Mike Berry, Publisher
Mike began his journalism career at the Star Courier in 1972 after graduating from the University of Illinois and worked there until retiring in 2017 (except for a two-year stint at the Quad City Times in Davenport, Iowa). With the demise of the local newspaper as a source of local news, he became involved in the creation of the Kewanee Voice website to provide coverage of people and events in his community. In addition to an interest in history and losing sports teams (Cubs, Bears and Illini), he is involved in the local music scene, being a member of the Glory Days Garage Band and the Kewanee Community Choir. He and his wife, Cathy, have a son, a daughter and two grandchildren.
Susan DeVilder, Managing Editor
Susan worked as the city reporter for the Star Courier for several years in the late 1990s-2000s, before working as a correspondent for the Bureau County Republican and a Contributing Editor for Stark County News. She returned to the Star Courier as a correspondent in 2019 and is currently the Managing Editor of The Kewanee Voice. She studied English and Journalism at Marycrest College and graduated with a Bachelor’s in English in 1995. She enjoys traveling and cooking with her husband on the weekends.
Janie Metscaviz, Office Manager
Janie retired from Henry County Farm Bureau and has enjoyed her retirement, but she needed something more in her life after losing her husband Les of 48 years. She has been volunteering her time to Kewanee Hog Days for many years and her church. She still works at her church as secretary, but wanted to expand her knowledge, so she applied for the job at the Kewanee Voice. Janie learned you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. She enjoys all the new responsibilities she has and hopes to be a member of The Kewanee Voice for a long time.
Diane Tucker, Editorial Assistant
Diane worked for the Star Courier for 18 years in advertising and marketing. As their staff declined, her responsibilities grew. She also contributed with a weekly column for 10 years entitled, “Much Ado About Nothing.” In 2022 when Gannett decided the local paper didn’t require local employees, she was the last staff member to be let go. Forced into early retirement she enjoyed her time of no worries until the need to have a reason to know what day it actually was propelled her back into the work force looking for a purpose.
Dave Clarke, Correspondent, Columnist
Dave can’t stop finding things to write about. Beginning in high school as a part-time announcer at WKEI, he soon became interested in covering news. In 1985 he went to work at the Star Courier where he was regional editor and wrote a twice-weekly column, “Around Town,” were he developed a real interest in local history. Retiring in 2017 after more than 30 years at the newspaper, he still enjoys reporting, just not every day, and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to The Kewanee Voice.
McKenzie DeVilder, Correspondent
McKenzie graduated from Kewanee High school in 2016 and continued her education at Monmouth College, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in English and graduating in 2020. During her time at Monmouth College, she played lacrosse and tennis and in her free time, submitted articles to the College Courier. Currently, McKenzie is a freelance correspondent for The Kewanee Voice, coaches a girls club volleyball team, enjoys playing in a recreational women’s volleyball league and coed softball, as well as hanging out with her husband, Brady, their four cats and a dog.
Diana Whitney, Galva/Bishop Hill Correspondent, Columnist
Diana is a retired nurse and lives in Galva with her sweetheart Larry and their cat, Taco Tommy, who rules the household. For many years she served on the board of Abilities Plus, where she doubled as the nurse/sportswriter for the Kewanee Cougars. She has been a member of the Freedom House Board for eight years, serving as president for the last five. She paints every day and does whatever she can to avoid housework. Her one-of-a-kind cards can be found at Handverk Galleri in Bishop Hill. Never expecting to come out of retirement, she loves reporting on Galva and Bishop Hill happenings. “The Kewanee Voice is my serendipity,” she says.
Kim Gehling, Columnist
Kim studied at Iowa State University and held jobs in Iowa for many years before moving back home to Henry County in 2010. She serves on the board at Hammond-Henry Hospital, volunteers at her church, and loves her book club. Kim resides in Geneseo with her husband, Nick, and sons, Jack and Max. She keeps busy with her day job, but truly enjoys cooking and reading in her free time.
Dean Karau, Columnist
Dean was born in Kewanee in 1949, but in 1960, his family moved to the Chicago suburbs, and he seldom returned to his hometown. After he retired from the practice of law, he became immersed in genealogy, and then began learning about Kewanee’s history. For over three years, Dean wrote a weekly history column for the Star Courier, has created videos on Kewanee’s history, hosts DUSTY ROADS, ® a Facebook page devoted to Kewanee’s history, and has written three history books about his hometown. He is a member of the Kewanee Historical Society and shares his work with it, and travels to Kewanee to give talks on its history. Dean and his wife, Molly, live in suburban Minneapolis and enjoy travel and active adventures.