Effective immediately, the Excelsior Springs Standard and Richmond Daily News is under new leadership with Sharon Donat stepping up as General Manager.

After 32 years at the two newspapers and 20 years as publisher, Brian Rice is retiring from the newspaper business. Rice will continue serving the Excelsior Springs community as President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Donat takes over as General Manager after serving as Advertising Consultant for 10 years in the two communities.

“It is certainly an honor to be promoted to this position,” Donat said. “I have enjoyed every minute of assisting area companies in growing their business. I love these two communities and their people and am excited about continuing to serve Excelsior Springs and Richmond in this capacity.”

Donat, with 20 years sales experience, is a Kansas State University graduate with a dual degree in Management and Marketing and a minor in Economics. “For years our hometown newspapers have been the heart and soul of our small towns.,” she said. “I’m looking forward to hearing from our readers in order to continue giving you what you want in your community newspaper.”

Having worked closely with Rice for so many years, Donat said she has learned a great deal under his leadership.

“I plan to work closely with our award-winning staff to continue producing outstanding publications,” she said.