Return to the Press: Linn News is Back!

Nelson Media Company purchased its second paper from WCI
By Chris C. Nelson
CEO and President of Nelson Media Company
If there was ever a question of the connection a local community has with its newspaper, look no further than eastern Iowa. In a very short time frame, long time publication Linn News went from the brink of extinction to back in action. And it isn’t just the readers that are thrilled with its revival.
“In the last month, I have witnessed how vital a local newspaper is in rural communities and hearing from our readers during the time of closure broke my heart. I am thrilled to be a part of this new journey and hope that we can continue to serve northern Linn County for another 136 years,” says Managing Editor Laura Drummy. “I am incredibly grateful to be back at the Linn News.”
Drummy had been part of the Linn News staff in Central City, when the newspaper closed recently. But not long after the doors closed, a new owner came into the picture.
Nelson Media Company founder and President Chris Nelson had heard the story of the shut down of the Linn News and its sister paper Journal-Eureka in nearby Anamosa. Nelson holds small town newspapers close to his heart and believes every community deserves the heartbeat of their own publication. It’s why he decided to purchase both papers. Nelson and the team are eager to get back at it.
“We expect to provide hyper-local content that our weekly subscriber base will be thrilled and excited to consume every week. We want the newspaper to be a media space for businesses and organizations to use as a sound board of promotion.”
Sports Editor Todd Hunt is encouraged by the excitement.
“The response alone from families and kids hearing about the paper back in operation is enough for me to know we have a great group of communities.”
The enthusiasm is contagious for Kerri Dusanek, Operations for Nelson Media Company.
“From FFA to sports, to local news coverage, it would be lost in translation so to speak without Linn News back in business. What a gift to Central City and surrounding areas. And for me? Being a new addition to Linn News and Journal-Eurkea? The energy, excitement, and passion the staff bring speaks for itself. They love their jobs serving these communities.”
The resurrection of Linn News means answering a call for a necessary news platform. Office Assistant Nancy Smith says, “From a grandparent’s perspective, coverage of school
events is greatly appreciated and seeing the Linn News staff back doing what they do so well just makes sense. I’m excited for
them and I’m looking forward to the future of Linn News!”
Kara Honn returns to her role in advertising sales. More than being back on the job, for Kara and the team, it’s been the love of a supportive community.
“The response from the community has been the most exciting part. We look forward to partnering with this amazing community to make the Linn News the best yet!”
And for Honn and her team, there’s work ahead. “Advertising with the Linn News allows businesses to connect locally with the people they
serve. I want to help foster that.”
Nelson is thrilled about growing the newspaper side of Nelson Media Company. Linn News along with Journal-Eureka mark newspaper number 4 and 5, adding to Nelson’s optimism for the future.
“It’s my life duty to make sure this platform stays relevant for years to come.”