New Owner, Editor Take Over at The Times

WAITSBURG-Times owner and publisher Ken Graham has sold the newspaper to Waitsburg resident Lane Gwinn. The sale was effective Jan. 1.

Gwinn is also owner of the 10 Ton Press art studio on Waitsburg's Main Street, as well as the building that houses the studio and 10 Ton Coffee.

"I know Lane is committed to maintaining strong news coverage in Waitsburg and throughout the Touchet Valley," Graham said. "I'm confident The Times will be in good hands for years to come."

Gwinn becomes the ninth publisher of The Times since its founding in 1878, and the first woman as sole owner and publisher.

In her first major move as publisher, Gwinn has hired former Times reporter and editor Dena Martin as managing editor. Martin began in that position Jan. 1. After nearly five years at The Times, she left in early 2018 to work for the Columbia County Planning and Building office.

"I'm very thankful that Dena accepted this position," said Gwinn. "I'm really looking forward to working with her."

This edition of The Times, which went to press Dec. 31, is the final one for Graham's tenure. Gwinn and Martin will publish their first edition on Jan. 10.

Graham purchased The Times in January 2014 from Imbert Matthee. Graham had worked as the newspaper's editor for a year prior to his purchase.From 2007 to 2012, Graham was owner and publisher of a monthly newspaper covering the Touchet Valley, called Blue Mountain News.

Gwinn said she didn't plan any immediate changes to the paper. "I'll be working with the staff to continue the legacy of The Times," she said.