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07/14/2023 08:13 AMJournalism wasn’t on Karen Milano’s radar when she was young, but the road she traveled and her creative nature led the Killingworth resident to a unique midlife opportunity. As the former editor of the Killingworth Krier newspaper, Karen has a unique insight into Killingworth and the needs and perspectives of a small town.
Karen grew up on Staten Island in New York and moved to Killingworth to work on her aunt’s horse farm and finish up a business degree she was undertaking. That experience formed a deep appreciation for the town and its residents, says Karen.
“Life moved forward, and marriage, two children, a family business, and a small horse farm of their own occupied much of my time,” she says.
The Killingworth Krier newspaper ceased publication with its June 1 issue, and Karen served as editor for two stints. Though sad to see it go, she says the relationships and community built by the paper’s readership will long outlast its publication.
According to Karen, the Killingworth Krier was first published in 1993 by the Killingworth Chamber of Commerce and paid for by local advertisers. It was the only published news source mailed monthly to serve the residents and businesses in town. Karen says she was drawn to its community vibe and, in 2003, she reached out to then-editors Roy and Sue Alexander, inquiring whether they needed any assistance with the publication.
“At the time, I was into photography, enjoyed creative writing, and as an artist, I often designed ads for various employers. I thought I could apply these skills to the type of work the Krier requires. The Alexanders just happened to be looking for someone they could trust as they took on more responsibility in their church offices. I am forever grateful that after a brief internship, they believed enough in my ability to hand me the reins,” says Karen.
Karen served two terms as editor, having turned the paper over to another editorial team when an unfortunate family event required her full devotion. In 2015, she was asked by the Chamber of Commerce to return to the helm, where she remained, with the layout assistance of Lynn Reed, until the final edition was distributed on June 1, says Karen.
Karen says the Krier’s closure highlights the precarious climate for print publications nationwide. With small community publications either closing or being bought up by larger media conglomerates, the future of small community imprints is uncertain at best.
“It is common knowledge that small local news publications are struggling across the board. Some speculate that it’s simply no longer a viable business model. Once healthy advertising revenue is now drained by internet advertising and social media use. In its halcyon days, the Krier was able to pay for itself and generate some income for the local Chamber of Commerce,” says Karen. “With the variety of advertising choices available to customers in recent times, our advertising revenue dwindled until it was no longer financially feasible to continue. In those pages, as is true of all small-town local publications, we covered events, town meetings and notifications, obits, classifieds, news, fundraisers, church info, senior resources, awards, scholarships, and so much more.”
According to Karen, publications like the Krier need that small-town touch from the people who actually live in these communities, without which those voices are in danger of being lost. The Krier community was a crucial link for businesses and residents of Killingworth that, unfortunately, will simply not be replaced, she says.
“To hold a copy of the Krier in your hands was to have a wide representation of the community at your fingertips. The typical hometown publication has been, for as long as pages have been in print, a gathering place for large and, in particular, small communities. We’re all bound together in the pages of these papers, and I believe that matters. I encourage all to support your local community news sources in print and online because once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Karen is involved in a number of other community programs, including serving on the committee for the town-owned Parmelee Farm, which she describes as a community gathering place for all. The renovated farm and grounds have extensive and highly maintained hiking trails and host community events throughout the year, all via volunteer efforts from residents like Karen.
“I was raised by a mother with a strong advocacy for volunteerism and sense of community. I continue the tradition through our efforts at Parmelee Farm and animal rescue advocacy,” she says.
Karen also dabbles in art as well, creating paintings inspired by Killingworth’s beauty, which she offers for sale at Parmelee events. Karen says she and fellow market coordinator Linda Dudek created and run the Artisan Market held on the second Saturday of each September.
All revenues collected, including the art sold, are donated back to the organization to keep up with farm expenses.
“I am not a professional artist by any stretch. Having had no artistic education, I’m just winging it. I enjoy creating art that is sold for direct donations to farm animal and dog rescue organizations with whom I work. Here on the farm, we have several rescues, including a blind mini horse and three dogs. In short, it feels good to do good, and I believe anything that brings a community together is worthy of the effort.”
However, the closing of the Krier will mark the end of an era for both Karen and the community. Though the end of its run is bittersweet, Karen says the experience is one that she hopes will inspire others to pick up the mantle of community service.
“In this age of what feels like ever-increasing division and separatism and stepping away from the small acts that make communities thrive, in my humble opinion, we can’t afford more of these losses without losing an important part of our collective selves,” Karen says.