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Tollefson Publishing acquires new staff
member for reporting, graphic design

By Sara Quam

The newest member of the Hills Crescent and Star Herald staff brings a little experience and a lot of heart to the publications.

Jolene Farley, an Adrian resident, worked for two years at the Nobles County Review. Writing was something she always liked, but actually becoming a reporter was a little unpredicted.

Farley started out at the Review as a graphic designer, but her position blossomed to include most of the reporting and some bookkeeping.

Here, her duties will be split between graphics work and being the primary reporter for the Hills Crescent. Farley will also help with Star Herald duties.

A Centerville, S.D., native, she started college at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion as a mass communications major but then decided to switch to business.

"In my mind, business had more uses, but I actually enjoy communications more," Farley said. "I like the people."

Just short of her business degree, she and her husband owned a small trucking business in Alcester, S.D., until his death in 1996 of cancer.

Making the transition from Adrian to Rock County papers shouldn't be difficult for Farley, who isn't easily bored. "I prefer the human interest stories, but I like politics, too. - You get to stay curious, it's interesting and you meet lots of characters," she said.

"I saw this as an opportunity to refine my reporting skills and learn the technology - and more about the business, really," she said.

Living in Adrian while covering Rock County won't hinder Farley's work.

"I already worked one Saturday in Hills with Old Fashioned Saturday Night. - I encourage people to call me at any time with story or photo ideas or concerns," Farley said. "I'll just try to get to know everyone."

Besides working, Farley keeps busy with various volunteer activities. She is in charge of her Diocesan newsletter, serves on the Adrian Hospital Board, is the vice president of St. Adrian's women's group, is a cantor in church and is secretary of Adrian's Women of Today. This was her last week of being a Girl Scout leader, and she is a former religion teacher as well.

Farley will continue to live in Adrian with her three children, Jessica, 17, Danielle, 15, and Malia, 10.

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