The Indiana Publisher

Page 4 February 2020 English-Burnett appointed General Manager/Managing Editor of The Versailles Republican, the Osgood Journal, Staff Reports The Versailles Republican Wanda English-Burnett has assumed the role of General Manager/Managing Editor since the retirement of Linda Chandler at the end of 2019. English-Burnett is no stranger to the paper. She has worked for Ripley Publishing Co. since 1984. She began as a typesetter, worked in the front office doing subscriptions and proofreading, then moved into the position of office manager, eventually taking over as editor. "An old saying that 'the ink gets in your blood' could be applied to my career at the newspaper," commented English-Burnett. She further says that she has loved every job, and even after 35 years she continues learning new things, especially as she has moved into her new responsibilities. The ink got in her blood early. "I came to the newspaper office as a little girl with my dad, Clarence English, as he ordered and received statements from the newspaper for his business. I always loved the office, but never dreamed I could one day work here," she reflects. English-Bur- nett expressed her gratitude for the mentorship of Dorothy Craig, who she worked closely with for many years. She feels Craig shaped so much of who she is today in the business world. Craig taught her by showing her. "We worked side-by- side for many years and became friends, regardless of the age gap. We would go on our yearly Christmas shopping trip where we had so much fun," English-Burnett fondly remembers. English-Burnett went on to say she is thankful to the paper's owners, Gene and Jo Demaree – another generation in the family-owned business that continues to bring the news to the county since 1856, who believe in her and have put their trust in her to run their company. She respects them for keeping the newspaper in the family for several generations, as many newspapers have sold out. The Demarees have weathered the storm and continue to believe in the people here. She also feels the current staff are an asset to the company. "It always amazes me when at the end of the day on Monday and Wednesday, our small staff of seven has completed two newspapers. Each one has a specialized skill set they bring to be a true team player," stated English- Burnett. The newspaper looks forward to many more years of bringing the community stories and advertise- ments they enjoy. Sometimes that news is bad. That's all part of being informed and engaged. English- Burnett loves this community – even when she disagrees with some of the decisions made, whether it be government, community, school, or in her own family. She says she still has respect for the people she disagrees with; everyone has different opinions, and that's a good thing. English-Burnett says "I love the newspaper. It's that simple. Some days I get up, even after all these years, and can't believe where my career has taken me or where it will go from here." English-Burnett wants to take the time to thank all of the subscribers who faithfully take the paper, even in this new "gotta have it now" world. She also wants to thank the advertis- ers who continue to believe in the newspaper. It makes her proud of the people in the community, who know the value of getting a newspaper to hold as they drink their morning coffee. Here's to many more cups of coffee as you learn what is happening in the community. English- Burnett Wanda English- Burnett The Versailles Republican "I am just so proud and privileged to have been able to guide and navigate this paper into the 21st Century," Linda Chandler, publisher of the Osgood Journal and The Versailles Republican, said, as she prepared to make her exit into retirement. Over the past nearly 40 years, Chandler has seen the newspapers evolve from Pat Patterson, editor, pounding out copy on the Royal manual typewriter. "We did have electric typewriters – Pat just preferred the manual one," Chandler laughed. Now everything is written and designed on the computer. Little did Chandler know when she applied for a position in the front office, that she would gain a career in the newspaper business and one day become the publisher. She only knew she loved the work and jumped right into the middle. She has had a hand in most areas of the operation of the paper from developing film in the dark room, to putting advertisement together with clip art and border tape, to actually running the entire business. Under the guidance of Chandler, the paper went from being printed in house on our own King press to being outsourced to Greenfield, where we were able to ad color to the paper. She was the first full time advertising salesper- son where she enjoyed helping people grow their business through advertising. The newspaper has taken many turns and changes over forty years, but one thing remains the same, it continues to tell the stories of the local community, and highlight businesses. Many new programs have been put in place to make the work more efficient in the day-to-day operation of the newspapers. "It's been an honor to be the steward of the newspapers. It's been a wonderful career," Chandler said. "I feel like I have and am working with some of the most talented, community minded people you would ever want to work with." The career has afforded Chandler many opportunities to be involved in numerous organiza- tions in the community. She was a founding member of the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce, along with Ted Spurlock and Leroy Corya. "The chamber is a real asset to this community and local busi- nesses," she noted. She has served on the board of directors since its inception. Chandler has served on the Ripley County Community Foundation's Board of Directors in the early years. "The RCCF has made a huge difference in the quality of life for those living in Ripley County. I am extremely proud of my involvement with both organizations. She served on the first recycling committee before the SEIRD was formed. She was one of the first women to be installed as a Versailles Lions Club member, where she still serves today. Her voice is heard every Pumpkin Show as she announces the parade. She is also involved in a lot of behind the scenes work as a volunteer, is a member of Tri Kappa. She has served on the Hoosier State Press Association's Board of Directors and the Hoosier Chandler Chandler retires as publisher of The Versailles Republican, Osgood Journal See Chandler, page 12

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