Stephanie Jones

Stephanie Jones named Lake Geneva Regional News managing editor

Nov. 12, 2020

Stephanie Jones has been named managing editor of the Lake Geneva Regional News, the Wisconn Valley Media Group announced Wednesday.

Jones has served as managing editor of The Journal Times since February 2016. Scott Williams, previous editor of the Regional News, is moving to a reporting role at The Journal Times. Tom Farley, who had served as news editor since July 2000, will succeed Jones as interim managing editor of The Journal Times.

polco, coronavirus, voter registration, presidential debates, covid-19

Poll: What are your pandemic holiday plans?

Nov. 12, 2020

A new poll question about readers’ holiday plans amid the coronavirus pandemic is now available to be used by WNA members.

Poll questions are available through a WNA partnership with Polco aimed at helping newspapers better engage readers and access enhanced data and insights.

Wisconsin Policy Forum logo

In 2021 city budget, Madison finds stability amid pandemic’s tumult

Nov. 12, 2020

Despite the turmoil of a global pandemic, the city of Madison’s proposed budget maintains core services in 2021 with the smallest property tax increase in nearly two decades — a feat accomplished in part through one-time measures that could narrow options for future budgets.

capitol report, wispolitics

Election 2020 sets records, gives mixed results

Nov. 10, 2020

The dust hasn’t quite settled on Election Day 2020. But it can be said that this unique election likely will be remembered as a record high-turnout affair (at least by one measure) with record absentee ballots and record spending that resulted in Wisconsin reverting to its blue tilt during presidential years.

Donald Schroeder

Donald Schroeder, former News Graphic sports editor, dies at 86

Nov. 9, 2020

Donald E. Schroeder, who in the 1970s served as sports editor of the (Cedarburg) News Graphic, died Saturday, Oct. 31, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Va. He was 86.

During his time with the News-Graphic, Schroeder also worked as a teacher and coach, roles he held for 22 years.

Bill Barth

Bill Barth to leave role as Beloit Daily News editor

Nov. 9, 2020

After more than 40 years with the newspaper, Bill Barth is leaving his role as editor of the Beloit Daily News next week. The Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Famer has been with the Daily News since 1976 and served as editor since 1994.

Sid Schwartz, longtime editor of The Gazette in Janesville, will now oversee newsrooms in both Janesville and Beloit in his role as regional editor for APG Media of Southern Wisconsin.

ryan urban, bob zientara, barron news-shield

Ryan Urban named Barron News-Shield editor

Nov. 9, 2020

Ryan Urban has been named editor of the Barron News-Shield, the newspaper announced Wednesday. He fills the position being vacated by Bob Zientara, who is transitioning to semi-retirement.

Urban joins the News-Shield after spending the last six years with The Chronotype in Rice Lake.

gavel, judge, court, open meetings, walking quorum, public records

Marsy’s Law remains in place for now following judge’s ruling that ballot question was improper

Nov. 9, 2020

A judge has determined the statewide ballot question on “Marsy’s Law” was improperly worded. However, the law will, for now, remain in effect.

Since Marsy’s Law has taken effect, at least one public records custodian has indicated that he believes Marsy’s Law restricts access to certain information about crime victims contained in public records. However, as WNA attorney James Friedman outlines in a statement from the WNA
, the law includes no reference whatsoever to records and “simply has no impact on the public’s right to access government records in Wisconsin.”

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