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The Heart Behind the Washington County News

A Family Rooted in Community Reporting

Living in the quiet town of Palmer, Kan., Dan and Jen Thalmann have been the driving force behind the Washington County News since November 1, 2006. However, Dan’s journey with the paper began in February 2000 as a school news reporter. His passion for local journalism grew, eventually leading him to become managing editor and later, publisher. Jen, who serves as ad manager, completes the leadership team. Together, they’ve raised five children — all of whom have contributed to the newspaper — and are now proud grandparents of two.

A Legacy Over 150 Years Strong

The Washington County News boasts a rich legacy, tracing its roots back over 150 years to the Western Observer, first published on March 25, 1869. Over the decades, newspapers in the area were bought, sold, and merged under various names. The first edition under the Washington County News name was printed on May 21, 1936. Today, it stands as the only remaining newspaper in Washington County.

A Small Team with a Big Impact

Operating with a small but dedicated team, Dan is the sole full-time employee. He is supported by five part-time staff members: Jen Thalmann (ad manager), Cynthia Scheer (editor), Iola Wolfe (office manager), Jana Buehler (ad sales), and Judy Wiechman (bookkeeper). Despite the challenges of a rapidly evolving media landscape, their commitment to delivering quality local journalism remains unwavering.

Navigating the Digital Shift

The internet has brought both opportunities and challenges to their work. On one hand, it has revolutionized news production — enabling faster research, streamlined communication, and efficient collaboration through tools like email and Dropbox. On the other hand, it has disrupted traditional news distribution. The rise of social media, particularly Facebook, has led to a decline in both readership and advertising revenue, as many people now turn to free platforms for local updates. In response, the Thalmanns made the bold decision to step away from Facebook, choosing instead to focus on their paid subscribers and digital edition, which now serves about a third of their readership.

The Role of Reliable Internet

Despite these challenges, the internet remains a vital tool for the Washington County News. From Zoom meetings to online research, it enables their small team to produce a high-quality publication each week. “Reliable, high-speed internet, provided by BVT, is essential to operations both at home and in the office,” Dan shared. “When the internet goes out, work comes to a halt. But BVT’s responsive support team is always just a phone call away!”

A Testament to Local Journalism

The Thalmanns’ story is a testament to the resilience of local journalism and the enduring importance of community connection. Whether in print or online, their work continues to inform, inspire, and unite Washington County — one edition at a time.