Approaching the anniversary date of its acquisition of The West Liberty Index, Regional Publisher Joshua Byers announced a series of moves this week meant to strengthen the news and sports reporting in the local community.
“It’s important that our readers get consistent coverage of local issues that affect residents,” Byers said, “and of course, we can never get enough coverage of our local athletes.”
Veteran journalist Garrett Ammesmaki has been named the West Liberty Group Editor, and Ross Shinberg will now be leading the sports coverage for the newspaper as regional sports editor.
Byers said both Ammesmaki and Shinberg have a passion for community journalism, and that attribute is evident in the stories they write.
Ammesmaki, a Wisconsin native, has served as editor of the Wilton-Durant Advocate News since November. He studied journalism and sociology at South Dakota State University, and served internships at various weekly and daily newspapers across the country.
Prior to taking the job at The Advocate News, he served as editor of the Lenox Independent and Tea Weekly on the outskirts of Sioux Falls, S.D. Ammesmaki is looking forward to this new challenge.
“I am very excited to get to know the community of West Liberty,” he said.
Shinberg has served as sports editor of The North Scott Press in Eldridge since December, and now will take on the additional duties of coordinating sports coverage for both The Advocate News and The Index.
He received his bachelor’s degree from George Mason University, and his master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, one of the top journalism programs in the nation.
“I am extremely excited to take on this new role and help shine a light on the accomplishments of West Liberty athletes,” said Shinberg, a native of Virginia. “I look forward to working with all of the coaches and players, learning all I can about their programs, and bringing in-depth coverage to all our loyal readers.”
The Index office will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and residents are encouraged to call the office (319-627-2814) anytime with story ideas, advertising needs, comments and concerns.
