Publisher and Advertising Manager Sue Patten has retired after 30 years employment at 100 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL, offices of W. N. S. Publications. Her retirement party was Friday, April 26, 2019.
She has followed a traditional, vertical career path. In May 1988 she began work two days a week as an Advertising Representative for the Whiteside News Sentinel. She also worked four days a week at Smith Bank as Teller at the drive-up window. In 1990 Patten was hired full time at the Whiteside News Sentinel.
Her responsibilities quickly grew to include Advertising Manager and Circulation Manager.
Over the years area newspapers were purchased. Patten eventually became Advertising Manager and Publisher of the company’s four newspapers: Erie Review, Fulton Journal, Prophetstown Echo, and Whiteside News Sentinel.
In addition, she added the position of Bookkeeper for four newspapers, which included “preparing and publishing Legals.”
On April 1, 2019, B. F. Shaw Printing Company purchased W. N. S. Publications. Patten stated some of her numerous “tasks are being divided out to employees in other towns, such as billing and legal ads.”
Husband Lynn Patten has been waiting almost a year for his wife to retire. Like her, he became employed in May 1988. He began working at the Quad Cities Generating Station, a nuclear power plant near Cordova, IL. After 30 years he retired in January 2018. The Pattens bought a camper, which they have used in the last year.
Lynn stated now the couple might “head down south to Florida or Kansas City” to visit his siblings. He “might drive [his] father to Las Vegas, NV.” He said his wife would enjoy traveling to the largest Midwest flea market and auction site, Shipshewana, IN, in Amish country. They might “travel and camp on weekends or fly somewhere.” The couple has a trip planned to Jamaica in February 2020. There will be time locally to enjoy breakfasts with family, too he said.
Celebrating the last moments of a retirement reception on Friday, April 26, 2019, left-to-right are stepfather Wayne Hook, mother Mary Hook, Sue Patten, and husband Lynn. He embellished his wife’s final half day with her favorite flowers, assorted daisies.
Congratulations to Sue Patten for two decades of stewardship of the area newspapers. Bon Voyage, Happy Trails, and Safe Travels!
