Bill was born and raised in Parry Sound. He worked as a wholesale merchandise salesman for several years before starting his advertising career with the local Parry Sound radio station in 1976. In 1982 Bill switched to newspaper advertising sales with the Parry Sound Beacon.
He and his family moved to Huntsville in 1986 to help start the Muskoka Advance. He went on to hold a number of managerial positions with the Muskoka Publications Group.
Bill is very pleased to be part of Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distribution as the General Manager of the Bracebridge Examiner and the Gravenhurst Banner.

After graduating from the School of Media Studies at Humber College in 1998, Muskoka is the last place Kristan thought she would be. Toronto was where it was at, especially in the magazine world, but after a year of pounding the pavement, a menial contract job, and another summer in the city looming, it was time to come back home. This Muskoka native proved her skills as a freelance writer for the Muskoka Sun in 1999, and in 2000 became the Sun's student slave, oops reporter, and actually managed to convince the powers that be to do away with the dreaded Muskoka Sunshine girl feature. After one restaurant review too many, Kristan gratefully accepted a full-time reporter position with the Bracebridge Examiner and Gravenhurst Banner that fall. Moving up the ladder, Kristan became the editorial co-coordinator for the company's special publications and in February 2006 took a leap of faith, and became News Editor. During the course of all of this, Kristan managed to meet her husband, Rob, while covering an event no less, and settle down in Bala, where the couple owns and operates a garden centre. While the community newspaper business was not where Kristan thought she would have a career, after being in the industry for more than seven years, she knows that this is really where it's at.

Bruce Hickey has been writing and taking photographs for community newspapers since 1991. In the spring of 2003 he took the job as managing editor of the Huntsville Forester.
Bruce grew up in the Ottawa Valley community of Renfrew, where he cut his teeth as a reporter at the local newspaper. He came to Huntsville in 1995 after working in northern Ontario and has covered a wide range of beats, including education, sports, politics, court and crime, and hospital issues.
Along with continuing to write for the paper, Bruce oversees the editorial department's contribution to the Forester and its sister papers each week.

Catherine started out in the graphic arts industry as an apprentice at a graphics firm in downtown Toronto. After two years of apprenticeship, she moved into the commercial film industry as a production assistant and then into the publishing industry as a typesetter and production manager. Catherine worked in the Orangeville and Kitchener area for over ten years as a production manager for the newspapers in the area. In 1994, Catherine moved back home to Muskoka and after operating some small business ventures of her own she returned to the newspaper industry in sales.
Catherine has been with the Bracebridge Examiner for nine years and has spent the last two years as the Advertising Manager for South Muskoka.
“I really enjoy my job and being able to guide advertisers to the product that will best benefit their business. I am fortunate to work with a great sales team on fantastic Muskoka publications.”

Darlene began working at the Bracebridge Examiner in March of ‘98. She started out as a receptionist and has worked her way up to Office Manager of the Examiner and Gravenhurst Banner offices.
Darlene moved to Bracebridge with her husband Ken and three children, Trevor, Stephanie and Tara in 1986. It was a career move that sent them this way and they decided to make Bracebridge their home.
Working at the Examiner has been an enjoyable but challenging job and hopefully one that she plans on staying with for a long time.

Dave is a product of the Carleton University School of Journalism who began reporting for community newspapers in Muskoka in 1985. He served in many editorial capacities for Muskoka Publications Group for 11 years, adding the job of production manager to his duties along the way.
From 1996-2006, Dave served as editor and production manager for The Muskoka Sun summer newspaper, which joined the Metroland family in May, 2005. He became Metroland's south Muskoka production manager in September 2006.
Originally from Burlington, Dave has proudly called Gravenhurst home for more than 20 years.

Wayne was born in Kincardine, Ontario and started his newspaper career as a Linotype operator (typesetting the paper in hot lead) with the Kincardine News. He then moved to Gravenhurst with his family working with the Muskoka News. One year later he moved with his family to Bracebridge where he was employed at the Herald Gazette. Along with two business partners, Wayne established a web printing plant called Muskoka Web printing local weekly newspapers and employing over 60 people. Returning to the newspaper side he became operations manager of Muskoka Publications Group.
In 1994, Wayne was responsible for setting up the distribution centre for the District Weekender and in 2005 also set up the Almaguin Forester distribution centre. Today, Wayne is the Distribution Manager for Metroland North Media, Muskoka/Almaguin Division.
Wayne enjoys playing and watching all sports and especially watching his grandchildren participate.

After spending his first quarter century kicking around rural Ontario and the Maritimes, with occasional forays farther afield, Andrew found himself equipped with a degree in English, a bucket full of experiences, and few useful skills. Journalism seemed like the best place to go. He spent ten years writing and editing at weekly and daily papers in the Ottawa Valley before moving to Muskoka in 2000 to become editor of The Muskokan. In 2006 he helped launch Beyond The City magazine, and took over responsibility for the Muskoka Sun as well as The Muskokan.
He's written two books (Muskoka Traditions with photographer Bev McMullen, and Grace and Speed with painter Doug Dunford) and contributed to several others.
He lives in Bracebridge with his wife, three children, and an assortment of boats in varying stages of restoration.

Janet was born and raised in Toronto and became a permanent transplant to Muskoka in 2000. Janet enjoys the lifestyle Muskoka has to offer. She 'works hard and plays hard'. You may find Janet out on the water, rowing or on the baseball field or simply out enjoying the company of family and friends. I enjoy my position as Assistant Advertising Manager; it offers challenge, interaction with clients and coworkers, and a team atmosphere which in the end creates a successful product that our readers enjoy on a weekly basis. Janet has held customer service/sales positions since 1994. She joined the advertising industry June 2003 and was promoted to Assistant Sales Manger in January 2007. She is proud to represent and sell Metroland North Media products and it would be her pleasure to assist you with you with your advertising needs.

Born and raised in Bracebridge, Sally began working with the Bracebridge Examiner Group in 2003 as a Collections Clerk for the Accounting Department. One year later she joined the Sales Team where her lifelong skills in public relations and customer service along with top-notch administrative know-how, never go amiss.
She is proud of her Muskoka roots and shines her professional pride to all who meet her.
Sally has a variety of interests. Travel, music, camping, snowshoeing and boating are all high on the list.
Sally is pleased to work with new and not-so-new customers alike to select publication mediums best suited to growing their business in or beyond Muskoka. Every individual is unique, as are his or her own advertising needs, and Sally welcomes all enquiries.

Coral has just joined the Bracebridge Examiner bringing with her 6 years of customer service and retail sales experience. She is also currently working on her Interior Design Certificate.
Coral will be assisting with the Muskoka Properties Real Estate Section, as well as learning many other aspects of sales. She will be happy to assist you with your sales questions and with the design and layout of your ad.

Born and raised in the heart of Muskoka, Diana graduated from Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. From there she went on to pursue a degree in Advertising/Marketing at Cambrian College in Sudbury. Upon returning home in 2005, Diana was hired on as part-time summer help in the Bracebridge Examiner’s production department where she further developed her design skills. She was then given the opportunity to move on to advertising sales where she found her true calling and passion. With a background in sales and customer service, meeting and greeting her new clients came naturally and she was offered a permanent full-time position as an advertising consultant. Diana’s fresh approach and flair for design is sure to help you reach your target market in an appealing and effective manner.

In 1991, Kate and her husband relocated from Toronto to their Muskoka cottage, a move they have never regretted! In 1993, Kate made a career change and entered into the print advertising world when she joined Naylor Communications, the largest publisher of association membership directories and membership magazines.
In 1997, she joined the Bracebridge Examiner specifically to sell sponsor pages and work on special projects in addition to establishing a substantial client base. She works from her home office overlooking Three Mile Lake and says, 'Fourteen years ago I finally found my niche and I absolutely love my job. I tell people that I may have the best job in Muskoka and possibly in the world!'
If you are interested in any of our great features or sponsor pages please call Kate at 705-385-1451 and she will be happy to assist you.

Paul Drummond came to the Bracebridge Examiner in Spring of 1993, following a varied career in sales and management in the telecommunications industry in Toronto and region.
Paul brings professionalism and a caring attitude in recommending the right fit for all your advertising requirements.

Nan has been a sales representative with the Bracebridge Examiner for 19 years. Nan’s main focus in Muskoka Properties, the real estate section of the Bracebridge Examiner, Gravenhurst Banner and the Muskokan. She has developed great working relationships and friendships with many of Muskoka’s real estate agents and assistants.
Nan also organizes and co-ordinates Weddings, the annual trade and fashion show and Weddings publication that takes place in Muskoka every February.
Whatever your advertising needs may be, Nan’s years of experience can steer you in the right direction.

Tanja began her newspaper career while she was still in high school.
She was approached by the Gravenhurst News to become one of their freelance writers. Over almost 10 years she wrote a broad range of ‘lifestyle articles’, and even had her own byline for a series she did on the Canadian Equestrian team, that ran for several years.
After taking time off to raise her family, Tanja returned to the workforce. As it turned out, sales became her strong point.
Having travelled much of the world, Muskoka is where Tanja wants to be. Living on 50 acres of land gives her lots of wonderful nature to enjoy and an opportunity to hone her gardening skills. The fact that Tanja has lived in the Gravenhurst area for so many years makes her well known and popular with the Gravenhurst businesses, which enables her success in her career.

Brode decided to move to Muskoka 5 years ago after a successful career in the IT industry in Toronto and he loves his new home in Muskoka.
He has been with the Bracebridge Examiner and related publications for the past 3 1/2 years and is looking forward to many more years with Metroland publications in South Muskoka.
Please feel free to give him a call or email and he will assist you with your advertising needs.

Bev McMullen is the recipient of the Prime Ministers Nature Award, Nikon Wildlife Award, Kodak Nature and National Geographic first prize in Island Portraits. She was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She traveled the world extensively photographing Australasia, Africa, Arctic, Alaska, Europe, South America, Amazon and all U.S.A., Canada and Britain.
She lives in Bracebridge and works for all the publications Muskokan, Bracebridge Examiner, Gravenhurst Banner, Weekender, Beyond the City. She is a columnist for the Muskokan with Chasing the Light a column on human interest events and documenting these moments with her camera. She is involved in all aspects of advertising, photography, scouting stories, promoting all the publications and overall public relations. She is a photo/journalist who worked for the Toronto Star. She has mentored in California with the top National Geographic photographers and New Mexico at the Santa Fe workshops. She is multi-published with Boston Mills Press/Firefly and numerous American publishers.
She loves her work and her goal is to document the Head Hunters of New Guinea.

Miranda was born and raised in Gravenhurst, and has never left. She completed a computerized accounting diploma with honors and received her payroll certificate.
Miranda enjoys fishing, four wheeling, spending time with her spouse and animals and doing work around their house.
Miranda started with Metroland in August 2006 in the accounting department. She plans on being with Metroland for a long time to further develop her skills within the company.

Catherine came to live in Muskoka in 1973 from Toronto. She first lived in Port Sydney and then moved to Bracebridge in 1996. While in Port Sydney, she raised two children (a son and daughter), did some volunteer work, and started working for the Bracebridge Examiner in 1980, as the Accounts Receivable Clerk.
Catherine left the Bracebridge Examiner in 1984 and returned in 1989, and has been there since. Over the years she has seen many changes at the Examiner, but through all the changes, she has enjoyed her job, working with the Examiner’s customers and the staff from various locations (Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Barrie and Mississauga).
She enjoys spending her spare time with her husband, her two children and their spouses, and of course her three grandchildren (two boys and one girl), her brothers, sisters and all her nieces and nephews.
Catherine is also a Girl Guide Leader (29 years), and enjoys bowling, reading, and going for walks.

When two former journalists have seven children it's a safe bet that at least one is going to follow in their footsteps. In the case of the Driscoll family of Peterborough that victim of circumstance (and genetics) was their first-born son Matthew.
Failing to recognize his inevitable fate during his youth, he gained a degree in history and a diploma in museum studies. Plunging into the forgotten and dusty past, he worked in such exotic locals as New Zealand, the Scottish highlands, and Brockville.
Working at the Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario, he wrote a series of articles on historic watercraft. It only took one look at his name in print to realize that his ego was too large to be housed in any museum. He first had to pay penance for his errors by ventured north to the remote reaches of Northwestern Ontario.
Landing in Sioux Lookout, he quickly became accustomed to northern living and working with a weekly newspaper that covered an area larger than most countries. Pow-wows, dog sledding, and record setting walleye were all served up as the news of the day.
After a couple of years in relative isolation, he decided he was ready for the big time in Bracebridge and joined the Examiner staff in July 2006.

Jake Good started as The Muskokan summer reporter in 2003 and liked it so much he refused to leave.
Originally from England, he graduated from The University of Leeds with a BA Honours in English Literature and Theatre Studies. He started his journalism career in 1998 at the Ipswich Evening Star covering the local football (soccer) team before moving to Scarborough (the original Viking settlement in north east England – not the suburb of Toronto) to work at The Evening News.
He then returned to Canada, where he had spent his childhood, and had such a great time interviewing interesting people in Muskoka that he came back in 2004 and 2005. The company then realized his many talents and offered him a full time position. He accepted it readily.
In September 2005 he caught a huge bass while camping; in July 2006 he bought a house in Bracebridge; in November 2007 he is becoming a dad; he is getting married in September 2008.

Kim grew up in Orillia but lived the first 10 years of her adult life in southern Ontario before returning to the more northerly climes of Muskoka in 2001.
With a degree in organic chemistry, the newspaper business was the last place Kim expected to find herself. After a 12-year hiatus from the workforce to raise three children, a part-time copyediting job at the Muskoka Sun while the kids were in school was the perfect solution to the kids/job conundrum. As it turned out, copyediting was an ideal fit for this perfectionist, who, as her husband will attest to, likes nothing better than correcting other people’s mistakes.
Five years later, the kids are all teenagers and mom has a new career. This is Kim’s first year as editorial co-ordinator for the Muskoka Sun and she loves the additional challenges it entails. 'Fabulous reporters, entertaining columnists and loyal readers make working at Muskoka’s favourite summer newspaper a rewarding and enjoyable experience.'
By the way, despite sharing the same Good name, Kim and Jake (of Muskokan fame) are, in fact, unrelated.

Jacqueline is a Gravenhurst native who has been working as a reporter for the Bracebridge Examiner since 2004, when she graduated Durham College's print journalism program.
Shortly before joining the Examiner, Jacqueline completed an internship at Port Perry This Week (Port Perry Star), another Metroland newspaper. She also did some freelance work for several newspapers in the Oshawa area.
Jacqueline's beats include Muskoka Lakes township council and the district of Muskoka. She also periodically covers hospital issues and court, as well as other human interest stories.

Darren is excited to be back in newspapers and to be working with the Bracebridge Examiner, Gravenhurst Banner and Huntsville Forester as a regional reporter/photographer/videographer.
Originally from the suburbs of Toronto, journalism has taken Darren around the province from Kenora to Toronto and finally to Ontario’s cottage country where he spent five years, first as a reporter then photographer, at the award-winning newspapers the Haliburton County Echo and The Minden Times. His work has garnered him several awards in the Ontario Community Newspapers Association and the Canadian Community Newspapers Association, including two honourable mention awards for Photographer of the Year.
Last year Darren joined the faculty of journalism at Humber College, teaching news photography part-time, and was the staff photographer at Muskoka Magazine.

Before moving to Muskoka permanently in 1985, Allyson Snelling was a cottager from Keswick at a young age. She grew up on a family farm east of Bracebridge and attended school in Bracebridge.
Though she always enjoyed telling stories, it was a co-operative education opportunity through BMLSS with the Muskoka Times that reinforced her desire to study journalism. Allyson graduated from the print journalism program at Canadore College in 2001 following a co-op placement with the Orillia Packet & Times. That same year she was fortunate to return to Muskoka and work as a summer reporter with the Muskoka Sun.
In February 2002, Allyson accepted a position at the Gravenhurst Banner office and continued her career as a reporter and photographer. For several years, Allyson has thoroughly enjoyed covering Gravenhurst community news and has had the benefit of getting to know the many faces in the community.

Boris Swidersky came to the Examiner in 2006 after a long and varied career that included jobs in radio, television and film as well as community newspapers. Winner of a number of news writing awards, he was also named the New Tecumseth Patron of the Year in 1995 for his contribution to the arts in that community.
In 1995 he combined his love of writing and passion for the outdoors by founding Bushwhacker Outdoor Magazine and embarked on a nine-year adventure that had him canoeing and backpacking through the wild areas of Ontario, teaching survival skills and wilderness navigation and guiding adventurers on winter treks.
His beats at the Examiner include education, court, environment and government.

Jennifer Cooper's 10-year career in television introduced her to the world of marketing and advertising where she discovered a true calling and passion for the field. Jennifer began at the Huntsville Forester as an Advertising Representative and has most recently moved into the Internet department as the Regional Commercial Web Manager. In her new role, Jennifer looks forward to servicing clients from the entire regions with their online needs.

Jason recently became the Web facilitator of Metroland North Media’s Muskoka Region in August of 2007. Armed with a diploma in Multi-media Design from Durham College and endless creativity, Jason is ready for all the challenges that await him. Jason joins us from North Bay, where most recently he was a web developer, building and designing an online business directory for that region. Predating his stint in North Bay, Jason lived and grew up in Bracebridge, where he enjoyed participating in several sports and activities. Among his favourites are golf and paintball, which he tries to do whenever possible. Jason also enjoys creating original artworks via more traditional mediums, such as watercolours and detailed pencil sketches, as well as creating other digital media pieces in his spare time. Jason is responsible for the design and content management of Metroland-owned websites in both the Muskoka and Almaguin regions.

One could say that Marg was born with 'newspaper ink in her blood.' Her family has been directly involved with newspapers in Bracebridge since the late 1800s.
Marg herself has worked in the printing/newspaper field since she was tall enough to sort lead type. Marg has been at the Bracebridge Examiner since 1989.
Technology has changed over the years, but the fast-paced environment and the need to meet deadlines remains... and keeps Marg's 'ink' flowing!

Marianne has been a member of the Bracebridge Examiner staff for over 26 years. Starting in production as a high school student and moving up the ranks to become the Production Manager for over 15 years before deciding that graphic design is really her first passion.
She enjoys working with, and creating one-of-a kind ad campaigns and designs for her customers. She is also an avid gardener and takes pride in her little slice of serenity she has created at her home in Bracebridge.

Shelly began her career in 1987 working at The Herald-Gazette newspaper in Bracebridge. The company moved to a larger facility in the early 1990s, under the new name of Muskoka Publications Group. In 1992, Shelly was offered a position in the production department of the Bracebridge Examiner, applying her skills to create advertisements using a variety of software programs.
In her spare time, Shelly plays in the local ladies softball league, enjoys golf, skiing, cooking, gardening and being with family and friends.

After receiving diplomas in Art Fundamentals (Fine Arts) and Visual Communications in Edmonton, Alberta, Terri began her career in the graphics field. That was 18 years ago. Prior to that, she worked as a press operator in Sarnia, Ontario.
In 2001, Terri was offered a position in production with the Bracebridge Examiner, and moved to the area. In her spare time, Terri enjoys sketching, exploring the acreage (looking at the wildlife) and hanging out with her two daughters, Jaclyn and Rachel.
In the winter, she hibernates!

Debbie is a native of Stratford, Ontario and attended Ohio University, majoring in Fine Arts - Graphic Design. She has cottaged in Muskoka all her life and after working in the Toronto area, six years in advertising, 12 years in Business forms and five years as a freelance designer, decided to make Muskoka her permanent home in 2000.
Since 2002, she has been a production artist with the Muskoka Sun/Bracebridge Examiner. She enjoys the great outdoors, cottage life and looks forward to the future with the Examiner and Metroland.

Karen began her newspaper career in 1988, working for The Herald-Gazette family of newspapers in Bracebridge. The rest, as they say, is history.
Karen's artistic talents extend to mural painting, folk art and sign design. She enjoys the creative challenges of ad composing and page layout each week, through a variety of publications produced at the Bracebridge Examiner office.

Jennifer is a longtime Examiner employee. She was hired as a typesetter 22 years ago and for the past several years has been laying out the classified pages. She says the time has gone by quickly due to the fact that she enjoys her job and the time spent with her co-workers.
As we live in an ever changing world, so too is the workplace, and Jennifer looks forward to what lies ahead.

Born in Bracebridge, the ‘Heart of Muskoka', Tammy grew up surrounded by the great outdoors.
She attended Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, and received many art-related awards throughout her studies of Fine Art and Graphic Design. Tammy's fascination with art, comics, media and political art led her to a challenging and exciting career with Metroland North Media.
Tammy designs advertisements and composes pages for many publications, including the Bracebridge Examiner, Gravenhurst Banner, District Weekender and The Muskokan. She is also an established, award-winning editorial cartoonist.
After a busy day, Tammy loves nothing more then to go home to her wonderful family and pets.

Caroline began her job in 1986 at the Bracebridge Examiner, proofreading ads three days a week. Now 21 years later, she is still reading ads, the real estate section taking most of her time. The job now is almost full time, since the paper and all the associated publications have grown so much over the years.
Caroline was born and raised in Bracebridge and spent all but three years of her life here. She has been married to her husband, Casey for 43 years and they have two daughters, four grandchildren and two spoiled Siamese cats, Tabu and Truffle.
Canoeing, watching wildlife and sitting on the dock at their cottage are some of her favourite pastimes.

"I'm the word nerd, listen well: if you misspell, I'll ring your bell. If your grammar sounds like stammer, I'll bring down the corrective hammer. If your punctuation's fluctuatin', I'll remedy the situation. Each paper's content receives the care of this copy editor extraordinaire."

Toronto, Peterborough, Georgetown, Dijon (France) and finally Bracebridge are places where Donna has called home. Donna, along with her husband, Jim, moved into their home in Bracebridge on September 11, 2001...a date always remembered. They love having their family visit to share all that Muskoka has to offer (2 daughters, 3 sons, 4 grandchildren so far!).
From her background of many years in the fitness industry, Donna learned both the satisfaction of providing quality customer service as well as practical administrative experience.
Since starting at the Bracebridge Examiner office October 1, 2001, Donna has appreciated getting to know and looking after our customers, and she thanks them for their business.
She also enjoys the interaction amongst our vibrant, creative, energetic staff!

Laurie has been a Muskoka resident since June of 1986 when she graduated from College in London, Ontario and moved up on her own to the beautiful cottage country she now calls home.
Laurie is married and living in Bracebridge with her husband Ernst, and two teenage daughters.
In May 2006, she joined the Metroland team, handling the classified ads and distribution for the Gravenhurst Banner and daily operation of the Banner office.
Laurie looks forward to assisting you with your classified advertising needs!

Randi is originally from Southern Ontario, and moved to Bracebridge in 2003. For 20 years Randi has always come to Muskoka for holidays and figured, "why not have the best of both worlds?"
Randi loves living in Muskoka and she says the people here are wonderful. She started working at the Bracebridge Examiner in April, 2007. Her position as receptionist is very busy and full of variety.
The staff here is a lot of fun so she never has a boring day at the Examiner!

Born and raised in Toronto, Laurie moved to Muskoka in the 70’s to marry her high school sweetie. Work has gone down many roads, but 11 years in the arts and crafts retail trade brought great experience and led to a part-time career as a freelance artist.
Nowadays in the role of part- time receptionist, days are spent greeting customers face to face and over the phone. There is always something going on in the newspaper business.