Ludt hired as Eclipse editor

PARKERSBURG – Edward Ludt has been hired as the news editor for the Eclipse News-Review, with June 1 serving as his first day in the Parkersburg office.

“I’ve always loved writing,” Ludt said, “and I’m a strong believer in the role of an honest, unbiased press. I saw an opportunity to sort of cater to both, to write every day and participate in what I think is a pretty important part of American society.”

Ludt, 49, was on the editorial team for Dordt University’s student newspaper, the Diamond, while he studied theology on the Sioux Center campus.

Since then, Ed has been involved with religion in one way or another for the last 25 years, writing compositional research on a daily basis.

“I really enjoy the power of words to communicate truth, events and help people to perceive ‘what is’ and whether or not ‘what is’ is meaningful to them,” Ludt said. “A community newspaper was a very attractive element for me, because I think for most folks, that’s where the real events are that are happening outside your front door, where the events are that have to do with your life and not things that you can’t do anything about.”

Ludt has lived in a variety of places over the years, from Texas to Mississippi to Ontario, Canada, and most recently to Ackley.

“Ed comes to us with a wealth of over 10 years in written and verbal communication skills,” said Toni Venteicher, President of Mid-America Publishing & Printing. “He will be a great asset to the Eclipse and Mid-America Publishing & Printing family, and I am so excited to welcome Ed on board.”

Ludt succeeds Seth McDuffee in the editor role - McDuffee stepped down as editor last December.

Ludt’s first assignment was to cover Beaver Creek Days in New Hartford, and many of his photos can be found in this week’s Eclipse.

“I think journalism is a key tool, and I feel very privileged to be a part of that,” Ludt said, “and to get to know the people, the community. … I hope to plant roots here and just hope to be part of the community long term.”