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I wouldn’t leave western Nebraska for just any job.
And I haven’t left the west entirely.
As the Nebraska Examiner’s new editor-in-chief, I’ll be splitting my time between Lincoln and North Platte, where my husband and I have our home.
For 10 years, I’ve led small western Nebraska newspapers in North Platte, Scottsbluff and Lexington. I believe local papers are important not just to provide information but to build community.
But most local papers today are struggling to survive. Their dwindling staffs are stretched to cover what’s happening in their towns, much less the statewide issues that also affect their readers.
That’s why I said yes to joining the Nebraska Examiner.
The Examiner supports every Nebraska media outlet — print, radio, TV and online — by reporting on state government and policy and allowing others to reprint stories free of charge. It also provides that content free to all readers at nebraskaexaminer.com.
My 35 years in Nebraska journalism have spanned the state from my Panhandle hometown of Scottsbluff to Omaha, where my husband and I raised our four kids in the far north Florence and Minne Lusa neighborhoods. I’ve seen how policy decisions made in Lincoln affect Nebraskans in rural towns and the inner city.
As a newspaper editor, I appreciated being able to use the Examiner’s thorough coverage of state government and issues. As its new editor-in-chief, I see an opportunity to expand our focus by including voices from across the state to include in our stories.
I invite you to reach out to me at jvonkampen@nebraskaexaminer.com to offer story tips or discuss topics you think we should cover.
I’ve long considered journalism a service profession. For me, that means service to the community and to my colleagues.
And what a team I’ve joined here at the Examiner, with four of the most talented, driven journalists I’ve had the privilege of editing: Cindy Gonzalez, Erin Bamer, Juan Salinas II and Zach Wendling.
This quartet never quits. My first two weeks here were a whirlwind of headlines. Here are some highlights from more than 40 stories published since Aug. 3, my first day as editor:
Cindy Gonzalez:
- Margo Juarez optimistic about continued lawmaker role as she battles cancer
- Housing forum for South Omaha turns to immigration-related concerns
- Omaha’s Creighton University continues downtown growth, opens $50M housing hall
Erin Bamer:
- Nebraska education commissioner says 5% spending cut won’t apply to school funding formula
- Nebraska State Board of Education postpones approval of North Omaha girls school, followed four days later by Nebraska State Board of Education unanimously approves North Omaha girls school
- Nebraska community colleges will see delayed implementation of Gov. Pillen’s 5% spending cut
Juan Salinas II:
- Former Nebraska Democratic Party employee sues, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation
- Judge declines to force Nebraska Democratic Party to replace former Senate candidate Burbank
- Legal Marijuana NOW candidate says he never planned to leave Senate race
Zach Wendling:
- More than 13,300 Lincoln petition signatures flagged as fraudulent
- University of Nebraska asks for $166M increase in tax dollars in 2027-29 budget
- Most rejected Lindstrom signatures came in Lancaster County, where only 25% were approved
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