News & Announcements | Page 117 of 335 | Wisconsin Newspaper Association

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The Gazette’s Joel Patenaude to oversee Milton Courier newsroom

Aug. 20, 2021

Joel Patenaude, managing editor of The Gazette in Janesville, now also holds the same position at the Milton Courier.

Both newspapers are part of Adams Publishing Group's southern Wisconsin group. Patenaude joined APG in June when he took on the Janesville role following nearly four years as editor of Madison Magazine. In the Milton role, he succeeds Rebecca Kanable, who had been with the paper since November 2014, first as news editor and later managing editor.

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New poll question: Do you support mask requirements in schools?

Aug. 19, 2021

A new Polco question about whether readers support mask requirements in schools is now available for WNA members. As students and teachers across the state return for the fall semester, we are asking the question in light of recommendations that masks be required in schools this fall.

Poll questions are available through a WNA partnership with Polco aimed at helping newspapers better engage readers and access enhanced data and insights. WNA members who have signed up for an account with Polco can access their local version of the new question, as well as local poll results, on their dashboards. Those who have not signed up can do so here.

Private school enrollment in Wisconsin fell during pandemic

Aug. 18, 2021

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a historic drop in Wisconsin public school enrollment in the 2020-21 school year was accompanied by a smaller but still notable decline in private school enrollment, with both concentrated at the lowest grade levels. Meanwhile, homeschool and virtual charter school enrollment rose substantially.

DNR board member’s refusal to leave sparks controversy over wolf hunt

Aug. 18, 2021

The controversy surrounding the disputed member of the Natural Resources Board has led to a lawsuit from Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul. Kaul’s lawsuit seeks to force Prehn from the board that controls policy of the Department of Natural Resources.

Hardie tells a hail of a story

Aug. 17, 2021

Severe weather goes part and parcel with summer — and this year is no exception. Recently, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms swept through the state of Wisconsin, capping several days of unsettled weather.

How a small pay bump can cut benefits for Wisconsin workers

Aug. 16, 2021

A raise as small as 25 cents per hour can threaten loss of needed benefits for some low-income families, making it hard to get ahead.

Wisconsin cities look to basic income to close racial, other wealth gaps

Aug. 15, 2021

Following the lead of presidential candidate Andrew Yang, cities in Wisconsin and elsewhere are providing residents a basic income. Will the trend grow?

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Delta variant poll results suggest concern among readers

Aug. 13, 2021

Polco users and readers visiting WNA member websites from July 28 to Aug. 10 were asked how concerned they were about the Delta variant of COVID-19. We asked this question in light of a surge in new COVID-19 cases fueled by the variant that prompted new CDC mask-wearing guidance.

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WNA seeking 2021 Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame nominations

Aug. 13, 2021

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association is accepting nominations for the 2021 Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame class through Monday, Sept. 13. Inductees will be announced by Sept. 30, and recognized on Thursday, Nov. 18, at The Madison Club.

Nominations are open to anyone — living or deceased — who has contributed above and beyond the call of duty to the Wisconsin newspaper industry. This includes publishers, editors, reporters, photographers or any other newspaper personnel who’ve made significant contributions to the industry. It is expected that the individual should have dedicated at least 15 years to newspapering. However, length of service is not a major determinant.

O’Rourke Media Group, Modulist announce partnership

Aug. 13, 2021

O'Rourke Media Group, which publishes several Wisconsin newspapers, has partnered with media services company Modulist, the companies announced Tuesday. Through the partnership, Modulist will handle the processing of obituaries, business announcements and personal milestones, as well as create an online portal through which readers, funeral homes and other businesses can quickly and easily submit listings.

O'Rourke Media Group, which launched in October 2018, publishes the (Hudson) Star-Observer, Ripon Commonwealth Press, and (Kiel) Tri-County News. It also recently acquired Unified Newspaper Group, which includes four suburban Madison weekly newspapers: the Fitchburg Star, The Oregon Observer, The Stoughton Courier Hub and The Verona Press.