2004 Year in Review

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Sentinel staff

Whiteside News-Sentinel 1857

The first issue of the Whiteside Sentinel was published by Alfred McFadden in July 1857, making the newspaper one of Morrison’s two oldest “Golden Businesses.” Its most well-known owner and editor was Charles Bent, Sr., who ran the newspaper for 53 years (1867-1919.)

Today, Anthony Komlanc is sole owner and publisher of the Whiteside News-Sentinel. He is pictured with these employees who turn out the weekly paper: Monica Petersen (Advertising), Sue Patten (Office Manager), Nancy Rutledge (Graphic Designer), Sarah Thorndike (Editor), Marilyn Vegter (Circulation Manager), and Pat Gibbs (Advertising.) Komlanc began as an advertising representative, securing local ads, before he purchased the business in 1983 from Dan Terry of Polo.

Thorndike enjoys covering both sides of controversial issues. The newspaper does not endorse political candidates, but sometimes she interviews opposing candidates. An editorial rule of thumb, she said, is “Don’t print anything that’ll get us sued!” She is the sole reporter and does the layouts, with help from Rutledge. Students Rustin Lindsey and Lindsey Smith cover high school sports.

Playwright Arthur Miller stated, “A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself.” Once a week, the Whiteside News-Sentinel “talks to” 3500 households in Morrison and across the United States.

by svavra
2004-11-23 10:40:10