Ian Stepleton leaves Ripon Commonwealth Press after nearly two decades

RIPON — Just over a month shy of his 20-year anniversary with the newspaper, editor Ian Stepleton announced last week that he was leaving the Ripon Commonwealth Press.

Ian Stepleton
Ian Stepleton

Stepleton joined the newspaper in September 2000 as a reporter, moving up to managing editor in March 2003. He took over as the Commonwealth‘s top editor in January 2006 and has remained in the role for the last 14 1/2 years.

Jonathan Bailey, a reporter for the newspaper since 2011, will take over Stepleton’s role as editor. Bailey has served primarily as a sports reporter for the Commonwealth, while also covering general news assignments.

Stepleton’s new role will take him to the Fond du Lac Public Library, where he will serve as public relations coordinator.

Stepleton also is an adjunct instructor of journalism at Ripon College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1998. In addition to his teaching role, he is the adviser to Ripon College’s student newspaper, College Days.

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Wisconsin Newspaper Association