The following quote is from the Elcho school daily announcements, March 23:
“Congratulations to Elcho’s very own Madie Ison! Madie competed in the World Games in Cancun, Mexico, this past weekend. She placed first and earned the World Champion title in the 12 and 13-year-old Co-ed Karate Division! Great job, Madie!”
Imagine that — a world champion athlete from Elcho! So, what does it take to get noticed by the Antigo Daily Journal? As far as I can tell, the ADJ missed this story completely. Seems there were more important issues for ADJ’s crack reportorial staff to discover. I ask you, what’s more significant to our community consciousness — the discovery that some knucklehead was growing pot in his apartment, or the the model of dedication, hard work, and talent shown by this previously unknown kid from the still-unknown town of Elcho?
====
That is sad. Last year, I understand that two local teens were top 10 finalists in the national Major League Baseball/Baby Ruth 7th inning stretch competition as well. Nothing was reported.
If it doesn’t come across on the AP wire or if they are not notified of the events it is probably not going to get in the paper. Somehow, somebody has to let them know.
It seems people understandably lack confidence in the Antigo Daily Journal’s relevance, and do not feel motivated to do the reporting for the ADJ on their own.
Hey Fred! Would it be so hard to establish connections with the local school administrations, civic and activist groups, to try to get more than those useless “grip and grin” award-photo ops? Remember last year there was a page of I think 6 large photos, all stacked in a column, 5 people in each photo, and the same three people were in all 6 photos? I thought I was looking at an Andy Warhol exhibit.
I believe that the teens in the MLB/Baby Ruth thing was communicated to Fred. The young man that told me about it said he called him personally. I can’t speak for the young lady who won the karate championship, but it isnt too late to do a story on her. I’m no ADJ basher but it is always nice to hear great stories like these. Congrats to Madie!
Kudo’s!
Call up the Shopper’s Guide. They are doing a much better job of reporting on local news and publishing nice local pics than the Antigo Daily Mistake.
I agree, the Shopper covers only local, human interest stories while the Journal is filled with Associated Press stories from around the world. I read both so believe that each offers something of value to the community.
Credit where credit’s due…. Antigo Daily Journal on April 23 finally ran a story and picture about Madie’s world championship win. It only took a month for ADJ to catch up with the news. ADJ’s crack investigative reporting team must be too busy, rummaging through all the other historical facts piling up around the office.