Iowa newspapers purchased by Jim and Bridget Johnson

Slechta Communications, a group of three community newspapers in Iowa, has been purchased by Anamosa Publications.  Slechta Communications publishes The Kalona News, The Lone Tree Reporter and The Highland Review. Ron and Helen Slectha have owned the company since June  1, 1992. They plan to retire.

"We have enjoyed publishing strong newspapers to serve our communities for the past 24 years," said Ron Slechta, a 54-year veteran of the newspaper industry. Slechta has worked at the Denison Bulletin & Review and Boone News-Republican as well as serving co-publisher of the Tama News-Herald for 17 years before purchasing The Kalona News from Bob and Dora Kallaus on June 1, 1992.

Jim and Bridget Johnson own Anamosa Publications. They also own the Wellman Advance and the Riverside Current, which they also acquired on Sept. 28.

"For 25 years, Ron and Helen Slechta have been producing a quality newspaper for the communities their newspapers served," Jim Johnson said. "We look forward to continuing their tradition of excellence."

Julie Bergman of W.B. Grimes and Company represented Ron and Helen Slectha and Slechta Communications in the sale.