Times-Reporter publisher resigns

Publisher Michael B. Starn, who has led the Times- Reporter in New Philadelphia, OH, since 2002, announced this week he is resigning his position, effective Nov. 2.

Starn, 45, said he plans to pursue a position that is located closer to his adult children, who have moved to the western United States.

“My decision to leave The Times-Reporter is a difficult one,” Starn said. “I leave behind a group of hard-working professionals, who have come to mean a great deal to me. But, I leave to spend more time with my family and hopefully move closer to our children who have settled in the West. There, we have one married daughter and another who attends school and plans to stay.

“I’m grateful for the privilege to have worked with such a high caliber of people in the community.

“I know newspapers and The T-R is one of the best. I’m very proud of our accomplishments.”

Kevin Kampman, publisher of The Repository, The T-R’s sister newspaper in Canton, and president of GateHouse Ohio Newspapers, said Starn will be missed.

“He is an outstanding community newspaper publisher and we wish him well in the future,” Kampman said.

Starn, who succeeded Jack Shores, served as publisher of the Massillon Independent from 1999-2002 after being promoted from circulation director of the Delaware County Times in Primos, Pa. He has served in various circulation department capacities at newspapers in Newark, Middletown, Salem and Columbus, O., as well as one in West Chester, Pa.

Starn is a member of a number of community organizations, including the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce and the Community Improvement Corp.

Starn and his wife, Sheri, are residents of New Philadelphia.

[Source: Times-Reporter, New Philadelphia, OH, Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007