The Journal Star's Enduring Reporter Helen Nelson Helen Nelson SCJS Photo Make no mistake, Fieldside News is the creation of Helen Nelson. She started the column in the early 1930's and she continues to write the column today. That means Helen has written almost 4000 articles over a span of ¾ of a century. We were able to locate a column which she wrote for the January 7th, 1932 edition of the Gordon Journal. Helen was 16 years old when she started writing her Fieldside news. For those unaware, Fieldside News is a weekly news column which covers the news of those who live northeast of Gordon. The title of the news column was taken from the name of the country school located in that area. The school children chose the name Fieldside because the school building was surrounded by open fields. For 75 years Helen has faithfully called friends and neighbors and simply asked, "Do you have any news this week?" Prior to taking the reporting job, Helen's older sister started reporting the Midway news to the paper. After a short time, her sister decided that she didn't want to continue, so she asked Helen if she would write and she has never stopped. After becoming a resident of Country Side Care, Helen includes news which she picks up from other residents of Country Side Care. Helen comments, "Many people are reluctant to give me news and others are happy to tell me about what is happening in their lives." She continues, "I've learned over the years to be careful about what I report and by and large people seem to be satisfied with what I report." Each week, when she hears something that is news worthy, she jots it down and then puts it together each Monday. Midmorning on each Monday morning, she passes her compiled note to Iona Wiles who hand delivers the information to the Journal Star office. She is quick to mention that there are times when she wants to quit, but feels as though as long as she can ,she will continue to tell the community about the little things that happen in people's lives. She admits that her hand writing isn't what it used to be and that the mistakes are more prevalent, but she still enjoys the role that she has played in her community for 75 plus years.