About Us
Our History #
The Mountain Messenger began in 1853 as a twice-per-month publication. Its claim to fame is that Mark Twain once wrote for the paper under his real name, Sam Clemens. He was hiding from authorities in Nevada, where he had accepted a challenge to a duel after dueling had been outlawed. Since that time, not much has changed in the quaint gold rush town of Downieville; residents still rely on the now weekly paper for local news.
Our Standards
Read our Reporting Standards and Corrections Policy.
Our Staff
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Ryan Steinwert | Owner, Editor-in-Chief |
| Mary P. Johnsen | Proof Reader Par Excellance |
| Jan Hamilton | Archival Researcher |
| Dana Loomis | Reporter |
| Scottie Hart | Columnist |
| Lenny Ackerman | Columnist |
| Rae Bell Arbogast | Columnist |
| Paul Guffin | Columnist |
| Susana Hernández | Columnist |
| Tessa Jordan | Columnist |
| Cory Peterman | Columnist |
| Carl J. Butz | Owner Emeritus |