on display in newspapers across the state. The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), UW-Madison and the Wisconsin Newspapers Association (WNA) are collaborating to honor the legacy and celebrate the many ways the state’s flagship public university contributes to the quality of life throughout Wisconsin.
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