Michael Bushnell – Publisher

For 26 years, Michael has been the Publisher of Kansas City’s Northeast News. His journey at Northeast News began when he became the President of the Scarritt Renaissance neighborhood, serving two terms totaling ten years.

In 1996, Michael left his corporate communications job to become the Executive Director of the Northeast Chamber of Commerce. During this time, he discovered the local community newspaper was for sale.

In 1998, Michael and his wife Christine bought The Northeast News, turning it into a community news source. In 2021, Michael transitioned the publication from for-profit to non-profit, securing its future and opening doors to grants and sponsorships for non-profit newsrooms.

Outside of community reporting, Michael and Chris enjoy traveling in their toy hauler with their Harley and News Dog, Ella the Destroyer.

Michael’s journey clearly depicts his dedication to the Historic Northeast community, ensuring that news stories are told with truth. 

Dorri Partain – Assistant Editor

A graduate of Central Missouri State University, Dorri’s first foray into journalism began at  Maple Woods Community College. Her love for old homes brought her to Historic Northeast in 1986. Immersed in the community, she developed a love for its parks, with Indian Mound and Cliff Drive holding a special place in her heart.

Dorri’s journey with the Northeast News began in 1998, where she contributed a freelance feature column until 2006. In 2016, she officially joined the News staff, bringing her storytelling skills to the wider community. 

Outside of her work at Northeast News, Dorri is a devoted mother to two sons and three kitty companions. An avid vintage collector, her collections include matchbooks and other incredible items that are quite familiar within our “Remember This” weekly feature.

Lillian Taylor Gibbs – Art & Creative Director

Lillian’s educational path led her through the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she delved into Studio Art and Graphic Design. Eager to deepen her industry knowledge, she continued her education in Graphic Design at Metropolitan Community College–Penn Valley.

Lillian has an artistic spirit that draws inspiration from the retro vibes and the wonders of nature, her artistic journey is all about storytelling. In the summer of 2023, Lillian brought her artistic mastery to the team, contributing to the rebranding and modernization of the Northeast News. 

Lillian has a clear goal – to make illustration and design the centerpiece of telling the stories of the Historic Northeast. 

Daisy Garcia Montoya– Spanish Language Education Reporter

Joining in January 2023, Daisy has been at the forefront of covering education stories in Northeast Kansas City, with a focus ranging from Kansas City Public Schools, charter schools, and private schools to universities. Daisy ensures that attention is reported on the local dynamics of the Historic Northeast and the Latinx population of students, educators and families.

With a Master’s in Public Administration and an undergraduate degree from UMKC, her academic background enhances her ability to research, report and produce compelling content within the Northeast area. Daisy was our Editorial Intern in the summer of 2020, and produced that year’s Back To School special issue.

Daisy has a passion for her community that shines through in her ability to provide thoughtful stories on education in the Historic Northeast. 

Rayna Oldham – Circulation Manager

Rayna has been with The Northeast News for almost a decade and is in charge of building the weekly newspaper and its accurate and timely delivery to homes and businesses throughout the Historic Northeast community. Rayna and her team are also in charge of shipping and receiving the paper, making sure our readers get the coupon inserts for their weekly shopping needs.

When not making sure our readers get The Northeast News, she enjoys relaxing with her family by playing video games, watching old movies and getting away for an occasional fishing trip at a local lake.

Rayna’s dedication ensures that the focus of The Northeast News is seamlessly produced throughout the community, delivering not just news but also a sense of community.

EllieAna Hale – Spring 2024 Community Engagement Intern

A  Junior at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC), double majoring in political science and journalism, EllieAna is beginning an internship with Northeast News on Jan. 15 as our Spring 2024 Community Engagement Intern.

Since participating in our Summer 2022 Internship program, she has been an integral part of the Northeast News family.

With a commitment to community engagement and social activism, she sees journalism as a powerful tool for fostering positive change. Her passion for community is not just a profession but a calling. Outside the dynamic world of news and advocacy, she finds joy in reading and writing during her free time. 

Abby White – Potter Digital Ambassador

Currently a second-year master’s student at the Missouri School of Journalism, Abby White will be joining us from Jan. 8 through Jan. 12 as our Potter Digital Ambassador, With a background as a night news editor and copy editor at the Columbia Missourian for nearly two years, she will bring lots of editorial experience to the table. Having explored various facets of digital journalism, this enthusiastic student is eager to apply her skills and knowledge in collaboration with the Northeast News.

The Northeast News looks forward to having Abby on our team and welcomes her warmly!