The 170th anniversary of The Richland Observer was chronicled in the July 24, 2025 issue of the publication.
According to a history article also compiled from Margaret Helen Scott’s book “Richland Center, Wisconsin: A History,” the first newspaper issue in Richland County, the Richland County Observer, was published on Nov. 20, 1855.
When the first issue of the six-column folio newspaper was printed, the county board proceedings were suspended and the board adopted a resolution thanking Sanderson.
Sanderson sold the paper to Rev. John Walworth in 1858. Subscriptions to the newspaper — printed every two weeks — cost $1 for eight months. In the fall of 1867, The Observer combined The Live Republican and became The Richland County Republican.
In 1881, the RCR was combined with The Observer and became the Richland County Republican and Observer. The paper was sold in 1885 to WM Fogo. In 1903, Fogo died and Stephen W. Fogo assumed ownership. Other weekly newspapers found a home in Richland Center and attempted to compete with The Republican Observer.
In 1962, The Republican Observer merged with The Richland Democrat and adopted the name The Richland Observer. By 1966, Russell Fogo and his mother, Mrs. Stephen Fogo, retired from the newspaper business, leaving James Olson the sole proprietor and editor. In October 1968, an IBM Selectric Composer, the new electronic typesetter produced by the space age, replaced the linotype machine operated by Anna Laue for over 40 years.
In 1986, Erik Olson, son of James Olson, became editor of The Richland Observer. He had accrued stock in the company over the years and eventually purchased the business from his stepmother, Madaline Olson. Erik sold The Richland Observer to Morris Multimedia, Inc. in 2007 and continues to be employed as Sports Editor and Government Reporter. He also continues to write his longtime popular column Richland Ramblings, which remains a popular feature of the publication.
John Ingebritsen is the publisher of Morris Multimedia, which includes the Richland Observer. In addition to Erik Olson, writing responsibilities are shared with Tammy Kilby. After writing for the publication as an independent writer for the past year and a half, she is now the feature writer and news correspondent. Carolyn Miller lends her talents each week to the layout of the Richland Observer, which she has for the past several years. Dave McGowan has enjoyed being the sales advertisement representative for 14 years. DeEtte Thomas is the Office Manager. She originally started in 1969, working several aspects of the newspaper business.
