Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Dan Wackershauser had experience with both television and radio media, but when he switched to print media in 2001, he realized he'd have to work hard to learn the trade from scratch.

No worries.

"That's probably the biggest thing I learned at Platteville-to work hard," Wackershauser said.

After graduating from UWP six years ago, Wackershauser has returned to the community to serve as editor of the Platteville Journal. He's been at the post since December 2003.

"I've learned a tremendous amount since I've taken the newspaper job," said Wackershauser. "Every day I'm learning something different."

Wackershauser graduated from UWP in 1998 with a degree in broadcast communications, and initially pursued a career in television and radio. A huge sports fan, Wackershauser was excited when he landed his first television job at the Fox affiliate in Green Bay, "across the street from Lambeau Field." There he operated tape machines, audio boards, and camera control stations, equipment he had experience with since working on events like the annual Badger Camp Telethon at UWP.

He enjoyed working behind the scenes at the Fox affiliate, but two years later when the opportunity arose for him to return to the area and do more on-air reporting in radio, he jumped at the chance. He covered community news for KDTH AM 1370 in Dubuque before becoming sports director and delivering the sports headlines for KAT FM 92.9. One of the highlights was interviewing people like former NBA star Bill Bradley, first lady Laura Bush, actor Ben Affleck and college sports personalities like Wisconsin football coach Barry Alvarez.

"That was the best part of the radio job, the people I got to talk to," Wackershauser said. "It was something different every day."

Shortly thereafter, he made the switch to print media, first as editor of the Tri-County Press in Cuba City, the community where he grew up. But when he toured the newspaper's offices in 2001, he was dubious at first.

"It looked overwhelming. I didn't take the job right away," he said. "I hadn't done newspaper before. It looked like organized disaster."

But his lack of experience didn't deter him in the end.

"I'm glad I took the job," Wackershauser said. "Every day I'm learning something different."

And though he loves sports, he doesn't really miss covering it.

"It's kind of nice to get away from it for awhile. I can be a fan again," he said.

Since coming to the Platteville Journal in December of 2003, Wackershauser has adjusted to the larger paper, its increased circulation and the different time schedules. Though he's only been at the journal for five months, a bevy of interesting news stories has graced its pages. Wackershauser said one of the most important stories he's covered is the war in Iraq and how it's affected those close to home. Army Major Christopher Splinter, a Platteville native, was killed in action Christmas Eve and buried in Platteville in January. Additionally, reserve soldiers with the Prairie du Chien-Platteville 229th engineering company served in Iraq for a year, and Wackershauser cites their homecoming just a few weeks ago as his favorite story.

"News doesn't just happen in the big city," Wackershauser said.

And he should know. Though originally from Cuba City, Wackershauser lived in the city of sin, Las Vegas, for six years during his adolescence, returning to Platteville in the mid-90s to attend the university.

"I had a lot of friends back here," he said. "I knew UW-Platteville had a good communication program. I always knew that was what I wanted to do."

Wackershauser lives in Platteville with his wife Rachelle and their 2-year-old daughter Abby. In their free time they do mostly family things, like taking Abby to the park or going out for ice cream.

"Whatever she wants to do-she's the boss," he said.

Though he has done his fair share of moving around since graduation, Wackershauser may have found his home back in Platteville.

"It's a great city," he said. "It's a great place to live, and a great place to raise a family."