"Last Tuesday I lost a dear friend," writes publisher Louis Fortis. "Dusti was the first person I hired when I arrived at the Shepherd Express more than 10 years ago. She was very special to the Shepherd and also to me." The 36-year-old is survived by her 7-year-old twins, Ashley and Riley. For those in the area, a memorial visitation will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11 am to 1:45 pm at Church and Chapel, 380 W. Bluemound Road, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Memorial services will begin at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial trust for the twins will be set up by Dusti's parents. Look for more details on the trust on AAN.org soon.

Continue ReadingShepherd Express Marketing Director Dusti Ferguson Dies
Read more about the article Medill to Administer AltWeekly Awards Contest

AAN's Editorial Committee will continue to work with staff to select the categories each year and supervise the contest, while Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism will take over the day-to-day activities. AAN decided to look into having a third-party administrator after receiving record numbers of participating members and entries since the contest went online three years ago. Medill was a great fit, since the school already had a standing relationship with AAN. "Ultimately, I want people to think of AAN and Medill the way they think of Columbia and the Pulitzers or Harvard and the Nieman fellowship," says Medill professor Charles Whitaker, who will work with AAN editorial projects manager Heather Kuldell on the 2008 Awards to ensure a smooth transition.

Continue ReadingMedill to Administer AltWeekly Awards Contest