The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Quill has hired Joanne Hilligoss former teacher at Carthage schools and Southern and West Central schools to work the front Editor’s desk at the Stronghurst Office.
Joanne comes with a lot of experience after running music departments at Carthage and Stronghurst and Biggsville. She is active in her Lutheran Church in Stronghurst, PEO of Burlington and has raised with her husband Dennis Hilligoss, two sons, Jess and Eric. Jess and his wife Leah have a 21-month-old son Will, and a brand new daughter Jude, born Aug.22nd. Eric is engaged to be married.
Joanne and Denny, both are retired and live in Stronghurst just a few blocks from The Quill office in Stronghurst.
Joanne also has learned the names and faces of lots of children and parents over the years that have grown up and live in our area. She will be learning the skills of the front desk from our longtime editor Shirley Linder, who has worked at The Quill for 36 years and is looking forward to semi retirement after her 90th birthday September 12th. She will continue to work one day a week each Wednesday while still helping out as needed in this transition.
Shirley received much of her training on the job when she took over Cornelius Flynn’s job reading proof and then picking up many tasks helping owner Belva Bell and later taking on Belva’s job as Managing Editor when Belva’s health declined and was unable to continue working.
Shirley not only stepped up as Managing Editor, but also in sales, and for a time was assisted by her husband Gilbert traveling together to meet business owners.
Shirley went on to volunteer her services to cover and write school board meetings and Stronghurst board meetings up until Southern and West Central consolidated. She also has taught many students and adults who came to work at The Quill in their jobs throughout her many years.
Publisher and owner Dessa Rodeffer says Shirley’s diligence, knowledge, friendly warm greetings to customers and her ability to get right on a task and make sure it’s taken care of for the customers or subscribers has allowed The Quill newspapers to continue to shine all these years.
Joanne’s abilities match alongside Shirley’s in quickness, diligence and friendliness and her desire to do whatever it takes to help The Quill move forward in serving the public.
You are welcome to stop in The Quill office in Stronghurst on Monday afternoon, September 11th, and welcome Joanne and also give Shirley a thank you, and a pat on the back for serving our community through the newspapers, so very well.
You can also greet Shirley this Saturday, Sept. 9th at her 90th birthday open house at the Stronghurst American Legion building between 1 and 3:00 p.m..
Publisher and owner of The Quill, Dessa Rodeffer, said that Shirley's been her constant, and right arm since her mother had to step down in 1995 due to failing health. She also helped me in celebrating The Hancock-Henderson Quill's 75th Annniversary two months after 9-11 on that very special Veterans Day, November 11, 2001.
"I am so in hopes we both can be together to celebrate my family's ownership in its 100th year in 2026. It would be quite a treat and honor."
“God bless you Shirley as you have given your all to The Quill and to this community while bringing joy to so many. We wish you all the best and are so grateful for you, your excellence in service, and loyal support throughout your 36 years.”
Shirley Linder, left, is teaching Joanne Hilligoss the many jobs at the Quill Editor's desk.