In 2002, I was working for the West Central Tribune. After seeing some of my free hand work, I was asked by the Editor to do some local Editorial Cartoons. In June 2003, my first cartoon was published. After receiving positive feedback, I began doing a few cartoons each week. In November 2002, I received Second Place in the state for Best Editorial Cartoon by The Minnesota Newpaper Association.

Though most of the cartoons dealt with local and state issues, I was able to do a few national cartoons before I left.

Most of the concepts were created by me though there were a few the Editor had offered the punchline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

 

10/07/02 The Tribune's editorial cartoon Saturday of state Senate candidate Joe Gimse was tacky at best. Although this type of media bias is expected the closer we get to election day, I think cartoonist Nate Norbie missed the point of Gimse's press conference.

Why is the teachers union allowed to recruit volunteers and sign petitions for DFL political candidates in a taxpayer-funded school building?

This type of activity is illegal and makes voters, regardless of party, wonder how the teachers union has time to campaign on our dime while our students' test scores are declining?

I am impressed that candidate Gimse had the guts to stand up to a powerful special interest group like the teachers union. Central Minnesota needs a senator with Gimse's courage.

It's time for a change.

Kevin Dittbenner

12/11/02 - Tuesdays cartoon about the benefits of living in willmar seemed to have cause an uproar with some city officials. Although the cartoon is the absolute truth it seems those people dont want it to be known or at least publicly made fun of. Truth hurts. I will post any public opinions that may go into the paper about it.

 

Readers Opinions:

Cartoon’s view of Willmar disgusting
12/03 To the Editor:
As a subscriber to the West Central Tribune, I would appreciate an explanation as to why they would print Nate Norbie’s version of the state of affairs in Willmar.
I find it extremely disgusting that someone would portray a veterans organization as you did in your paper.
The VFW in Willmar does a variety of services to our community. First and foremost it is an organization for veterans that have served their country. Secondly, they are a provider of meals for seniors in Willmar and the surrounding area.
I am not sure which of the two you are depicting in your paper, at the bar, is it the veterans who served their country, or is it the senior citizens of Kandiyohi County?
As an employer with a significant number of employees who live in Willmar and most likely subscribe to your paper, and spend their paychecks in Willmar, I feel your paper owes them an apology for implying their worth is only peanuts.
Mr. Norbie if your military background is equal to that of the members of the VFW, and you’re an employer that pays your employees more wages, provides a better 401K plan, offers larger retirement benefits, and better health insurance than the rest of the employers in Willmar, maybe I’d laugh with you. Until then I will look at your view and the paper’s view of Willmar in disgust.


Michael Mickelson
Gurley Foods president
VFW Board Chairman
Post 1639, Willmar