Jim McLoone spent 48 years in the weekly newspaper business, first in Minnesota and then in Wisconsin where he started Lake Country Publications in 1960. His enterprise ultimately included four weeklies, one semi-weekly, a monthly and two shoppers.
In 1960, his Lake Country Reporter had a circulation of 1,700. When he “semi-retired” in 1990, his network of publications had swelled to a total circulation of more than 100,000. He continued to edit the “50 Plus” news magazine and was a contributor and proofreader for other publications owned by the family. For four years in a row, “50 Plus” captured first place for “Overall Excellence” in the North American Mature Publishers Assn. competition.
Jim and his wife Mary raised 8 children on a rural newspaperman’s income. Jim asserts that “winning and keeping my wife’s love” is the honor he holds in highest esteem.
