A mother and son's legacy saved Kolos from collapse in the 1990s

Tatiana Lesikova became part of the Kolos editorial team in 1969. She began as a literary contributor before moving to the letters department and later taking on the role of editor. Her kindness, empathy, and ability to unite people left a lasting mark on the publication. Tatiana Lesikova guided Kolos through the turbulent 1990s, a period when many regional newspapers collapsed. Despite the challenges, the paper endured under her leadership.

Her son, Alexander Lesikov, joined Kolos in 1997 as a correspondent. Before this, he had studied automotive transport but found no local opportunities in that field. Over time, he rose to managing editor and, in 2008, became editor-in-chief.

One of his most notable pieces covered the story of a boy named Zhenya Sinichkin. Alexander also shared that his grandfather, Yakov Vladimirovich Lesik, had fallen near Rzhev and was buried in a mass grave. His professional motto reflects his dedication: 'Never do anything half-heartedly. If you do something, do it with integrity.' Tatiana Lesikova and her son Alexander both played key roles at Kolos. Their combined efforts helped the newspaper survive difficult times and maintain its place in the community. Alexander’s leadership and journalistic principles continue to shape its direction.