After an impressive 38-year tenure as a reporter at the Duluth News Tribune, and a total of 41 years in journalism, John Myers, a respected voice in Minnesota news, is stepping into retirement. For readers across the Northland, John Myers has been a consistent source of insightful reporting, covering everything from local duck hunting seasons to significant environmental issues and political developments. His upcoming retirement marks the end of an era for local journalism and a well-deserved transition for a dedicated professional.
For John Myers, the shift from full-time reporting to retirement is marked by a personal milestone: the start of duck hunting season on September 10th. This year, however, is different. John Myers anticipates spending more days in the field, guided only by the cooperation of ducks and weather, rather than the constraints of vacation time. This newfound freedom comes after decades spent balancing the demands of news reporting with personal passions.
Image: Veteran Duluth News Tribune reporter John Myers proudly displays a tom turkey he harvested near Barnum, Minnesota in May 2023. This image exemplifies John Myers’ deep connection with the outdoors and wildlife, a recurring theme in his reporting career.
Reflecting on his journey, John Myers reminisces about his early days as a cub reporter, handling obituaries and weather updates. Now, decades later, retirement feels both surreal and deserved. Duluth has become deeply intertwined with his life – it’s where he built his career, family, and community ties. He’s become a fixture in the Duluth community, recognized not just for his reporting but also as a local personality.
Image: A nostalgic look back at John Myers in 1986, featured in the Duluth News Tribune employee newsletter. This vintage photo captures John Myers early in his career, highlighting his long-standing commitment to the Duluth News Tribune.
While retirement signifies a break from the daily grind, John Myers isn’t planning to slow down completely. He expresses a desire to contribute to society, perhaps through a do-good organization, seeking less stressful and demanding avenues to apply his skills and experience. Before embarking on new ventures, however, John Myers intends to enjoy a well-earned respite. His plans include home projects like painting the duck shack, more frequent hunting trips with his dog, exploring fall crappie fishing, and simply enjoying extended time away without the pressure of looming deadlines.
John Myers’ career trajectory is increasingly rare in today’s professional landscape. Thirty-eight years with a single employer, particularly in the evolving field of journalism, is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. While John Myers humbly describes himself as a “simple scribe” and “newspaper reporter,” his work has been far from simple. He has adeptly navigated a myriad of subjects, delivering news with accuracy and integrity throughout his career.
Image: John Myers at his desk at the Duluth News Tribune on his 40th birthday. This photo offers a glimpse into John Myers’ professional life and his long-term presence at the Duluth News Tribune newsroom.
John Myers considers himself fortunate to have spent his career in Duluth, doing the work he always aspired to do. He never sought roles in larger media markets or desired fame. John Myers intentionally remained in Duluth, valuing local journalism and community connection over broader recognition. Despite opportunities elsewhere, his commitment to Duluth remained steadfast.
Reflecting honestly on his career, John Myers acknowledges the challenges, including navigating varying editorial leadership and witnessing the transformations within the news industry. He humorously questions if the decline in print newspaper circulation coincided with his start in the field, highlighting the industry’s shift towards digital platforms. Despite these challenges, John Myers has persevered, adapting to the changing media landscape while upholding journalistic principles.
John Myers cherishes the friendships forged during his time at the News Tribune, even as colleagues moved on to different paths. These lasting relationships underscore the strong professional community he was a part of. For nearly four decades, John Myers found immense satisfaction in uncovering, interpreting, and reporting news for his readers. His commitment to accuracy, timeliness, and compelling storytelling has been the hallmark of his career.
Image: John Myers shaking hands with then Vice President Al Gore in 1995 at the Old Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. This photograph illustrates John Myers’ access and reach in covering significant political events and figures during his career.
His reporting career took him from state government and politics in St. Paul to covering a wide array of local news. John Myers recounts interactions with presidents, governors, and lawmakers, emphasizing a time of respectful dialogue and accessibility – a stark contrast to the current political climate. Later in his career, John Myers transitioned to environmental reporting, focusing on the Northland’s natural resources. He covered national forests, Lake Superior, endangered species, climate change impacts, and mining – issues of paramount importance to the region.
Image: Environmental reporter John Myers near the Lester River at Lake Superior in Duluth in August 2002. This image highlights John Myers’ role as an environmental journalist and his connection to the natural landscapes of Duluth.
John Myers’ impactful environmental reporting included firsthand accounts of major wildfires and in-depth coverage of local scientific research. His ability to translate complex scientific information into accessible news stories showcased his skill as a journalist. For the past six years, John Myers has focused on outdoor recreation and conservation, connecting with the Northland community through shared passions for hunting, fishing, and outdoor pursuits. He has been privileged to share in the outdoor experiences of his readers, further cementing his role as a community journalist.
Image: Former Duluth News Tribune outdoors reporter Sam Cook and John Myers in a 2001 billboard photo. This picture acknowledges John Myers’ predecessors and his significant contribution to outdoors reporting at the Duluth News Tribune.
Beyond environmental and outdoors reporting, John Myers’ career spanned a wide spectrum of news events, including crime, business, and community stories. From covering murder trials to reviewing blues festivals, reporting on natural disasters, and even a memorable pontoon boat ride with the Stanley Cup, John Myers has chronicled the diverse tapestry of life in the Northland. His extensive portfolio demonstrates his versatility and commitment to comprehensive local news coverage.
John Myers attributes his successful and enduring career in Duluth to supportive colleagues, editors, and the Duluth News Tribune’s union environment, which ensured fair wages and working conditions. His six-year tenure as president of the Lake Superior Newspaper Guild further underscores his commitment to the journalism profession and his colleagues.
Image: John Myers on assignment in 1994 with Congressman Jim Oberstar and President Bill Clinton at the Duluth airport. This photograph highlights John Myers’ long career and his interactions with prominent political figures at both local and national levels.
John Myers explains his sometimes reserved demeanor as a necessary aspect of journalistic integrity, maintaining distance to ensure unbiased reporting. With retirement, he looks forward to more relaxed interactions within the community, including those long-awaited coffee conversations.
In lieu of individual thank yous, John Myers extends his gratitude to the entire Northland community for their support and acceptance. He thanks his family for their understanding and patience throughout his demanding career and expresses appreciation to everyone who contributed to his reporting by answering questions, offering story ideas, and engaging with his work. He encourages continued support for local journalism by subscribing to the Duluth News Tribune and advocating for conservation and environmental stewardship.
Image: Duluth News Tribune photographer Clint Austin and reporter John Myers on assignment at the Stormy Kromer hat factory in Ironwood, Michigan in 2022. This recent photo shows John Myers in the field with a colleague, illustrating the collaborative nature of journalism and his continued engagement in reporting until his retirement.
Concluding with a touch of journalistic humor, John Myers quotes Douglas MacArthur (the “different guy”) stating, “Old reporters never die, they just smell that way.” While stepping away from the Duluth News Tribune after September 6th, John Myers remains reachable via email at [email protected], assuming he’s not out fishing. For future outdoors news from the News Tribune, readers are directed to [email protected]. John Myers’ retirement marks the departure of a significant figure in Duluth journalism, but his legacy of dedicated reporting and community engagement will undoubtedly endure.
Image: John Myers taking notes during the Minnesota fishing opener on the St. Louis River in May 2019. This image captures John Myers in action, demonstrating his hands-on approach to reporting and his dedication to capturing the details of every story.
