Julie Schau Memorial Award
The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association created the Julie Schau Memorial Award in 2013.
Julie Schau was an employee of the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association for over 15 years. Julie’s dedication and passion for creating a better industry for the membership of the SWNA was unsurpassable. Julie passed away on November 26th, 2012 at the age of 46.
This award was created in Julie’s memory to bring attention to and put the spotlight on people like her in our industry. People who strive every day to help keep this industry strong and thriving.
2026
Linda Hall, Assiniboia Times
Linda has been part of the Assiniboia Times since 1981, and over that time she’s been a steady, reliable presence through many ownership changes starting with John and Carol LaBuick in the 1980s, then Boundary Publishers, then Glacier Media and now Western Publishing. But no matter what’s happening behind the scenes, she shows up and makes sure the paper keeps moving forward.
Linda consistently goes above and beyond. When things get tough, and they have, she steps in wherever she’s needed. She’s written stories, lined up freelancers, helped shape weekly content, handled distribution, and even delivered papers herself. She just does what needs to be done.
Beyond the paper, Linda is deeply involved in her community, serving on boards, organizing events, and supporting local initiatives. Through things like the Kidvertising program and community features, she’s helped highlight and connect the people and stories that matter most in Assiniboia and the surrounding area.
At the end of the day, Linda is someone you can count on to do it all, every single week, to help keep local journalism strong in her community.
2025
Daniel Bushman
Lanigan Advisor and Watrous Manitou
Daniels serves as owner, publisher, manager, editor, reporter and photographer, while also assisting with sales and design work for the Watrous Manitou and Lanigan Advisor. Operating these publications in an area that would otherwise be a news desert, he has become a vital source of information for his community. Daniel maintains a consistently high-quality product while balancing family responsibilities and community involvement.
Daniel graduated from broadcasting college in 2006 and worked in radio for three years – first in Melfort and then for Saskatoon Media Group, before he began writing for the Watrous Manitou in 2009. He and his wife Kim purchased the Manitou in 2014 and the Lanigan Advisor in 2015.
After Daniel and Kim purchased the Watrous Manitou they brought a number of fresh ideas to the paper, including features like “faces in the community: – sharing the stories of local residents who may not have otherwise been in the news at that time; and The Watrous Manitou Around the World” – featuring pictures of subscribers holding up the paper in their travel adventures from near and far.
Dan is deeply committed to supporting local businesses and organizations, offering his time, resources, and sponsorship to enhance the community’s wellbeing. A strong advocate for the annual Shop Local campaign, he actively encourages residents to support their neighbors and contribute to the local economy.
Beyond his work in journalism, Dan dedicates his time to coaching local minor hockey, baseball, flag football and soccer. Most recently he was the head coach of the U11 Watrous Hawks hockey team and is currently head coach of the U9 soccer team. Dan exemplifies the qualities of a true community advocate, consistently striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those around him.
2022
Andrea Corrigan
Weyburn Review & Weyburn This Week
Andrea began her newspaper career at a young age, as a newspaper carrrier. After high school, she started working in the production department at the Estevan Mercury. Spending the majority of her career in the Weyburn area Andrea has worked her way up to editor, manager and publisher.
From stuffing flyers to sales there is no job too big or too small. Andrea is always the first to step up and does what needs to be done to ensure things run efficiently and a quality publication is put out each week. She is dedicated to her staff, community and the newspaper industry.
Andrea also plays an active role in her community and has served on many boards over the years. She also volunteers her time by participating in events and charities.
2020
Michelle Walz, Grasslands News Group
(Fort Qu’Appelle Times, Grenfell/Whitewood Herald Sun & Melvilel Advance)
Michelle Walz, has been a long time employee of Grasslands News which includes the Fort Qu’Appelle Times, Melville Advance and Whitewood/Grenfell Herald Sun. Michelle is passionate about the newspaper industry and advocates for it on a daily basis. While Michelle has worked primarily in graphics and pagination, her love for the industry as seen her assume many different roles within the company. Michelle always takes it upon herself to step up and help out where needed even if it means an extra workload for her. She is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.
Michelle is a member of various community groups is known by everyone within the community.
2019
Deanna Wandler
Lloydminster Meridian Source
2018
Ryan Dahlman
Swift Current Prairie Post
Ryan Dahlman, the 2018 recipient of the Julie Schau award, is everything we need in our industry right now. In a province full of devoted and dedicated newspapermen and women, Ryan’s commitment to the Prairie Post and to the industry as a whole stands tall. Where the managing editor of a large weekly newspaper would primarily be focused on managing the newsroom, Ryan’s typical workweek involves so much more. From writing and photography to attending community events and assisting with layout, to copy editing and liaising with the advertising department. In the words of his nominator – Some people are content to work their 40 hour work week to merely get the job done. Ryan is not one of those people. Ryan arrives at the office long before the sunrises and doesn’t leave until the job is done and done WELL.
2015
Laura Kisch
The Kipling Citizen
2014
Bev Sochaski
The Tisdale Recorder
2013
Louise Simpson
Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association
