Meet the writers
***image4***Tom Ratzloff, News and Feature Writer. Tom is a native Minnesotan who has spent more than 25 years as a journalist. He and his wife, Mary Durben, published The Old Times Newspaper, a four-state regional antiques publication, for 14 years. After selling the paper in late 2004, he is excited to have the opportunity to write for The Daniel Island News.
"To me, journalism is a ringside seat on life and there are countless important stories to be told about life on the island," he said.
You can contact Tom at (843) 597-2798 or via e-mail at: tom@thedanielislandnews.com
***image3***Elizabeth Bush, News and Features Writer. Beth graduated from Appalachian State University in 1989 with a B.S. in Communication Arts (and a concentration in Broadcast Journalism). After graduating, she worked at WCTI-TV 12 News in New Bern, North Carolina, as a Weekend News Anchor/Reporter and Producer. While at WCTI-TV, Elizabeth also served as Bureau Chief for the station’s Jacksonville office, covering a variety of stories about the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune, military deployments to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Storm, and more. In addition, she traveled to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to report on the marines’ involvement in the Haitian Relief Effort.
In 1994, Elizabeth transitioned into the field of public relations and took a position as Communications Specialist for Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, PA. After several years as a “stay-at-home” Mom, she recently rekindled her journalism career as a freelance writer for The Daniel Island News. She lives on Daniel Island with her husband, Jeff, and their two children, Allyson and Cameron.
Adam Ferrell
Danielle Theobald
***image2***John Hussey, Freelance Writer. John and his wife Nancy moved to the island in October, 2004. He is a lifelong journalist, writer and communications consultant. His long career includes a stint as a regional reporter for United Press International in the South, covering civil rights news, editorial jobs at the Florence Morning News and at The State. Later, in the late 1960’s and 1970’s, Hussey served as press secretary to Sen. Fritz Hollings.
During the course of his career, John also was vice president, Monsanto Co., Nestle North America, and developed the biotechnology practice group for Hill & Knowlton, the world’s largest public relations agency.