Tribute paid to Kathy Fraze on retirement

By Tom Moore

After 39 years with the Beacon Journal, Kathy Fraze, writer, editor, teacher called it quits.

The staffers paid tribute to her with a video that recalled how she had been so helpful to each....recalling how she had saved their butts more than once from mistakes that could have been embarrassing for paper and reporter had they appeared in print.

One staffer said Kathy had taught his journalism class at Kent State and then hired him later on.

Editor Bruce Winges read off a list of her accomplisments and positions she has held over the years.

She received several gifts, including a picnic basket filled with goodies for her trip to Ireland and an engraved cake knife. Of course there was a cake.

And I think she summed up what we all feel when leaving a place that has been our life for so many years...the people you work with and the comradely therein

She cited an incident in 1980 when folks showed up only to find the lifeline of the paper was on the blink...the telephone system.

A telephone repairman was called and while he yanked a wire here and there, the staff discussed the latest murders and other stories that came to mind to pass the time since this was before the new electronic age of cell phones and the internet.

The repairman looked up from his work and said: “Boy, what a great place! I”d love to work here.”

In addition to the staff, two retirees were present to welcome her into the retiree ranks...Mike Needs and Tom Moore. Both worked closely with her over the years and sure agree to the praise the staff had for a great newswoman. 

Happy retirement, Kathy.