Clark County Press, Neillsville, Clark Co., WI

December 2, 2009, Font Page

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Zimmerman enjoys 40^th Year

By Peter Spicer

The familiar and friendly face greeting those who enter the doors of The Clark County Press – office manager Dee Zimmerman – is enjoying her 40^th year with The Shopper and 20^th year with The Clark County Press in Neillsville.

Zimmerman grew up in Browerville, MN, and moved to Neillsville with her husband, Lloyd, in 1967.  The couple celebrated their 55^th wedding anniversary in October.

When Zimmerman’s children became school-aged, she sought a part-time job and accepted one at The Clark County Shopper, located on Hewett Street, where she worked four days weekly starting in the spring of 1969.

At the time, Zimmerman typed advertisements on a typewriter and then cut and pasted them. Borders were drawn with a black felt pen; a darkroom was used to develop photographs.  Zimmerman also had bookkeeping duties at The Shopper.

Approximately six years after taking the job, Zimmerman became a fulltime employee.  When News Publishing Company purchased both The Clark County Press and The Shopper, Zimmerman began working for The Shopper at her fourth location (third at Hewett Street) at The Clark County Press building, located at 614 Hewett Street, in 1989.

The location change also brought technology change; employees began to use computers and later fax machines and e-mail.

“I’ve certainly seen a lot of changes in the printing industry,” Zimmerman stated.

Zimmerman continued to help with advertisements, along with bookkeeping and billing.

Zimmerman’s popular weekly column titled “The Oldies” began as just a photo with a cutline underneath it explaining the history behind it.

Community members motivated Zimmerman to expand the column to share more information about the significant history of Neillsville.  She attempted to find someone in the community to compile the information but could not find anyone who had the time to complete it.

Zimmerman took on the weekly project and has enjoyed compiling news from years ago for readers to enjoy each week.

For many readers, “The Oldies” is one of their favorite items to read in The Press, said Clark County Press advertising sales associate Shari Stittleburg, who has worked with Zimmerman since 1998.

Staying in touch with the community is a key reason Zimmerman continues to enjoy working at The Shopper and The Clark County Press, along with the variety of work the job affords.

Working with Zimmerman has been a wonderful experience, said Stittleburg, who described Zimmerman as caring, wise and friendly.

Zimmerman knows everyone in the community and would do nearly anything for anyone, explained Stittleburg.

Baking food items for her church, the Clark County Humane Society and co-workers, enjoying, listening and dancing to polka music and the interest she takes in others are a few of Zimmerman’s qualities, shared Stittleburg.

If someone doesn’t receive a copy of The Shopper, Zimmerman is happy to drop one off at that person’s home, Stittleburg explained.  Stittleburg also noted Zimmerman’s incredible knowledge of the community, including its history and people.

Zimmerman goes above and beyond the call of duty at The Clark County Press, said Clark County Press receptionist Nancy Halterman, who added Zimmerman is involved in the Neillsville community.

Zimmerman is a good Christian, a great baker and a dear friend, said Amber Pischer, who writes the “Neillsville News” column for The Clark County Press.

Pischer enjoyed two polka services Zimmerman funded for the church they both attend.

Jim Arneson of Arneson Auctions shares several common interests with Zimmerman, discussing polka dances and stories about prairie lands with her whenever he places advertisements about his business at The Clark County Press.  Arneson has held auctions at polka halls and was stationed on North Dakota prairie land with the U. S. Air Force.

News Publishing Company General Manager Kathy Potter praised Zimmerman’s knowledge and dedication.

“I have had the privilege of working with Dee for more than 35 years,” said Potter.  “So many memories and oh, the stories we could tell.  There is no one that is more dedicated to their community and hometown newspaper than Dee.  I am so grateful she still wants to work.  She knows every aspect of the newspaper and shopper business, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated employee.”

Zimmerman hasn’t decided how much longer she will continue working at The Shopper and Press, but customers and co-workers will continue to appreciate everything she does at The Press and in the community.