By Dan Fields, Austin Daily Herald

Kevin True, 43, has been named publisher of the Austin Daily Herald. True replaces Neal Ronquist, who has accepted a similar position in Russellville, Ark.

True moved back to Austin in 2002, when he became advertising director at the Albert Lea Tribune.

He’s happy, now, to also be working in Austin.

“I’m proud and excited to be back in my hometown,” True said. “It’s such an honor to be the publisher of my hometown newspaper.”

True’s family includes his wife, Dianne, along with daughters Jennifer, a recent graduate of Austin High School, and Jessica, who will be an eighth-grader at Ellis Middle School.

Before working in Albert Lea, True served as general manger of the Mower County Shopper and St. Cloud Shopping News, along with working for Minnesota Sun Newspapers in Eden Prairie.

“It’s been a pleasure working with businesses in and around Albert Lea and I’m anxious to meet and renew ties with people here in Austin,” True said.

True replaces Ronquist, who will be the publisher of The Courier in Russellville, Ark. There, he will oversee operations at the 11,500-daily newspaper, along with a companion shopper and a weekly newspaper. The publications are part of Kentucky-based Paxton Media Group.

“My wife, Renae, and I will miss the people at the Herald and our many friends throughout the community,” Ronquist said. “Austin has been a great place to spend 11 years.”

True will be a good fit for the Austin community, said Dave Churchill, group president for Minnesota operations of Boone Newspapers, the company which owns the Herald.

“Kevin has solid experience in the newspaper business,” Churchill said. “He will make an immediate impact and we’re pleased to have him leading the Herald.”