Jonathan Meyer

Returning to the byline.

I never set out to become a small town reporter, heck I never set out to be a reporter at all. Somehow almost exactly one year ago I made my writing debut in a duo piece with my lifelong friend and now journalist colleague Michael D. Davis. What all started as a crazy idea in Mike’s car became the next six months of my life before heading off to college. Here’s a recount of my involvement and life around the paper in the last year.

I graduated high school in May 2022 and went to work in lawn care. I was still very unsure of my future. Cutting grass was great until the seasons changed and work slowed down, I questioned my purpose and didn’t fully know where life was taking me.

About that time, Michael texted me and asked if I would consider working for the newspaper, as a reporter was on their way out. Initallity I resented and thought “Why me? What qualifications do I have?” These fears and doubts won out for about a month. I initially turned down working for the paper because I didn’t think I could deliver quality work to the people of Tama-Toledo. When I saw the need for a passionate individual to step up I knew it was the perfect way to spend my time and find a way in the world.

I made the decision that I would attend Wartburg College in the fall of 2023 about the same time my first story was published in the newspaper. From the beginning I knew my time at the paper would be rather brief. Regardless of this fact, I strived to put my best effort out for the community members who deserved to read the news and see light shed on the place they call home.

With little more than some high school English classes, I had to get resourceful in learning the craft that is journalism. Much of last March and April were spent reading online blog posts on how to improve your writing along with plenty of YouTube videos with grammar tips and how to craft a compelling headline. I took a crazy idea and with the help of everyone at the newspaper and some natural curiosity I made it work.

After the initial shock that I was helping write the newspaper wore off, I was pretty excited to get out there and craft some compelling stories. A few favorite stories include: Lori Baier being named citizen of the year, meeting Joni Ernst at Simply Blooming in Traer, countless track and field articles, meeting presidential candidate Ryan Binkley at Murph’s, It’s Better Freeze Dried opening, Pelle Weiss returns to Germany, STC School Board talks about sex education, and many many more pieces.

After nearly six months of working at the newspaper the time came for me to head off on a new adventure in Waverly. Going to college snuck up on me and I felt that my time at the paper wasn’t truly done yet. This feeling has carried from August when I moved into school until now as I write this piece.

After many months of completing copious amounts of school work and being involved in band, track, and cross country, I knew something was missing. I brought all my passions to Wartburg except one, that of course was helping write the newspaper.

As I near the end of my academic year at Wartburg, the fire has been lit inside me to start writing again (when time allows) and slowly start getting back into something I am so deeply passionate about. While I may not have a story every week, let it be known I am looking forward to contributing where I can and making a full comeback to the paper this summer.

I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to bring the people of Tama-Toledo and anyone else who reads our paper, the news in our community. It is an absolute privilege.