Complete Story
01/04/2018
Mt. Vernon News journalist Virgil Shipley retires at age 90
In the newsroom, the words “Virgil Shipley” and “retirement” were never spoken in the same sentence. Until today, that is.
Longtime News photojournalist Virgil Shipley, along with journalist Pam Schehl, turned in their press badges today and are taking a more subtle approach to life in Knox County.
Shipley, who turned 90 earlier this year, started his career with the News in 1955, after serving as a photographer for the military police after being drafted a second time.
In his 62 years with the News, you could say Shipley has been the family photographer for generations of Knox County families as scrapbooks are filled with newspaper clippings that include his photos. “Photojournalism tells everything about a community,” he said. “It’s all about getting that whole story in one picture.”
Always, humble, Shipley reluctantly accepted the honor of serving as grand marshal in the Mount Vernon Christmas Parade in 2013.
He did, however, take great pride in serving as the official press photographer for the Ohio Distinguished Young Women, formerly the Ohio Junior Miss Program.
In 2016, he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.
