DAR welcomes new editor

Longtime staff member Donna Farley has been named editor of the Daily American Republic.

Farley joined the DAR in 2005, and since that time has covered Twin Rivers and Poplar Bluff schools, Three Rivers College and the historic flooding in 2008, 2011 and 2017, as well as city and county government. She was named associate editor in April 2018.

Publisher Chris Pruett said with the ever-changing newspaper industry, the DAR needs to continue its hyper-local focus and be willing to change the way it does things if needed.

“Donna has a great understanding of Poplar Bluff, Butler County and this area. She is willing to put in the time and effort needed to give readers the best possible product each day,” Pruett said.

Farley will continue in her role of covering Poplar Bluff city and Butler County governments.

“The DAR, in one form or another, has been part of the Poplar Bluff community for more than 150 years and I’m excited to help continue that tradition,” Farley said. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have a job that I not only love, but that I believe is important to the health of any community. People need to know what is going on in their world.”

This is true, in decisions made by city and county government that impact residents’ lives every day, she said. It can be seen in the crime stories written by Michelle Friedrich, the outdoors activities and breaking news photos of Paul Davis, the feature stories from Barbara Horton, the regional events covered by Amber Hornbeck, and the school and college news from Michael Shine, Farley continued.

Pruett called Farley a veteran reporter with a veteran staff that has proven they have what it takes to make the DAR an important and valuable part of the community. The staff has been coming together to work as a team both for events put on by the DAR, and in making sure there are regularly updated stories on the website, www.darnews.com .

“A great example of what can be accomplished with teamwork is the DAR’s recent Difference Makers campaign. The newsroom had a big part in that, and it showed in our coverage,” Pruett said. “The month leading up to Difference Makers was busy, but it was so rewarding to watch everyone work together for a great cause.”

The DAR has spent recent months working to improve its ability to provide the community with the most up-to-date and relevant news coverage through an expanded online presence, Farley said.

“We continue to look at ways to improve what we do, both there and in the print edition,” she said.

It is important to evolve to meet the changing needs of the area, Farley continued.

“I value the trust of our readers, and of the residents who share their time and stories with us,” she said. “I want to help the DAR continue to be a trusted resource, as well as an active participant in our community.”

Farley graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2004, earning her bachelor’s degree in mass communications. She is the daughter of Kathy Farley and Chuck Farley, both of West Plains.