Bonny Jean Hanchett, crusading journalist and former owner of the Clear Lake Observer*American, passed away Sunday night, Sept. 7, 2008, in Cloverdale. Her daughter, Roberta Lyons, relayed news of her passing.
Ross and Bonny Jean Hanchett purchased the Clear Lake Observer*American in the fall of 1955 and remained its owners until 1986.
Lyons credited her mother, as an owner and editor of weekly newspapers, with being a great inspiration to other women. “During her years in the field, she has trained many young female reporters, teaching them the importance of digging for the facts and never leaving the reader ?asking questions.” She is also a firm believer in the duties and responsibilities of a good community newspaper. She believes that a town”s newspaper is there to serve the community and its residents, providing a forum for local activities and achievements and information on city government, schools, police, fire and other issues. Bonny Jean has never been one to simply accept ?press releases” from governments or agencies ? she always goes after the facts, straight from the source.”
Born in Michigan and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Bonny Jean started her career in journalism at Washington State, where she was the first female editor of the college paper. While at Washington State, Bonny Jean met her husband, Ross Hanchett. Following graduation, the two were married. After WWII, the couple purchased their first newspaper, the Lewis River News, in Woodland, Wash.
In 1955, the Hanchetts and their four children moved to Lower Lake, where they purchased the Clear Lake Observer*American.
Ross Hanchett took on the role of publisher for the Observer*American. Bonny Jean became the paper”s editor and reporter.
Lyons reported that it was in Lake County that Bonny Jean made her mark as a crusading journalist. She campaigned to improve the water quality of Clear Lake and pushed for open government. Bonny Jean was a leading example of community-minded journalism, using the newspaper to promote issues of benefit to Lake County and its residents.
During her busy years as editor of the Observer*American, Bonny Jean raised five children and was active in local organizations including Soroptomists International of Clear Lake. Along with John Jago, Teresa Rifesi and others, Bonny Jean formed the Clear Lake Water Quality Council, which worked hard to pass a bond issue to install a proper sewer system in Clearlake Highlands.
The paper was a strong advocate for incorporation of Clearlake, which was approved Nov. 4, 1980 by a 42-vote majority among voters in Clearlake Highlands and Clearlake Park.
Other important projects promoted and supported by the Observer*American were the establishment of a branch of Yuba College in the South County and preservation of Anderson Ranch and Marsh as the Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.
Bonny Jean continued her community focus for 20 years as owner, editor and publisher of the Cloverdale Reveille in Sonoma County. Bonny Jean Hanchett is survived by children Val Hanchett, Mary Stowell, Roberta Lyons and Kathryn McKaig; many grandchildren and great grand children.
Editor”s Note: Compiled from biographical information supplied by Roberta Lyons as well as from articles featured in a 70th anniversary edition of the Clear Lake Observer*American, Nov. 5, 2005.
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