|
|
| |
| Mon, Sep. 8, 2008 |  |
 |
|
||
| |
Michael Hengel Former PB Commercial editor named publisher Thursday, Jan 31, 2008 Arkansas News Bureau PINE BLUFF - Michael Hengel, former editor of the Pine Bluff Commercial, was named Wednesday as the newspaper's publisher, Stephens Media announced. Hengel, 53, has resigned as publisher of the Shawnee (Okla.) News-Star to assume his new role. He replaces Charles Berry, who is retiring. "We're glad to have Mike and his family back at the Pine Bluff Commercial," said Sherman Frederick, president and chief executive officer of Stephens Media LLC. "He's an asset not only for us at Stephens Media, but also to the community and people of Pine Bluff and Arkansas." Hengel said he was excited to be moving his family back to the Pine Bluff area. "I have been presented with an opportunity that few get - a chance to publish a newspaper that I have a very strong attachment to," said Hengel, who served as editor of The Commercial from 1987 to 1991. Hengel also will be publisher of the weekly White Hall Progress. A veteran Arkansas newsman, Hengel has worked at newspapers in Conway and Fort Smith in addition to Pine Bluff. He also served as publisher in Holland, Mich., from 2001-2006. He was publisher of the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway from 1994-2001. He also has edited newspapers in Ontario, Calif., and Vallejo, Calif. "The best newspapers serve the community by providing lots of news and opinion on local issues," Hengel said. "As publisher of the Commercial, I'll work to publish as much local news as possible and to encourage readers to submit lots of local news and information." In Shawnee, Hengel served on the board of directors of the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation, the Shawnee YMCA, Youth and Family Resources, and the Shawnee Kiwanis Club. A native of Danville, Ill., Hengel was reared in St. Louis. He graduated from the University of Missouri. Hengel and his wife, Brenda, have three grown children and one at home, Van, 16, who was born in Pine Bluff. Berry, a 40-year newspaper veteran and past president of the Arkansas Press Association, has been publisher at newspapers owned by Stephens Media, formerly Donrey Media Group, since 1987. He was publisher at the Daily Siftings-Herald in Arkadelphia, Ark., before becoming publisher at Pine Bluff in 1990. "Charles Berry has been a great asset to our company and we appreciate the dedication he has shown to our newspapers," Frederick said. "We wish Charles and Joyce the best in retirement." Berry said he has not made any definite plans, but is looking at several options. Berry's official retirement is March 31, but Hengel is expected to take over the reins at the newspaper in mid-February. |
