Adam Strunk, 30

Managing editor, Harvey County Now Newton. Kan. Education: University of Kansas, bachelor of science, news and information; bachelor of arts, English

What advice do you have for other young professionals in the news industry?

Starve the beast. Instead feed decency, accountability, creativity and joy. An undertaking that doesn’t inspire such virtues is truly beastly indeed. Have other loves: pursuits, pets, places, people. They give your work context and might show up at your funeral. This week’s print edition won’t. If I’ve had any professional success, it has been due to the people I love (co-workers included), not in spite of them.

What is your favorite thing about working for a local community publication?

Plant a garden. Battle blight and weeds. Nurture your seedlings. Persevere through a hail storm. Keep the faith that damaged plants bear fruit. Savor the taste from the first homegrown tomato of summer.

Adam Strunk lunges forward in The Death Boat during the Cardboard Regatta, a community event sponsored by Harvey County Now. He still holds the unofficial course record. (Photo by Wendy Nugent).