Retrospective

A tremendous thing happened recently that, in a lot of ways, is kind of amazing. The three busy women of the Whitley News Network managed to meet up, albeit it briefly, in the same place at the same time -- in my front yard.

Teresa Smith, above left, is the publisher of the Tribune-News in South Whitley and is offering the citizens of South Whitley and Larwill and online news opportunity in the form of www.southwhitleyonline.com

Smith is an award winning journalist with many year’s experience in local media, including past editorial roles at the Times-Union in Warsaw and the Post & Mail in Columbia City. Many may not know this, but because of her extraordinary work in documenting the stories of World War II veterans, the army vehicle on the Kosciusko County Courthouse lawn is named “Teresa” in her honor.

Viv Sade, above right, is part of a team of professionals who recently launched www.buscovoice.com, bringing enhanced online community news to the citizens of Churubusco.

Sade is also an award winning journalist having garnered awards from the Hoosier State Press Association for her writing. If you haven’t read her columns, they are bright, funny and insightful. For many years, Sade was the editor of the Churubusco News and in addition to her online venture, is also an editor for Kendallville Publishing Company’s Auburn Star.

That is me in the middle on one of my proudest days yet at Talk of the Town – the day I was presented with the Chamber Business of the Month award. Upon finding out about the award, I made sure to invite my Whitley News Network partners to join me for the celebration and was thrilled when both were able to accept my invitation to attend.

I'm really honored to be a part of a team of accomplished women journalists who are working diligently to bring news to their community. I honestly cannot think of better people to be leading these roles in their communities and their communities will benefit greatly from their presence.

While we three communicate frequently via e-mail and phone, getting the three of us in one place at one time was quite a feat given everyone’s busy schedules as we hurriedly work to bring the news of Whitley County quickly, accurately and expansively to the internet. So, I’m glad to have this photo!