Advance News editor Ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce you to my replacement Susan Otero.

Note: please don’t forget to grab her contact information at the bottom of this Q&A I had with her.

Susan Otero of Higginsville is in the midst of assuming the role of news writer and editor for the Higginsville Advance newspaper. Susan takes over as the newspaper actually changes ownership In all of the

dynamics that go along with that transition I asked Susan to share a little bit about who she is and help the readers to know who and what you are about… Below is a summary of that Q&A:

Q: Tell us a little bit about Susan. Where you’re from? Where you were raised? Anything about your childhood in earlier years in life?

A: I am a proud Husker! I graduated from Lafayette County C-1 in 1987 and then attended CMSU (UCM) in Warrensburg, MO afterwards. When my college days concluded, I traveled a bit and then landed in Kansas City for about 10 years. While in KC I worked in the non for profit world, which I deeply loved. But after my children were born, I wanted to be closer to my family and have my children grow up in a safe place, so I returned to my home town, Higginsville.

Q: How long have you been connected to Higginsville?

A: My parents moved my brother & I to Higginsville when I was starting the 3rd grade (1977?) and have been a Husker in some way ever since!

Q: Tell us a bit about your relations, your parents, siblings, kids, etc.

A: I am the daughter of Alicia Werning and Bill Popp. And the very proud mother to my triplets, Madeline, Franklin and Joseph Otero. They graduated from HIgginsville in 2022 and are each currently in college. Two are enrolled at UCM and my other son attends Westminster College in Fulton, MO.

Q: Could you share a bit about your previous or current work experiences? And maybe what led you to taking over this role as the News writer?

For the last 17 years I have worked for the Lafayette County C-1 school district in the Administration building/ Central Office. I started there in 2009 when my children began Kindergarten and remain still today. I work as the secretary there and do a variety of things each day… everything from answering phones, assisting in the financial office, to transcripts. Each day is a little different and I enjoy it greatly. As for coming to the Advance… I met Mr. Booker several years ago while working at JKVE part-time in their office. When I discovered he was retiring from the Advance, things just fell into place and I was honored to be chosen to step into his expert shoes. I will be working at both the district and the Advance. It will definitely keep me running but I am so excited to take on this new challenge!

Q: Would you like to share what occupies your time other than work hobbies passions and/or interests?

A; I’m a pretty simple girl and love just hanging out with my family & friends in my down time. Most Friday nights involve a Casey’s pizza and a good movie curled up on the sofa. I love traveling when time and the extra money allows. Also a big fan of farmer’s markets and brunch… you can never go wrong with a lovey brunch!

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers? Maybe some philosophy or your approach is the new person doing the writing?

A: I grew up reading the HIgginsville Advance and remember eagerly waiting for its arrival in the mail each week. I loved everything about it… the pictures, the updates, local happenings of my town & my neighbors. I want to continue that tradition. For me, I just want to be myself and tell the stories about my community and highlight the incredible things that our town does each & every day. Higginsville (and Corder of course!) are very special and unique. I am proud of our community. should be! I do ask for patience and some grace during my transition… this lady has a lot to learn! I do promise to work hard and learn as much as I can however. Please feel free to bring anything and everything to me… ideas / stories/ pictures, etc. This is YOUR paper and we want to make it the best version that we can! I’m very excited! Thank so much for this opportunity.

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news@gmail.com