Bob Shaw welcomes Chuck Wann into the Half Century Club
On Friday, January 25 three members were inducted into the MNA Half Century Club. Charles “Chuck” Wann, Richard “Dick” Dalton, and David Soucy have worked in the newspaper industry for a combined total of more than 150 years. Their induction into the illustrious club was celebrated by all in attendance, including close family and friends who attended in celebration.
Charles “Chuck” Wann is publisher of The New Prague Times, Montgomery Messenger, Waterville Lake Region LIFE, and The Elysian Enterprise. Chuck was born to parents Eugene C. Wann and Lois Suel Wann on January 25, 1946 in New Prague, MN. Chuck’s mother Lois was editor of The New Prague Times for more than 50 years. Her father, Arthur J. Suel, was publisher of The Times and MNA President in 1962.
Chuck graduated from New Prague High School in 1964 and Mankato State in 1969. He began his career working at The Times at age 15, cleaning space bands for the linotypes, casting pigs, sweeping floors and taking on various tasks that others did not care to do.”
While in college, Chuck worked part-time in advertising sales for the Mankato Free Press under Ad Director George Weckman and Publisher Jarod Howe.
He returned to The Times full-time in advertising sales on April 1, 1969, and later succeeded his grandfather as publisher in the mid-70s.
On August 20, 1995, Chuck was married to Janis in New Prague. Jan works side-by-side (literally) with Chuck at The Times, as Online Editor along with “any other duties as assigned by management.”
Chuck has two children by first wife, Barbara: David Wann and Lori (Wann) Meloche; and two stepchildren: Jeremy and Jesse Bethke. David currently oversees the accounting department for the company and handles inserts, carriers and some ad sales. In the past Lori worked in The Times’ front office, handling circulation and classified ads. Jesse worked part-time in the print shop when he was a student.
Along with Chuck, his brother Art is co-owner of the parent company, Suel Printing Company, and handles the commercial printing side of their business.
Chuck enjoys spending summer weekends at their cabin on Mille Lacs, fishing, “putzing” in the yard and his “man cave” garage, and looks forward to spending a couple months each year in Fort Myers Beach, FL.
Chuck served as MNA president in 1994 and has served on numerous MNA committees over the years.
David Soucy joins the Half Century Club
David Soucy began his career with the Anoka County Union and Shopper May 1, 1962 as an apprentice printer under Arch Pease. He has worked for the newspaper ever since. Born on October 22, 1943 to parents F.J. and Dorothy Soucy, David would be the first in his family to work with newspapers. In 1961, David graduated from Anoka High School.
He went on to serve in nearly every capacity in the “back shop.” David began work as an apprentice printer (1962-1968), moved to assistant foreman and pressman (1968-1971), became head newspaper pressman (1971-1993), moved on to plant foreman (1993-1998), production supervisor (1998-2008), and most recently, facilities manager (2008-present). David has spent the past 50 years with the Anoka County Union and Shopper.
In 1966, David married Fern Soucy in Anoka, MN and had two daughters, Theresa and Jodi, who both worked for the newspaper. Theresa worked for the Anoka County Union and Shopper 1985-1986 and Jodi, 1987-1988.
David enjoys fishing in Canada, deer hunting and shooting pool. He loves being involved in the production of his hometown newspaper and plans to continue to creating value for the company for the foreseeable future. David reports that as long as he can physically do the job, it continues to be fun, and he feels wanted, he will continue working for ABC Newspapers.
Dick Dalton is presented with his Half Century Club plaque
Richard “Dick” Dalton was born into the fourth generation of a newspaper family on January 2, 1939. His father George Dalton was printer and editor of the Cannon Falls Beacon; his mother Viola was a proofreader. The newspaper has been in the family since 1880, and still is today. Dick’s son Mike is currently editor of the newspaper, and represents the fifth generation of Daltons at the Beacon.
Dick graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1957 and Gustavus Adolphus College in 1961. Two years later in 1963, while his father George was publisher, Dick began working at the Beacon, sweeping floors. He then graduated to tossing type back into the case. In May, Dick married Kathleen Walden. They eventually had three sons: Mike, Mark and Craig. Mark and Craig worked at the Beacon during summer vacations and after school. Mike has worked at the Beacon since 1991, currently serving as editor.
Dick’s hobbies include reading, golfing, gardening, and spending time the family’s summer cabin in Cumberland, WI.