Atkison returns as Mail Editor

Marshfield’s Shelby Atkison has returned to lead operations at the Marshfield Mail as the new Editor.

“We are thrilled to have Shelby back was the editor of the Marshfield Mail. She’s a wonderful asset to our paper and has deep roots in Webster County,” said Mail publisher Deanna Moore. “She is meant to be here.”

Atkison returns to the position, which she previously held from August 2020-May 2022. She is currently serving a three-year term on the board of the Ozarks Press Association and previously held the position of Managing Editor at the Laclede County Record. Though she joined the newsprint world in 2020, journalism has been a part of her life since her teen years.

“My news career has brought me nothing but happiness and opportunity, but being the Editor of the Marshfield Mail is absolutely my favorite professional accolade,” she said. “I am so blessed to be a part of this community.”

Shelby currently resides in Niangua and graduated from Marshfield High School in 2012. She then went on to receive her degree in advertising and public relations from Drury University. She describes herself as an adventure seeker who loves to travel and has a passion for nature, music and sports. In her free time, she enjoys attending events, fishing, camping, hiking and spending time with the animals at her family’s farm.

“I’m thrilled to be back in Marshfield and covering the county that’s so close to my heart,” Atkison said. “There’s no place like Webster County and I can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet a few new folks as well.”

Prior to her newspaper career, Shelby was a news anchor and reporter at KTTS radio station in Springfield where she provided breaking news reports, severe weather updates and go patrol traffic reports. She also underwent Storm Spotter training with the National Weather Service. 

“I hope readers are excited to see the special sections we have in the works this year. There is nothing better than sharing stories from the place you grew up,” she added.

Before entering a career in news, she worked as an office manager and marketing specialist. However, journalism has never really been a new subject for her. She also has 10-plus years of broadcasting experience with Marshfield Web TV. She has worked in numerous positions at O’Reilly Family Event Center, gaining experience in events, promotions and public relations. She also hosted, scripted and produced a sports show during her time at Drury.

“I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t networking, interviewing folks and telling stories in one way or another,” she smiled. “I just feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue my news career here and I look forward to growing in the place it all started. Thank you all so much for having me back and always supporting me!”

Contact Shelby Atkison with your news or feature story ideas or just to say hello by searching @newsbyshelby on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or by emailing shelbya@marshfieldmail.com. Read more on page A11.