As the great Concerts on the Square land rush takes place outside my window, I am reminded that summer is truly here. The land rush I refer to is the quilting of the southeast corner of the Capitol lawn as people begin spreading their blankets as soon as is permissible, which is 3 o'clock. By 3:15 the space is filled.
I know it will be an interesting summer here at 101 King St. The big news so far this season at our address has been the departure of news editor Bill Lueders to the Center for Investigative Journalism. He's already made some waves with his report on the cage match between two Wisconsin Supreme Court justices that has filled the void of contention left when the angry crowds abandoned the Capitol Square, acquiescing to the futility of trying to change the direction of the state budget.
Well, now the other shoe is dropping, as Isthmus is about to name his replacement. We have gone through an extensive search and interview process, having received many worthy applications, and have extended a job offer, which has been accepted. However, the post will not be filled until Aug. 1, by mutual consent. So I will not name her at this time.
Yes, it is a woman. It is someone who has worked at Isthmus before and has had recent, extensive experience at a daily news operation. She has a bachelor's in history from SUNY (State University of New York) at Binghamton and a master's from the Robert M. La Follette Institute of Public Affairs at the UW-Madison. (Some of you other history majors may remember Robert M. La Follette as the great Progressive leader from Wisconsin in the early 20th century, back when Wisconsin was known as the fount of progressive legislation. Ironic, no?)
I am not being coy, at least not very much. I am giving her current employer the opportunity to announce her departure. I can wait. You probably won't have to very long.
