Kansan publisher promoted; ad director named

Newton Kansan Publisher Ken Knepper has been named publisher of The McPherson Sentinel newspaper, effective March 8.

The promotion means Knepper will be publisher at both newspapers.

Sentinel Publisher Gary Mehl is retiring in March.

Both papers are owned by GateHouse Media based in New York.

Also, McPherson Sentinel advertising manager Joni Regnier has accepted the advertising manager responsibilities for the Kansan.

She will continue to serve as advertising manager for the Sentinel and will split her time between the two publication.

GateHouse regional manager Steve Wade said he is excited to announce Knepper as the Sentinel’s new publisher and believes Knepper’s experience in the newspaper industry will prove beneficial in his new role.

Gloria Fletcher, vice president for GateHouse’s Southern Midwest Division, said the Sentinel and Newton Kansan have a long-standing working relationship that should make the transition a smooth one.

The Sentinel office prints the Kansan.

“I am excited about Ken’s familiarity with McPherson,” Wade said. “I believe he is a great fit for the newspaper and the community. He has nearly 25 years of experience producing quality products. We are excited that Ken has accepted this position.”

Knepper has 24 years of newspaper publication experience. He attended Fort Hays State University and began his career at The Clay Center Dispatch.

He has been publisher of the Newton newspaper for three years. He and his wife, Lori, have three children.

“I am looking forward to getting involved in the McPherson community,” Knepper said. “I enjoy working with people, and I plan to become involved in the community. I believe that is an important role as publisher.”

Regnier has 28 years of experience in the advertising industry and has worked at The Sentinel for three years.

“I am excited to work with the staff in Newton and anxious to get to know the Newton community,” Regnier said.

Wade, who also is publisher of the Pittsburg newspaper, has taken over Mehl’s regional managerial duties.

In his new position, Wade is responsible for 13 Kansas publications including the Newton, Augusta, El Dorado, Leavenworth, Dodge City and Pittsburg newspapers.

He has 20 years of experience in the newspaper industry and has worked as the publisher of the Pittsburg Morning Sun newspaper for seven years.