Member News

steve slack, edgerton reporter

Steve Slack leaves sports writing role at Edgerton Reporter

Steve Slack will no longer cover sports for the Edgerton Reporter, as he plans to pursue his law degree. Slack, who began writing for the newspaper in November 2018, will attend UW-Madison Law School in the fall. His last day was Tuesday.

Jeff Brown and Jack McLaughlin will cover sports for the Reporter following Slack’s departure. They have written for the newspaper since December 2018 and July 2015, respectively.

Wisconsin Media Group to acquire Unified Newspaper Group

Wisconsin Media Group, an affiliate company of O’Rourke Media Group, announced on Thursday plans to acquire Unified Newspaper Group. The transaction will close on June 30, 2021.

Unified Newspaper Group is composed of four weekly newspapers and digital websites that serve the communities of Oregon, Verona, Fitchburg, and Stoughton.

darcy zander-feinauer

Brillion News co-owner Darcy Zander-Feinauer retires

Darcy Zander-Feinauer, who co-owns The Brillion News with her sisters, has retired from her full-time position after more than 34 years at the family company.

Zander-Feinauer, who served in a variety of roles during her tenure, was most recently the newspaper's layout editor. She will be succeeded by her daughter, Bailey Lindgren — the company’s first full-time fifth-generation employee, following in the footsteps of her mother, who was the first full-time fourth-generation employee. The Brillion News has been in the Zander family since 1899, when it was purchased by Otto Zander. 

joel patenaude, janesville gazette, milton courier

Joel Patenaude named managing editor of The Gazette

Joel Patenaude has been named managing editor of The (Janesville) Gazette, replacing the recently departed Ann Fiore.

Patenaude has served as a Wisconsin-based correspondent since February for the online publications NetZero Insider and RTO Insider. He previously was associate editor of Madison Magazine.

Fiore departed last month following a career with The Gazette dating back to August 1995. During her tenure, Fiore served in several roles, including entertainment editor, chief copy editor and managing editor.

patrick wood book, mmc, dear reader

MMC publisher Patrick Wood releases new book of columns

Patrick Wood, Multi Media Channels CEO and publisher of its weekly newspapers and other publications, has released a new book, the company announced this week.

The book, “Dear Reader: Meditations, Musings and Moments in Time,” is a compilation of columns Wood has written for MMC newspapers over the last four years. In the book release announcement, it is described as a “beacon” intended to uplift and enlighten readers.

Bob Heisse

Editor gives $50K to endow journalism scholarship at Penn State

Bob Heisse, executive editor of River Valley Media Group in La Crosse, has donated $50,000 to endow a journalism scholarship for students at his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University. A Pennsylvania native, Heisse earned his bachelor’s degree from the school after receiving a scholarship himself as an undergraduate — something that helped inspire him to give back.

Heisse has led the River Valley Media Group newsrooms since September, when he succeeded Rusty Cunningham, who retired after more than 40 years with Lee Enterprises. Prior to his move to La Crosse, he served as executive editor of the Kenosha News.

Angie Maag

Angie Maag joins The Monroe Times reporting staff

Angie Maag, a southwestern Wisconsin native, has joined The Monroe Times as a reporter.

She earned her degree last month from UW-Madison, where she triple-majored in communication arts, psychology and journalism. While in college, Maag wrote for Bell Magazine, a student publication with a focus on equality and marginalized communities and genders. She also served as a reporter for Sconnie Sports Talk, writing about Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey, tennis and other sports.

Randy Rickman

APG names Randy Rickman regional president for southern Minnesota

Adams Publishing Group has named Randy Rickman regional president for APG Media of Southern Minnesota.

Rickman previously served as APG’s regional president for northern Wisconsin and publisher of the (Eau Claire) Leader-Telegram. He also was a member of the WNA Board of Directors. Prior to joining APG and the Leader-Telegram, Rickman served as publisher of the Kenosha News from June 2016 to November 2018.

Jeff Patterson, APG Central Division president and WNA Board member, will take over as regional president for APG's northern Wisconsin group.

jay stahl

Jay Stahl joins Wausau Daily Herald as business reporting intern

Jay Stahl has joined the reporting staff of the Wausau Daily Herald as a summer intern.

A Wausau native, Stahl introduced himself to readers in a column. He will cover local business news as the newspaper’s "Streetwise" reporter. His focus will be on openings and closings, while also writing regular features on local businesses. Stahl is a senior at UW-Milwaukee and will graduate with his journalism degree in the fall. He has written for both The UWM Post and Media Milwaukee student news publications.

Wisconsin Newspaper Association