55 years with The Press Shelia Tomkins retires
By Gary Olson
Shelia Tomkins retired this week after editing her final issue of the Guttenberg Press. She earned her journalistic stripes, consistently accepting more responsibility during the 55-plus years she worked her way up through the ranks from typist to editor.
Through her work for more than half a century, she has earned the admiration and respect of her co-workers and sources.
Publisher John Ingebritsen said spending 55 years in community journalism is “a great accomplishment,” adding, “She is a treasure and will be missed. Hopefully, she will continue to be a contributor. We want her to stay in touch and share the news with our Guttenberg readers.”
Fellow staffer Caroline Rosacker, in her final column last month, wrote, “Her quiet demeanor filled with good intentions and kindness is what truly makes her an amazing leader.”
Austin Greve, who began working with her in the Fall of 2000, commented that he has known Shelia most of his life. “When I was three, Shelia took my photo. It was almost like a professional’s.” “She has been a wonderful co-worker and friend.”
Melissa Spielbauer-Combs joined The Press team in January 2001 and calls Shelia “a support beam. She offers good advice and is always polite. She is a co-worker and friend, which doesn’t happen in many workplaces.”
City Manager Jamie Blume described “a great working relationship” with the newspaper. “We were both concerned that everything printed about the city was accurate. I liked that Shelia would check back on whatever she wrote. I’m very sad to see her go. It’s almost unheard of to work in one place that long.”
Amy Speed, marketing director at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, agreed with Blume on Shelia’s insistence on accuracy. “Shelia does a great job getting back to us.” “Whenever I see her in town, she always has a smile and is pleasant to be around.”
Matthew Brownfield, Chamber of Commerce director, began writing weekly “Notes From The Chamber” after meeting with Shelia soon after his hiring in November. “I welcomed her offer to provide space,” he said. “We have an older and a younger population, and each receives information differently. The paper’s online presence helps get our information out.” He said “Notes allows him to give updates on recent events and an opportunity to look to the future.”
Clayton Ridge Superintendent Shane Wahls described the retiring editor as “easy to work with and always ready to promote the positive things we do here at school.”
