Reports of Kathy Larson’s retirement have been greatly exaggerated

There's an old saying in journalism that if your mother tells you she loves you, you should check it out.

It's a humorous reminder of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of our profession: verify the facts before you publish them.

Of course, even with the best intentions, the most diligent reporters, and the most experienced editors, newspapers occasionally get things wrong.

And despite our best efforts, the Coeur d'Alene Press is no exception.

In fact, we demonstrated that rather convincingly in yesterday's edition.

Our Saturday newspaper featured a wonderful story about the Hagadone Corporation's 35th annual After 5 Club luncheon, which recognizes the dedication and accomplishments of employees who have helped shape our company over the decades.

Among those celebrated was Kathy Larson, one of the most respected and longest-serving members of our Hagadone family.

Unfortunately, in telling Kathy's remarkable story, we managed to get one important detail wrong.

Now, making a mistake in the newspaper is one thing. Having that mistake discovered by the Chairman and CEO of the very company you're writing about is quite another.

And when that CEO happens to be Brad Hagadone, who was personally congratulating Kathy on her extraordinary career, let's just say the urgency of correcting the record takes on a new dimension.

After all, nothing quite accelerates the editorial review process like a call from the boss informing you that you've just retired one of his most valued employees without her knowledge or consent.

Yes, you read that correctly.

We retired her.

There was just one small problem.

Kathy isn't retiring.

Apparently, nobody thought to tell Kathy that we had decided it was time for her to hang up her hat.

For the record, nobody wants her to hang up her hat.

And knowing Kathy, I suspect she would have had something to say about that! In our business, we spend a great deal of time asking questions, verifying facts, and occasionally pointing out when others make mistakes. We expect public officials, business leaders, and community institutions to acknowledge and correct errors.

It would be hypocritical if we weren't prepared to do the same ourselves.

So today, I'm doing a little proverbial “falling on the sword.”

We got it wrong. Plain and simple.

As President and Executive Publisher of the Hagadone Communications Division, I believe the responsibility for getting it right ultimately rests with us as an organization, not merely with the individual reporter or editor who worked on the story.

Journalists are human, and we make mistakes. Sometimes they're minor, like misspelling a name or getting a date wrong. Other times, as in this case, we mistakenly announce that someone is retiring when they have no intention of doing so.

What matters is what we do next.

Credibility isn't built on pretending we're infallible. It's built on accuracy, transparency, accountability, and a willingness to admit when we fall short.

A newspaper that expects the community's trust must be prepared to earn it every day, including the days when we get something wrong.

I would certainly prefer to show our commitment to accountability without accidentally forcing one of the company's most valued employees into retirement. Still, Kathy has graciously given us a rather memorable opportunity.

So, Kathy, on behalf of the Coeur d'Alene Press, please accept our apologies.

And now, let's get the story right.

Kathy Larson's remarkable career with the Hagadone family of companies deserves recognition, not a premature send-off.

Her professional journey began at a young age, working in the company's hospitality operations. Over the decades, she built an extraordinary career spanning sales, business development, and national hospitality marketing.

Her experience includes leadership responsibilities at the former North Shore operations, followed by an expanding role in national sales and business development.

As the company's longest-serving sales executive, Kathy has watched the hospitality industry evolve amid shifting customer expectations, emerging technologies, new markets, and Coeur d'Alene's transformation into a nationally recognized destination.

And she has evolved right along with it.

Today, Kathy continues to serve as a National Sales Executive at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, cultivating relationships, generating business, and contributing to the ongoing success of one of our community's most recognizable landmarks.

Her longevity is extraordinary, yet her ongoing contributions make her story especially meaningful.

We often emphasize the importance of loyalty, institutional knowledge, and commitment to excellence. Kathy embodies all three.

She has devoted decades of her professional life to building relationships and representing our company with distinction.

While some of us may have mistakenly suggested that her career was coming to a close, Hagadone Corporation Chairman and CEO Brad Hagadone has made it abundantly clear that Kathy has another important assignment ahead.

In fact, it's one the entire community will get to celebrate.

Mr. Hagadone has announced that Kathy will serve as this year's celebrity countdown guest at The Coeur d'Alene Resort's annual Holiday in Lights opening lighting ceremony.

This year's celebration promises to be especially memorable as the Resort celebrates its 40th anniversary.

As part of that celebration, the Resort is planning another spectacular holiday lighting ceremony and a record-setting fireworks display for our community and visitors.

When the moment arrives to illuminate the waterfront with thousands of holiday lights, Kathy will have the honor of leading the countdown.

I cannot think of a more fitting recognition.

For decades, Kathy has helped introduce visitors, organizations, and business leaders to the hospitality that makes Coeur d'Alene such a special place. Now, during one of our community's most cherished holiday traditions, we will have the opportunity to recognize her.

As the holiday celebration approaches, we'll share more about Kathy's extraordinary career. Her story deserves a more extensive look, and we intend to give it one.

For today, however, I wanted to accomplish two things.

First, to correct the record and acknowledge that our newspaper made an error.

Second, to celebrate a remarkable woman whose dedication, professionalism, and loyalty continue to make a difference for our company and our community.

And perhaps there's a third lesson in all of this.

In journalism, as in life, humility is a valuable quality. We don't always get it right. But when we do get something wrong, we owe it to our readers, our community, and the people we write about to make it right.

Kathy, congratulations on your extraordinary career and on being selected to lead this year's Holiday in Lights countdown.

We're grateful for everything you've accomplished and everything you continue to contribute.

And I promise you one thing.

The next time we announce your retirement, we'll check with you first.

Until then, we'll see you at the countdown! 

• • •

Clint Schroeder, President & Executive Publisher, Hagadone Communications, Hagadone Newspaper & Media Groups.

    Employees with more than 20 years of service at the Hagadone Corporation pose for a group photo at Friday's 35th annual After 5 Club luncheon at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. The annual celebration honors employees for their years of dedicated service and contributions to the company's success.  

    Schroeder