Brian O’Connor new managing editor at Watertown Daily Times

Brian O’Connor has been named managing editor of the Watertown Daily Times and Daily Jefferson County Union, Adams Publishing Group of Wisconsin has announced. He started work with the newspapers on Nov. 29.

A 2001 Watertown High School graduate and former Daily Times intern, O'Connor most recently served as the lead content editor for No-Till Farmer and other agriculture publications at Lessiter Media in Brookfield. He succeeds former APG Wisconsin group editor Scott Peterson, who retired in September

Chelsey Dequaine-Jerabek joins Voice Media Group

Voice Media Group has hired Chelsey Dequaine-Jerabek to the newly created position of editorial director.

Dequaine-Jerabek is currently the director of marketing and social media for The Capital Times and Madison Media Partners where she has specialized in creating digital strategies and partnerships to increase readership and raise brand awareness. 

Tom Bell

Former Ladysmith publisher Tom Bell dies at 80

Thomas "Tom" D. Bell, former fifth-generation publisher of the Ladysmith News, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Our House Memory Care in Chippewa Falls. He was 80.

Tom served as publisher of the Ladysmith News until his retirement in 2004. He was succeeded by his brother, Jim Bell, who is the newspaper's current publisher.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

Oboes and leadership

Oboes set the pace for the entire orchestra. It’s easy to see a direct comparison to a leader’s role in the business world, writes veteran sales trainer John Foust.

A few points to keep in mind, he writes: Leaders lead by example, don't micromanage and periodically review goals.

Rick Kyte compiles second collection of inspirational columns

After writing dozens of thoughtful, inspirational columns for the La Crosse Tribune, Rick Kyte has compiled his second collection into a new book: “Intervals of Hesitation: Essays on the Ethical Life 2013-2017.”

"Rick takes the time to write columns that focus on character and culture, nature and leadership," former Tribune publisher Rusty Cunningham wrote in a book review last month. "He is a master at combining personal tales and scholarly research while pushing readers to go beyond knee-jerk reaction to find common ground and common decency."

Rate information forms due Dec. 14

It’s time to update advertising rates on file for the coming year!

Members should have received an email from Customized Newspaper Advertising, the sales affiliate of the WNA, with a link to access their Rate Information Form. If you have not yet submitted your updates, please do so by Dec. 14 for CNA placement purposes. If new rates are not received, CNA will use rates on file from 2022. Didn't receive the email? Contact the CNA Media Department at 515-244-2145, ext. 152, or media@CNAads.com.

Dick Emerson

Dick Emerson, longtime newspaper publisher, dies at 82

Richard "Dick" Emerson, a longtime Wisconsin newspaper publisher, died on Friday, Dec. 2, at his home in DeForest. He was 82.

Dick and his wife, Mollyann, moved to DeForest in 1965 and, in 1968, purchased the Times-Tribune from his parents. In 1986, they bought the Poynette Press and added it to the DeForest Times Publishing Co., which also included the Prairie Valley Shopper. After a 30-year career in publishing, they sold the newspapers to Art Drake in 1998. Dick continued to sell advertising and write his column "D NEWS."

Wisconsin Policy Forum logo

The astounding state surplus

The upcoming state budget cycle starting in July is on track to continue a recent trend of ever-larger state budget surpluses, creating an unprecedented opportunity to boost government services with additional spending, reduce taxes, or both.

Wisconsin Newspaper Association