Through his mentorship, Bill Hale inspired success among individuals working in newspapers across Wisconsin and beyond.
He was known for taking the time to develop and celebrate others in the industry and would travel wherever he was needed to lend a hand. Once, he even journeyed to Ukraine to work with two fledgling newspapers. His experience in all aspects of operating a community news publication, his commitment to journalism and his dedication to others made him an adept adviser.
A Missouri native, Hale came to Wisconsin in 1984 when he bought the Grant County Herald Independent in Lancaster. He built his company on a foundation of strong relationships with local businesses and was an active member of the community, serving as a founding member of the Lancaster Community Foundation.
Hale went on to purchase the (Cuba City) Tri-County Press, Fennimore Times, The Boscobel Dial and the Crawford County Independent & Kickapoo Scout in Gays Mills. He ran all of the newspapers from his office in Lancaster until selling to Morris Newspaper Corporation in 2002. Beyond his day-to-day duties, he also was active in the WNA and the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. Hale, who died in April 2020 following a long battle with cancer, remained passionate about newspapering to the end.
