Fort Scott Tribune says goodbye to long time reporter, editor

Monday marked the first day for, The Fort Scott Tribune to operate with a new managing editor.

Justin Messner took over the duties for outgoing managing editor Robin Hixson.

Messner was a commercial art major in college, but he also has written literary works while at Pittsburg State University. It wasn't until he joined The Nevada Daily Mail in October that he got the opportunity to combine the two fields, writing and photography, as a journalist.

Messner started at the Daily Mail as a general assignment reporter. Part of his job included covering public safety topics and court cases in Vernon County. Soon after, he began designing pages of the newspaper. Page design, in large part, requires artistic skills.

"I got extremely fortunate and found a job that included both," Messner said. "I got to write and do photography. Very shortly after I started, I requested to be involved with the pagination (design) and setting up the pages in the sports section."

Messner said he'd like to implement more photos in the paper and incorporate new designs. "One of the things I bring, since I was a commercial art major, is photography," Messner said. But, he doesn't want to go overboard with photos and have the all-important news content suffer.

In fact, some newspapers are placing more emphasis on putting more graphics and photographs in their designs in part to attract younger readers who tend to drift toward the Internet for news.

"I think it's just now becoming apparent that the same old thing is not going to bring in new customers," Messner said. " A lot of papers are searching for an answer to that (declining subscriptions). A lot of it is bringing in new designs for the paper and being more visually-appealing, but the content must be there as well."

The 23-year-old lives in rural Vernon County, Mo., and leaves open the possibility of moving closer to Fort Scott in the future.

"I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of residents in Fort Scott, people involved in local businesses. I've had a great reception. I look forward to getting to know everyone and working in the area."

Hixson has nothing but good things to say about her successor.

"Justin Messner comes from the Nevada Daily Mail with an exceptional reputation for turning out a good product," Hixson said. "He brings extensive design skills and a solid working knowledge of newspaper production and software that I know will benefit this newspaper."

Hixson joined The Tribune in November 1997.

"Since I first came to work at The Tribune 10 years ago, I've seen the newspaper change and grow, both technologically and in quality," Hixson said. "During that time, I believe I've grown along with it, learning more about people, about journalism and about the issues that are important to this community."

She began as a part-time reporter in 1997 and within months stepped into a full-time position as a reporter and lifestyles writer.

"Although I had earned a journalism degree from Fort Hays State University in 1991, this was my first real job as a journalist, and I was pretty rusty," she said. "With help from sports editor Scott Nuzum, then editors Tom Epling and John Kendrick trained me and gave me the benefit of their experience."

After several years, Hixson moved into the position of city and court beat staff writer. Through that job, she became acquainted with the city and court officials, the county sheriff and his deputies, the police officers, the firefighters, emergency personnel, and many others who serve the community.

"All of these people have helped me expand my knowledge of the community. I've also had the opportunity to meet and interview state and U.S. legislators, campaigning candidates, and even the governor -- something I might never have had the chance to do otherwise," she said.

The experience broadened her knowledge base and interest in issues that affect us locally, statewide, nationally, and even around the world, because they're all connected.

"Events that occur elsewhere in the world can actually affect people right here in Bourbon County," she said. Hixson said working at The Tribune has truly advanced her education.

In 2005, she went from being a staff writer to working as an associate editor and then to the managing editor position in a matter of months.

"It was pretty scary, but I had incredible help and support from the newsroom and composition staffs," Hixson said.

Julie Righter, publisher of the Fort Scott Tribune and The Nevada Daily Mail, was new to her job then, too, so they grew into their new positions together.

"The changes Julie has brought to both The Fort Scott Tribune and the Nevada Daily Mail have improved the working environments at both newspapers, improved employee benefits, and have helped us improve the products we deliver to our readers and advertisers," Hixson said. "She has also become involved with a number of Fort Scott committees and has led the way for The Tribune to take a more active role in the community," Hixson said.

"Although my husband and I will be moving closer to Kansas City, we'll be coming back to Fort Scott on a pretty regular basis, as we have two businesses and many friends here. I know I'm going to miss all of my co-workers here, so I'll be popping in from time to time."