Longtime Lahontan Valley News Editor Steve Ranson to be inducted into Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame

Eight journalists who had a lasting impact in Nevada will be inducted into the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame next month, the Nevada Press Foundation announced on Aug. 15.

Among them is longtime Lahontan Valley News Editor Steve Ranson.

Ranson joins Mary Hausch, Jake Highton, Bill Hughes, Frank McCulloch, Guy Louis Rocha, Laura Tennant and Charles Zobell will be honored at a lunch ceremony during the organizations’ Annual Convention and Awards Banquet in Reno on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Eight journalists were selected for admission to the Hall of Fame this month by the Nevada Press Foundation Board of Trustees. Five of the eight inductees made their biggest impact in Northern Nevada.

Steven R. Ranson is an accomplished journalist, editor and general manager with more than three decades of experience, primarily with the Lahontan Valley News in Fallon. While editor from 2008 to 2017, the News won more than 150 newspaper awards, including national recognition for his editorial and sports writing. He developed his love for writing as a sports reporter for the Wells Progress, covering all the high school sports from 1976-1983, and writing profiles of events and of the many people who lived in the small northeastern Nevada community. He also assisted by writing articles on the local schools and other newsworthy events. Ranson’s reach into the high school activities and athletics realm extended beyond his contributions as a member of the media. Ranson served as the Student Council adviser at Wells High School and also coached, at one time or another, J.V. football, basketball, and assistant varsity football. This was in addition to Ranson being a high-school English and journalism teacher, a fireman with the Wells Fire Department, an EMT-II with Wells Ambulance and a city councilman for four years. Ranson's contributions extend beyond journalism; he served as a lieutenant colonel in the Nevada Army National Guard, which included assignments as both a public and community affairs office. He played pivotal roles in community projects, such as co-founding the Greenwave Hall of Fame. His work advocating for veterans and student journalists has left a lasting impact at both state and national levels. He was inducted into the Nevada Army Guard Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame in 2018.  

Mary Hausch's distinguished career in journalism and education has made a lasting impact on Southern Nevada, where she broke barriers as a pioneering journalist and served as a mentor and educator. At the Las Vegas Review-Journal during the 1970s and 1980s, she held senior editorial roles at a time when women were just beginning to enter management, showing remarkable leadership and resilience. Her courageous lawsuit against Donrey Media for gender discrimination set a powerful precedent. Later, as a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she nurtured the next generation of journalists with a tough yet caring approach, earning numerous teaching awards. Her legacy includes extensive community involvement, continued mentorship, and recognition as a distinguished member of the journalism community. Mary Hausch’s contributions have shaped countless careers.

Jake Highton, a veteran journalist and esteemed professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, made significant contributions to journalism and media education throughout his prolific career. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to journalistic integrity and freedom of the press, Highton mentored countless students who credit his rigorous instruction for their success. His professional journalism background, marked by incisive analysis and eloquent prose, earned him a reputation for excellence.

 Bill Hughes was a master photographer whose work went beyond mere documentation, blending art and journalism to capture the essence of Las Vegas during its transformative years. Over 30 years in Nevada, primarily with CityLife and its sister publications, Hughes created a portfolio that chronicled the diverse and vibrant life of the city—from casino executives to the homeless, and from cultural icons to everyday scenes—always with empathy, precision, and a meticulous eye for detail. His commitment to the craft earned him an unparalleled 43 first-place awards in the Nevada Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. Hughes' legacy is a testament to his ability to make the inanimate come alive and to tell complex stories through simple, powerful images. His work remains an enduring record of a pivotal era in Las Vegas history.

Frank McCulloch was the son of a pioneer Nevada ranch family who served as a combat war correspondent and led major American news organizations, distinguishing himself as an icon for a free press. Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in New York presented McCulloch its highest award in 1984 “for singular journalistic performance in the public interest” and “overarching accomplishment and distinguished service to journalism.” He broke into journalism as the editor of the University of Nevada, Reno student newspaper, the Sagebrush, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors in 1941. He later served as a reporter covering crime, sports, and politics for the Reno Evening Gazette from 1946 to 1953, then joined Time-Life News Service, where he began his long news magazine career. He was a founder of Learning Magazine in 1972.

Guy Louis Rocha, a distinguished historian and former state archivist of Nevada, has dedicated his career to preserving and interpreting the state's rich history. Known for his commitment to historical accuracy, Rocha played a crucial role in maintaining Nevada's archives, correcting myths, and ensuring that valuable documents were preserved for future generations. His extensive contributions include prolific writing, public speaking, and active involvement in projects like the Nevada Women’s History Project, which highlighted the significant roles women played in the state's development. Rocha’s work has earned him numerous accolades and solidified his legacy as a key figure in Nevada’s historical community.

Laura Tennant began her journalism career in 1987 with the Fernley Leader-Dayton Courier, fulfilling a lifelong dream after raising her six children. Recognizing the need for community-focused journalism in the rapidly growing town of Dayton, she was hired by the Mason Valley News, where she was mentored by Publisher Jim Sanford. Over her 17-year career, Tennant played a pivotal role in local journalism, serving as editor for both Dayton and Fernley offices and documenting the community's events and history. Her dedication extended beyond reporting, as she contributed to the award-winning Lyon County Reflections periodical and continued writing history columns until 2019. Tennant's commitment to journalism earned her numerous accolades, including the presidency of the Nevada Press Association board in 2004 and over 40 first-place awards in the small newspaper category. Her work was further recognized in 2022 when she was named a Woman of Achievement by the Nevada Women’s Fund for her contributions to the Nevada Women's History Project. Laura Tennant's legacy is marked by her unwavering dedication to celebrating and supporting the people and history of Dayton.

For more than three decades, Charles Zobell played a pivotal role in guiding the Las Vegas Review-Journal through massive community changes as city editor and managing editor. Known for his emphasis on accuracy, fairness, and journalistic ethics, Zobell mentored a generation of reporters who went on to achieve national prominence in journalism and beyond. His management style, marked by support and personal care for his team, fostered a newsroom culture that encouraged enterprising stories and robust coverage of Las Vegas. In addition to his editorial work, Zobell contributed to journalism education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and advocated for the public's right to know as a leader in the Nevada Freedom of Information Coalition and the Society of Professional Journalists.