Quill Managing Editor Abby Hess has been named the West Plains Daily Quill’s General Manager, effective immediately.
Hess, who celebrates her 10th anniversary with the Quill on Jan. 26, was named news editor in 2019, and stepped up to the role of managing editor in 2022.
Her first paid role in the news industry was as assistant online news editor for the Emporia (Kansas) State University News Bulletin.
In her new role, Hess will oversee office operations at the West Plains Daily Quill even as she continues her duties as editor, including working directly with reporters and the community to emphasize local news coverage in the print publication and online at www.westplainsdailyquill.net. Readers are invited to send news tips and story ideas to her by email at news@westplainsdailyquill.net or by calling 417-256-9191.
“We are turning a new page at the Quill,” said Hess. “We are committed to including your voices, telling your stories and sharing your perspectives on what it means to be a part of this vibrant community. I want you to know my door is always open, and I’m excited to hear from you your ideas for what comes next.”
Hess invites anyone with a story idea to reach out, no matter how big or small. From garden delights to cute kids, traffic matters to neighborhood concerns, readers are encouraged to reach out or stop by the Quill office.
In addition to her duties as news editor, Hess will continue to write quality news reports for the Quill and add to the robust team of contributors lending their voices and perspectives from throughout the Quill’s coverage area.
Hess’ first foray into the world of news reporting came when she was 13 years old and reporting for her junior high school newspaper. It was there she fell in love with the thrill of meeting deadlines and telling her community’s stories. She has written and edited for several independent publications, and freelanced under both roles before joining the newsroom at the Quill.
Hess is a transplant to West Plains and moved to the area in 2012 from Lawrence, Kan. She first became familiar with Oregon County taking up residence for a short time between Couch and Myrtle, before purchasing a home in West Plains, where she now lives with her spouse and their cats, dogs and chickens. Hess’ family includes two children, Class of 2023 West Plains High School graduate Danny Campsey, and former Zizzer and graduating senior Shanon Campsey, both of whom have returned to Lawrence. She is the daughter Mike and Dana Hess, formerly of West Plains and Thayer.
Hess has been an active member of the community, with past service on the Yellow House Community Arts Center board of directors and the West Plains Board of City Pride. She presently serves on the boards of The Chaos Closet, Christos House and Ozark Regional Cats.