MADISON – The Wisconsin Newspaper Association during its annual meeting Thursday voted to approve the 2021-22 slate of officers and two changes to its bylaws.
The slate of officers remains the same as those elected during last year’s annual meeting:
- President: Gregg Walker – The Lakeland Times, Minocqua
- 1st Vice President: Pat Reilly – The Dodgeville Chronicle
- 2nd Vice President: George Stanley – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Secretary: Kris O’Leary – The Record Review, Edgar
- Treasurer: Jeff Patterson – APG Media of Wisconsin
- Past President: Paul Seeling – Woodville Leader
The directors elected were:
- Andy Fisher – USA Today Network-Wisconsin (Daily)
- John Ingebritsen – Morris Newspapers, Lancaster (Weekly)
- Rob Ireland – Lake Geneva Regional News (Weekly)
- Greg Mellis – Shawano Leader (Weekly)
- Randy Rickman – Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire (Daily)
- Chris White – Wisconsin State Journal, Madison (Daily)
- Dave Wood – New London Press Star (Weekly)
- Joe Yovino – The Daily Reporter, Milwaukee (Daily)
Bylaw changes
The approved changes to the bylaws reduced the size of the WNA executive committee by two members. The position of 3rd Vice President was eliminated and the positions of Secretary and Treasurer were combined into one officer role. The changes will take effect with the approval of the 2022-23 slate of officers.
Legislative update
The annual meeting also featured a legislative update from Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) and political strategist Mark Graul. The two discussed the approval of Senate Bill 55 and its companion measure, Assembly Bill 60, which would allow local governments the option to stop publishing public notices in local newspapers.
Discussion of the bills focused on the importance of reaching out to local representatives to ensure they are aware of AB60 and its potential impact. WNA members also discussed the importance of promoting the availability of notices in newspapers and WisconsinPublicNotice.org, which provides the public with a comprehensive, searchable archive of all the state’s public notices at no cost.
WNA board meeting
Immediately following the annual meeting, the WNA Board of Directors held its regularly scheduled meeting for the first quarter of 2021.
During the meeting, WNA Executive Director Beth Bennett offered an update on access issues in Gov. Tony Evers’ proposed budget. James Friedman, legal counsel for the WNA, also shared an update on Marsy’s Law and the HD Media antitrust lawsuit against Google and Facebook.
The WNA also discussed hosting an executive summit this summer, if COVID-19 conditions allow. The summit, which would be held on the Trees for Tomorrow campus in Eagle River, received positive support.
Civics Games contests
WNA Foundation Board member Eve Galanter presented the Foundation’s plans for a Wisconsin Civics Games-sponsored essay and editorial cartoon contest to be held this spring.
The contest, which has been developed in light of the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Civics Games, will be open to middle and high school students. Additional details will be announced in March.
Virtual convention and awards program
WNA Membership & Communications Director Julia Hunter shared an update on this year’s virtual convention and Better Newspaper Contest awards program, both of which have received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Hosted via Zoom by the WNA, Iowa Newspaper Association and Minnesota Newspaper Association, the Tri-State Newspaper Convention on Feb. 4-5 drew more than 500 registrants. All sessions remain available in the video archive through March 14.
The virtual BNC awards program premiered at 5 p.m. on Feb. 19, via YouTube. Those who missed the livestream can watch the recording on the WNA’s YouTube page.
Additional promotion of this year’s BNC award winners is planned for the coming weeks on social media.
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