As of June 18, the ownership of The News has been transferred to Slechta Communications, Inc (Ron and Helen Slechta) from Jim and Bridget Johnson, dba Johnson Iowa Media.

Slechta Communications previously owned The Kalona News, Lone Tree Reporter and the Highland Review and sold those publications to the Johnsons in October 2016.

“We will strive to produce a good newspaper serving the communities of Kalona, Wellman, Riverside and Lone Tree,” said Ron and Helen Slechta, co-publishers. “We would appreciate the continued good community support you gave us in the past.

“The support of our subscribers and business community is critical to the survival of this newspaper and the communities we serve.”

Current staff has been retained: James Jennings, news editor; Colette Yoder, office manager; Anna Kahn, graphic designer; and Kalen McCain, intern. Nancy Swartzendruber has joined The News as a proofreader. We will be adding a sports editor as soon as possible.

Ron will be the primary ad sales representative and publisher. He will also assist in news coverage as in the past. Beryl Marner will also provide assistance. Helen will also help in a management role as co-publisher.

Jim Johnson said he appreciates the support the newspaper has received from the community.

“Unfortunately, the current economic situation has been tough on community newspapers,” Johnson said. “In many communities, newspapers have closed. We appreciate Ron and Helen Slechta agreeing to take back The News and to continue publishing the newspaper and keeping our employees working.”

Johnson and his wife, Bridget, will be looking for employment in the area.