Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence: A Heartfelt Thank You!

Tara Blanc, Publisher

November marks a significant milestone for North Central News as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Time has flown since the late John Myers, local realtor Tim Mullan, and I collaborated to launch this community newspaper in the fall of 1999. Initially, when John and Tim pursued other ventures, I assumed sole ownership, uncertain of how long the publication would endure. Today, its longevity reflects the dedication of our staff, the loyalty of our advertisers, and the unwavering support from the community.

The inaugural issue, published in November 1999, featured an article by Trudy Thompson Shumaker about the dangers of red-light running alongside other important stories on community policing and local events. Although our content has evolved, our commitment to community news has remained steadfast. Throughout the years, we’ve collaborated with exceptional writers like Marjorie Rice and Clair Bush, each contributing to our rich narrative tapestry.

Our editorial team has played a pivotal role in shaping the newspaper’s voice. Teri Carnicelli, our first full-time editor, adeptly engaged with community matters for 16 years. She was succeeded by Colleen Sparks, who navigated the challenges of covering our community during a global pandemic. Currently, Kathryn Miller focuses on community issues and the arts, enhancing our content significantly.

Efficient administrative support underpins our operations. I am immensely thankful for Marissa Renteria and Kim Kilcrease, our prior administrators, and for Janice Backus, our current office administrator, whose organizational skills are invaluable.

As a free-circulation newspaper reliant on advertising, our success hinges on ad sales. I recognize the contributions of previous sales representatives and commend Joanne Day, our current director of sales and marketing, who has been with us for 18 years and is fundamental to our success.

Realtors have been vital to our foundation, with Bobby Lieb as our first-ever advertiser. Others, like Shelley Caniglia and Ronda Cronin, have consistently supported us. We are grateful to the broader array of local businesses and realtors that continue to partner with us throughout the years.

The ongoing support from local school districts has also been crucial. Institutions like the Madison School District and the Phoenix Union High School District have contributed both advertisement and content, reinforcing community ties.

Ultimately, our readers are at the heart of our success. Your feedback—both supportive and critical—has driven our evolution. We are honored to serve this vibrant community and deeply appreciate the encouragement we’ve received over the past 25 years.

Here’s to 25 more!