BRIMLEY &mdash When Bay Mills News Editor Jennifer Dale begins her new full-time position with the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA) she will leave the newspaper in the hands of veteran employee, Selina Vert.
“I can never hope to fill Jennifer's shoes,” Vert said. “But, I'll certainly do my best.”
The 25-year-old newspaper editor first started at Bay Mills News in December 2001 as an editor's assistant, responsible for writing and advertising sales.
“All of our advertisers have heard my voice at one time or another,” Vert said. She has become the main advertising contact and ad designer, increasing newspaper advertising revenue by over 54 percent since 2001.
The Bay Mills News Editor is responsible for editing stories and photos, selling and designing ads, supervising newspaper employees and managing the newspaper department's budget.
“This is a transition time for the paper,” Vert said. “So, don't look for any huge changes right away. Jennifer has built Bay Mills News from a two-sheet newsletter into a full-fledged and well-respected newspaper, and I can only hope to carry on the tradition she has started here.”
In addition to her duties as newspaper editor, Vert plans on keeping some of her old assignments &mdash her “Selina Says” movie review column and the horoscopes.
“Yes, mine is the weird and twisted sense of humor behind the horoscopes,” she said. “I hope no one gets offended and realizes they're just for fun.” Vert reads actual horoscopes and twists them around.
“I would be amiss if I didn't take this opportunity to thank those who have helped me during the years,” the newspaper editor said. “Thank you to Jennifer Dale for teaching me everything I know about newspaper writing. Thank you to my husband, parents and in-laws for always supporting me; Keith and Janis Cameron for sending me email jokes every day and giving me advice; GKC Varsity Cinema in the Sault for letting me review their movies and serving up hot, buttered popcorn; and, of course, the Bay Mills Indian Community for supporting me.”
Vert is the daughter of Emmett Jesse Jr. of Bay Mills and Suzanne Jesse of Chattanooga, Tenn. Born in Sault Ste. Marie in 1978, she grew up in Tennessee and graduated from Chattanooga's Red Bank High School in 1996. She started at Bay Mills' King's Club Casino in 1998 as a promotion host and was promoted to supervisor the same year. After almost five years at Kings Club, Vert made the move to Bay Mills News.
“I really love working at Bay Mills News,” she said. “As a tribal member who grew up outside of Bay Mills, I'm glad I've gotten the chance to return to my roots and really become a part of my community.”
Vert said that the door is always open at the news office. Anyone with ideas, questions, concerns or just looking for a minute to chat is more than welcome to come in and spend a few minutes.
“If you have things you'd like to see done differently, or even if you just want to say we're doing a good job, you're welcome to stop in,” Vert said. “We can all use a little positive feedback from time to time.”
When she's not working, the newspaper editor enjoys spending time with her family; including her husband of three years, Steve, a daughter, Raina, 2, and a son, Jared, 1. Vert said she is also very proud to be the stepmother of 13-year-old Jordan.
