Blade veteran joins News-Messenger as editor
FREMONT – A veteran editor and author became editor of The News-Messenger and Port Clinton News Herald Monday.
David Yonke, 60, previously worked for 30 years at The Blade in Toledo as a reporter and in various editor roles involving local news and religion. Most recently he served as an editor and community manager for a Toledo-based nonsectarian religion and faith website.
"We're excited to have David join our news team and lead our talented staff in covering our communities for our print and digital readers," said Michael Shearer, executive editor of the Media Network of Central Ohio. "He understands our readers want strong coverage of key local issues and newsmakers, especially watchdog journalism."
Yonke's journalism experience includes coverage for The Blade of the murder of a Catholic nun by a priest, which led to his first book "Sin, Shame & Secrets" published in 2006. He recently finished work on second book "Lost Toledo," which focuses on former landmarks in the city.
Yonke has won numerous awards during his career, including Investigative Reporter of the Year in 2003 from the Ohio Associated Press.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to apply my experience in print and digital journalism," Yonke said. "I am looking forward to working with the news staff and getting to know the people in Fremont, Port Clinton and surrounding areas."
Yonke can be reached at (419) 334-1040 or dyonke@fremont.gannett.com.
The News-Messenger also recently hired:
•Molly Corfman as a photographer/videographer. She previously worked at the Sentinel-Tribune in Bowling Green and as an intern with The Blade and two other large newspapers. She can be reached at (419) 334-1052, mcorfman@fremont.gannett.com and @mollycorfman on Twitter.
•Becky Brooks, of Clyde, to work as a community content specialist handling local content and supporting staff journalists. She previously worked at newspapers in Clyde and Bellevue. She can be reached at (419) 334-1059 or RRBrooks@fremont.gannett.com.
Yonke replaces Jill Nevels-Haun, who is leaving the company after nearly eight years as editor in Fremont.
"We thank Jill for her dedication to our communities and readers," Shearer said.