John Blais, who previously served as general manager for Capital Newspapers, has been named the CEO and publisher of the Colorado-based multimedia company Ballantine Communications.

In addition to his work in Madison, he previously served as executive director for the St. Jude League/Claretian Publications. During that time, one of its publications U.S. Catholic Magazine, was named Magazine of the Year by the Catholic Media Association in 2022 and 2023.

Clarice Case, who has worked as a journalist for the (Mayville) Dodge County Pionier since 2021, has been named editor of the newspaper and two other Multi Media Channels publications, the Kewaskum Statesman and the Campbellsport News.

She succeeds Mitchell B. Keller, who stepped down in December to accept a deputy editor position with a global construction magazine. During her time at the Poinier, Case has covered sports, government, schools and local events.

Laura Hughes, who worked at The Monroe Times for more than four decades, has retired.

She began her career with Monroe Publishing in August 1982 as a secretary and classified order taker. Three years later, she joined the sales team at The Times, and in 2004, she was named advertising manager. Hughes said she is looking forward to traveling with her husband and spending time with her family. Her last day at the newspaper was Wednesday, Jan. 31.