Former Daily American Republic reporter Michelle Friedrich was recognized Thursday by the Southeast Missouri Press Association for her two decades of service to the organization.
Every year since 1997, the SEMO Press Association has presented its Mildred Wallhausen “Friend of Southeast Missouri Press Association” Award to an individual who has contributed to the betterment of journalism in the region.
This year’s award was presented during SPA’s 117th annual conference in Perryville.
“For more than 27 years, Michelle has covered the stories of her community, especially those connected with crimes and courts,” said SPA historian Peggy Scott when presenting the award.
“She had the advantage of covering stories in one of the most story-rich communities in the region,” Scott continued. “Over the years, her tenacious and professional reporting led to a network of news sources over seven counties surrounding Poplar Bluff.”
Friedrich became SPA’s treasurer in 2000 and remained in that position for 20 years until her retirement from the newspaper industry in January.
“This award is named for one of my favorite people in the newspaper business - Millie Wallhausen of Charleston,” Scott said. “Like Millie, Michelle exemplifies all that’s best about local journalism. She fights for the truth. She isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions and to demand answers. She wants what’s best for the community. And, she cares about people.”
“I was happy and delighted to hear Michelle was recognized with the Millie Wallhausen award at the Southeast Missouri Press Association gathering Thursday,” DAR publisher Chris Pruett said. “Michelle’s contribution to the DAR’s success and the success of the Southeast Missouri journalism family is wide spread. It takes a special person to handle the crime, courts and police beat like Michelle did for over 27 years.”
Pruett added how much her former co-workers and readers miss her.
“Michelle’s ability to connect with her sources was something not all reporters can do. She made them feel comfortable in a way they would share information, but they also knew they could trust her with information that wasn’t ready to be published just yet,” Pruett said. “There’s a fine line there, and Michelle understood that.”