From Staff Reports
Butler County Publishing Publisher, Chris Pruett, has named Josh Ayers the new editor of the Dexter Statesman. The position had not been officially filled since the retirement of Noreen Hyslop earlier this year.
Ayers, a lifelong resident of Dexter, is a 1995 graduate of Dexter High School and a 1998 graduate of Three Rivers College. He has been with The Dexter Statesman for 18 years.
"Josh stepped up during a transition period following Noreen's retirement and has done a good job," Pruett said. "The Statesman needed someone to fill the void and Josh has done more than that. He's made sure the newspaper was produced every week in a timely manner. I'm looking forward to watching Josh grow as an editor and continuing a strong tradition of The Stateman providing a lot of local stories."
Ayers said he's looking forward to his new role.
"I am excited and honored to be given this opportunity," said Ayers.
"The paper was still being put together through the cut and paste method when I started," said Ayers. "They were just starting the transition to pagination."
Since that time he has worked in multiple departments, including circulation and the newsroom where he started writing and doing photography.
"This paper has seen many exceptional editors over the years and I look forward to the challenge of maintaining the high standards they have set," Ayers stated.
Ayers is eager to continue working with Dexter and the surrounding area.
"My office door will always be open to members of the public," he says. "Please don't hesitate to come by or call and let me know what kind of news you would like to see in the paper."