Bob Heisse

Bob Heisse named executive editor of River Valley Media Group

Veteran journalist Bob Heisse has been named executive editor of the River Valley Media Group newspapers, the La Crosse Tribune announced Tuesday.

Heisse will oversee the Tribune newsroom, as well as The Chippewa Herald and Winona (Minn.) Daily News. He succeeds Rusty Cunningham, who last week announced his retirement after 41 years with Lee Enterprises. For the last two years, Heisse served as executive editor of the Kenosha News.

John Hillmer

John Hillmer, former board president of The Freeman, dies at 91

John Walter Hillmer, whose 41-year career at The Freeman saw him go from the press room to the board room, died Wednesday, Sept. 23. He was 91.

Hillmer in 1950 also started his career at The Freeman, taking a position as a composing room printer. He remained with the newspaper for 41 years, going on to serve as composing room foreman, business manager, and general manager of the newspaper. Hillmer also served on the board of directors and was named president of the board in 1977.

Former Milwaukee journalist Marty Hintz dies at 75

Loren Martin “Marty” Hintz, a longtime Milwaukee journalist and author who published more than 125 books, died Sunday, Sept. 20, at his Shorewood home. He was 75.

In 1967, Hintz moved to Milwaukee to work for the Milwaukee Sentinel as an editor and reporter. He transitioned to freelance work in 1975 and went on to author more than 125 books on a variety of topics. Hintz — a mainstay in Milwaukee’s Irish-American community — also launched The Irish American Post in 1991 and served as publisher of the newspaper.

Chris White

State Journal publisher Chris White appointed to WNA Board, 3 others to join WNAF Board

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Board on Thursday welcomed two new directors and approved three new additions to the WNA Foundation Board.

Chris White, publisher of the Wisconsin State Journal, was appointed to fill the daily newspaper seat opened by the departure of former State Journal editor John Smalley.

Smalley Herman Baumann and Dave Bennett were also appointed to the WNA Foundation Board.

Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame event canceled

In the interest of public health and due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame dinner has been canceled for 2020.

The WNA Board on Thursday elected to postpone the event in order to not deprive inductees the opportunity to celebrate their remarkable careers in-person with family, friends and colleagues.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

10 mistakes to avoid in online ad presentations

These days, advertising professionals are conducting more online ad presentations than ever before. While there are some similarities with in-person meetings, there are some significant differences.

Veteran sales trainer John Foust takes a quick look at 10 of the biggest mistakes in online ad presentations.

Wisconsin Newspaper Association