Veteran journalist Jacob Lane has returned to his roots and been named editor of the West Liberty Index, a position he held previously from 2013 to 2019.
Regional Publisher Josh Byers said Lane replaces Garrett Ammesmaki, who was recently promoted within the company to be the new editor of the Cody Enterprise in Cody, Wy.
“Honestly, when Jacob inquired about moving back to West Liberty and we knew he was serious, I gave Garrett a green light to explore the opportunity in Cody,” Byers said, adding it was imperative the company continue to grow its editorial talent.
“I returned to West Liberty because I love this community. These people have become my family,” Lane said. “We lived in Denver, Colorado for a year. However, when I returned to Iowa, I immediately felt like I was home. There is something beautiful about the midwest and I'm thrilled to raise my children here.”
Byers said reading Lane’s prior work when he was at the Index convinced him he was the right person for the job.
“Jacob is a very good storyteller,” Byers said. “I read stories he wrote more than ten years ago, and they were still interesting and impactful.”
Lane said his favorite part of being a journalist is telling people’s stories.
“If you ever have ideas for stories or photos, please let me know!” Lane stressed. “The strength of a community newspaper is the very people it represents. I look forward to meeting everyone in the years to come and developing wonderful relationships. We're all in this together.”
Byers said after months of planning improvements to the newspaper’s content, he had a great conversation with Lane about returning to West Liberty to tell the communities’ stories.
“I’ve always said that things happen for a reason,” Byers said. “Now whether you want to believe that’s divine intervention from a higher power or simply dumb luck, I’ll take it. We’re thrilled to have Jacob return to the Index.”
Lane is married to Faith, and they have two children, 4-year-old Enoch and 5-month old Evangeline.
When not working, Lane enjoys watching the Chicago Cubs, reading comic books, rollerblading when the weather permits and playing with his children.
Lane has a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Iowa. Besides his work as editor of the Index from 2013 to 2019, Lane worked for the City of West Liberty as communications director and for the West Liberty Public Library.