Our Team

Steve Stiffler founded The Munising Beacon in 2022 and served as its original publisher before selling the newspaper in 2023. He returned to The Beacon as co-publisher in August 2025, and it received the first Michigan Press Association awards in its history, earning 14 honors, including second place for Newspaper of the Year. 

Stiffler is also the owner and publisher of The Newberry News, a four-time recipient of the Michigan Press Association’s Weekly Newspaper of the Year award, and the E.U.P. Sports Network. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in media, market research, digital marketing and audio and video production for television and digital platforms.

Jennifer Champagne is co-publisher and managing editor of The Munising Beacon, her hometown newspaper, which she purchased in August 2025. She leads community-focused coverage across Alger County while continuing to write in-depth features on Michigan’s people, history, businesses, culture and natural resources. In the 2025 Michigan Press Association contest, the first in which The Beacon received awards, Champagne earned first place in education and school news, second place in business news, second place in feature story writing and an honorable mention in news enterprise reporting. The newspaper received 14 awards overall, including second place for Newspaper of the Year.

Champagne is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker and visual effects professional with more than 30 years of experience. Her reporting has appeared in publications including Bridge Michigan, VFX Voice, Animation Magazine, Millimeter Magazine, UPWord Michigan and Marquette Monthly. Her film work has earned multiple honors, including an Emmy for visual effects and also a regional Emmy Award nomination for directing.

Michael Murray joined The Beacon staff as editor in October 2024 and was promoted to editor in chief of an expanded staff in August 2025. When The Beacon received the first Michigan Press Association awards in its history in 2025, Murray earned first place in sports writing and third place for page design. The newspaper received 14 awards overall, including second place for Newspaper of the Year. 

Murray also serves as managing editor of Marquette Monthly. During his nearly 30-year career, he has worked in a wide range of publishing settings, including daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, trade and nonprofit publications, online news outlets and book editing. His work has been recognized by regional and national press associations. A Marquette County native, Murray holds two degrees from Northern Michigan University: a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism and a master’s degree in English and writing.

Kristy Basolo is an experienced journalist, writer and editor with a strong eye for detail and a passion for clear, engaging storytelling. She serves as managing editor of Marquette Monthly, bringing extensive experience in reporting, editing and publishing to both publications. 

A Marquette County native, Basolo earned two degrees from Northern Michigan University: a bachelor’s degree in Graduate-Bound English with a minor in journalism and a master’s degree in writing with a focus in technical writing. During that time, she held several positions at The North Wind, NMU’s award-winning student newspaper, including editor in chief. Basolo also taught freshman English and journalism as an adjunct professor at NMU and served as the faculty adviser for The North Wind.

Melissa Wentarmini is an award-winning writer and associate editor of The Munising Beacon, where she has worked since May 2024. Her work has been recognized by the Michigan Press Association, earning first place in feature story writing for “Rediscovering True North” and second place in sports feature writing for “Tracks Through the Wilderness.” 

Wentarmini specializes in crafting engaging, research-driven articles and tailoring content for diverse audiences. Her work spans community journalism, feature writing, business websites and social media, with an emphasis on accuracy, clarity and compelling storytelling. She also contributes to Marquette Monthly, UPWord Michigan and Silent Sports Magazine.

Faunette Johnston has served as proofreader since August 2025, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in editing, publishing and content strategy to the newspaper. She previously spent 14 years as a senior project editor for Wiley, overseeing the production of 15 to 30 titles annually for imprints including Frommer’s, Dummies Travel, Howell Book House and Alpha. 

Johnston’s background also includes professional copy editing, book development, digital content strategy and publishing workflow design. Johnston earned a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree in communications development and literary editing from Colorado State University. A Fulbright grant recipient, she also studied at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik. She has spent the last decade as a digital content strategist consultant.

Kayla Maki oversees subscription and delivery operations while coordinating advertising placements, client communications, billing, records and print production deadlines. She also serves as the Beacon’s staff photographer and occasional correspondent, which means she’s just as likely to be found behind a camera at a community event as she is keeping the many moving pieces of the newspaper on track.

Maki’s background in community management and financial services includes property budgeting, billing, payroll, tax reporting and regulatory compliance. She studied foreign language and communications at Lansing Community College. Known for her reliability, discretion and attention to detail — and her willingness to wear more than a few hats — Maki helps keep both the distribution and office sides of the Beacon running smoothly, often with a camera close at hand.

Billy serves as The Munising Beacon’s golden floof at large, providing steadfast companionship, newsroom supervision and an enthusiastic welcome to nearly everyone he meets. A 115-pound golden retriever with nine years of experience in morale management, Billy specializes in strategic napping, snack acquisition and positioning himself directly in the path of anyone attempting to meet a deadline.

Known for his gentle nature, expressive face and impressive volume of fur, Billy brings warmth, loyalty and occasional chaos to Beacon operations. His responsibilities include monitoring household activity, supporting the managing editor during long production nights and reminding the entire team that no newspaper emergency is too serious for a walk, a treat or a well-timed golden retriever lean.

Billy would also like to give a special shoutout to his sponsor, Dr. Tim, for recognizing the star that he is, supporting his work with an outstanding supply of dog treats and food, and being the best veterinarian a golden floof could ask for.

Greta Berg is an award-winning creative services professional with more than two decades of experience in graphic design, illustration, branding and visual communication. As lead visual designer, she combines creative vision with a strong understanding of brand management, production timelines and project budgets. 

Berg’s background includes developing visual identities, print and digital campaigns, signage, marketing materials and branded products for businesses and community organizations. Berg earned a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design and illustration from Northern Michigan University and completed Full Sail University’s graduate program in internet marketing, graduating with honors from both programs.

Tyler Hitchcock is a visual designer with more than a decade of professional experience in graphic design, advertising and social media. His portfolio includes logos, billboards, print advertisements, booklets, website layouts and large-scale trade show graphics. 

Hitchcock has worked as a graphic designer and social media coordinator for CSP since 2016, following earlier experience in automotive marketing, event promotion and digital content creation. His creativity also extends to songwriting, playing guitar, drawing and painting. He earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Madonna University, graduating with high honors.

Brad Gischia has written for The Munising Beacon since August 2025 and is a longtime contributor to Marquette Monthly. An author and independent publisher, he wrote and self-published the comic book series “The Black Museum,” a crime anthology adapted from an Orson Welles-narrated radio program. 

Gischia released “Old Time Radio Show Comics” in 2025 and has also published the original children’s books “Professor Cryptid’s Encyclopedia of Legendary Creatures” and “King Muscle and Spider Monkey.” He earned a bachelor of fine arts in English language and literature from Northern Michigan University and is working on his first novel.

Briana Rupel serves as The Munising Beacon’s Grand Marais correspondent, covering the people, events, traditions and issues shaping the community. A freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience in the food, beverage and hospitality industries, she brings firsthand knowledge, careful research and an engaging voice to her work. 

Rupel also writes extensively about restaurant trends, operations and hospitality for Performance Foodservice and has produced stories for Wisconsin Public Radio. Her reporting highlights the local voices and strong sense of community that make Grand Marais distinctive.

Grace Geshrick is a high school senior and one of the newest members of The Munising Beacon’s reporting team. Her early work includes coverage of state issues affecting young people, families and local communities. Through careful research and interviews with lawmakers and residents, Geshrick brings a student perspective to important issues while developing her skills in news writing and reporting.

Jerilyn Jordan is an award-winning, Detroit-based music, culture and entertainment writer and a correspondent for The Munising Beacon. Her experience includes feature and cover stories, artist interviews, concert reviews, cultural reporting and digital content.

She previously served as music and listings editor for the Detroit Metro Times, where she covered prominent artists and entertainers including Alice Cooper, Patti Smith, Nicolas Cage, Lizzo, Jeff Daniels and George Clinton. Jordan brings extensive experience in reporting, editing, fact-checking and developing engaging stories for print and online audiences.

Correspondent

Joshua Grove is an Escanaba-based journalist who has served as a correspondent for The Munising Beacon since August 2025 and previously worked as a reporter for the newspaper. His reporting covers regional culture, environmental stewardship and community news across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, exploring the connections between people and place through stories about local history, conservation, law enforcement and economic development. 

Grove also contributes to Marquette Monthly and UPword and previously worked as a reporter for The Munising News.

Nicole Gearhart has served as a correspondent for The Beacon since October 2025 and also contributes freelance work to Marquette Monthly. She previously worked as a photographer and staff writer for the Escanaba Daily Press, where she developed and wrote local stories, photographed community events and prepared images for publication. Gearhart earned a bachelor of science in English writing from Northern Michigan University and also attended Bay de Noc Community College.

Samantha Meyer has served as a correspondent and book reviewer for The Munising Beacon since August 2025. Her community-focused reporting covers local schools, events and civic issues. Meyer conducts interviews with local leaders, educators and residents to bring firsthand perspectives to her stories. Her work emphasizes careful research, accurate reporting, thorough fact-checking and engaging storytelling.

Ben Murphy is a veteran sports journalist who has written for The Munising Beacon since 2024, covering high school athletics throughout Alger County and the surrounding Upper Peninsula. His Beacon reporting includes football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other prep sports, with regular coverage of Munising, Superior Central, Munising Baptist and Grand Marais athletics.

Murphy has nearly two decades of experience covering high school sports in Michigan. He has served as a sports writer for the Iosco County News-Herald and Oscoda Press since 2008, covering teams and athletes across northeast Michigan. His extensive body of work includes thousands of published articles spanning numerous sports, schools and communities.

Terry Foster is a veteran Detroit sports journalist, author and broadcaster whose career spans more than four decades. A Detroit native, Foster began his professional career with the Grand Rapids Press before holding longtime writing positions with the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News. His assignments included covering the Detroit Pistons and the NBA as a beat writer and serving as a sports columnist.

Foster also hosted sports talk shows on WDFN and WXYT/97.1 The Ticket, including the popular “Valenti and Foster” show. A Central Michigan University journalism graduate, he wrote 100 Things Tigers Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die and co-wrote The Great Detroit Sports Debate. He brings decades of reporting, commentary and storytelling experience to The Munising Beacon.

Ana-Marija Dolaskie is an award-winning journalist and media producer whose career spans broadcast news, investigative journalism, video production and digital storytelling.

A Columbia College Chicago graduate, Dolaskie began her career in Chicago, including work with the CBS News investigative unit and ABC 7 Chicago, before returning to the Upper Peninsula as a reporter, weekend anchor and producer at WLUC-TV6. She later served as director of video production services for the American Council on Science and Health and continues to produce science and health content for the organization.

Dolaskie is also co-owner of Deployed Capital, a Munising-based business development firm.

For The Munising Beacon, Dolaskie writes Roam for Good, highlighting the people whose service, generosity and leadership make Alger County stronger. Her work earned her third place in Best Columnist in the Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.

Billy Jack Gramm is an Executive Bourbon Steward, certified by the Stave and Thief Society at Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky, and a dedicated business partner at the Upper Peninsula Inspired Tasting Room in downtown Munising.

With decades of experience in hospitality and a deep connection to the community, Billy Jack combines his expertise with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.

Through the winery, he celebrates Michigan-made craftsmanship, regional flavors, and the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula, offering visitors an authentic taste of Munising.

Jaymie Depew is a Munising-based writer and community advocate with experience covering the people, businesses and issues shaping Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her reporting and feature writing have appeared in Marquette Monthly, UPWord Michigan and The Mining Journal, with work spanning community news, tourism, outdoor recreation, local history, economic development and social issues.

Depew serves as the Alger County advocate for the Women’s Center and previously worked in communications and special projects for the Alger County Chamber of Commerce, Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce and Development, Munising Visitors Bureau and Munising Downtown Development Authority. She also works as a bartender at ByGeorge Brewing Co. and attends Northern Michigan University. Her broad community experience and strong local connections bring insight, empathy and an authentic Alger County perspective to her storytelling.

Pat Cornish will absolutely hate this bio, but the truth must be reported: She is a legend in the Munising area. Selfless, generous and seemingly incapable of ignoring someone in need, Cornish has raised approximately a gajillion dollars for local individuals and families — an unofficial figure, but probably not much of an exaggeration.

Cornish has served as a trustee on the Munising Moose Lodge board and as president of the Wetmore Community Club. She has also been involved with MPACK, helping ensure students at Munising Public Schools have access to nutritious food and other basic essentials. If there is a fundraiser to organize, a family to help or a community need to meet, chances are Cornish is already working on it — quietly, of course, and preferably without anyone giving her credit.

Her famously kind nature has only one known limit: moles attempting to destroy her flower beds. The moles are treated ethically, of course, but Pat has been known to use a few highly unkind words while strongly encouraging them to take their underground shenanigans somewhere else.

Cornish is, quite simply, the perfect person to write this column. She is a phenomenal human being, and Team Beacon loves her very much — even if publishing this bio makes her a little mad at us.

Paula Vanlandschoot Ackerman is a diabetes educator who lives in Munising, Michigan, dedicated to improving health outcomes and supporting individuals in managing diabetes.

She provides personalized nutrition and diabetes education throughout the Central Upper Peninsula. With a focus on addressing the unique challenges of rural healthcare, Ackerman’s work plays a vital role in fostering better health and wellness in her community.

Phyllis Pokela is a retired English teacher and a passionate champion of local history in Alger County. Based in Munising, Michigan, she has seamlessly transitioned her dedication to education into leadership roles at the Alger County Historical Society, where she serves as Vice President and Principal Officer.

Drawing on her experience as an educator, Phyllis plays a vital role in developing educational programs, managing historical resources, and organizing community events that celebrate the region’s cultural heritage.

Her work fosters a deep connection to local history, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from Alger County’s past. Through her leadership and commitment, Phyllis continues to make a lasting impact on the Munising community.

Rhonda Lassila is a columnist and correspondent for The Munising Beacon. Her column “Trailhead” highlights the region’s outdoor recreation and trail systems.

As president of the Munising Bay Trail Network, she has played a pivotal role in developing more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking and snowshoeing. Adding these trails to the infrastructure already in place for cross-country skiing is helping transform Munising into a hub for year-round, nonmotorized outdoor activities.

A 1985 graduate of Munising High School, Lassila worked in manufacturing for more than three decades before retiring. Under her leadership, MBTN continues to expand its trail network and foster partnerships that enhance recreational opportunities across the Upper Peninsula.

Rod DesJardins is the writer of “The Place by the Island,” a column exploring the people, places and experiences that shape life in Munising and the central Upper Peninsula. A U.P. native whose family has lived in the region since 1840, he writes about life in the woods and on the water with humor and a distinctly local perspective.

DesJardins has served on the Munising City Commission for 25 years, including 20 years as mayor, and has worked extensively in nonprofit and affordable housing. Writing under the pen name D.J. Williams, he is the author of “Lake Effect.”

Rosellyn Kidd writes “In the Garden,” a Munising Beacon column exploring gardening, native plants, environmental stewardship and community life.

Her columns blend personal experience, research and practical guidance to help readers build stronger connections with nature and the world around them.

Kidd studied at Liberty University and has experience in content curation, book marketing and education, including more than four years teaching at a Charlotte Mason-based school.

She is also the self-published author of two poetry collections, Roses Are Read and Violets Are True, which explore self-discovery, struggle and the interplay of light and darkness.