New editor named for 10/13's NW Explorer, Tucson Weekly, ITB

David Rupkalvis, a University of Arizona graduate who's worked on newspapers in North Dakota and Texas, has been named the new editor of the Northwest Explorer, Tucson Weekly, Inside Tucson Business and other Tucson-area publications owned by media chain 10/13 Communications.

Most recently the editor of the Minot (N.D.) Daily News, Rupkalvis grew up in Sierra Vista, and was once a reporter for the Sierra Vista Herald.

"I am excited to return to Southern Arizona and to have the opportunity to begin work with Tucson Local Media," he said in a press release. "The six publications we print are already a vital cog in the region, and I am lucky to have talented writers and designers to work with."

Before being named editor of the Minot newspaper last September, Rupkalvis was an editor at the Williston (N.D.) Herald for about two years. Prior to that, he was the editor of the Graham (Tex.) Leader. He's also worked for newspapers in New Braunfels, Tex., and Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Rupkalvis replaces Thelma Grimes as editor of 10/13's Southern Arizona holdings. Grimes, who was the managing editor of the Explorer for three years before 10/13 expanded in Tucson, is stepping down after a year and moving to Denver, where her husband took a job earlier this year.

Last year, Sierra Vista-headquartered newspaper chain Wick Communciations sold the Weekly and ITB to 10/13, a small national chain with a a history of cutting newsroom staff.

Grimes was named the editor of all of the company's Tucson publications after 10/13's expansion here. She also took over editing ITB when former editor Mark Evans refused to work for 10/13 when the sale was announced, calling it "a news company I don't think has earned any trust" based on its ownership of other publications.

Mari Herreras was named managing editor of the Weekly after Dan Gibson turned in his pen to work for Visit Tucson last year. The company also owns the Foothills News and Desert Times in Tucson, and the East Valley Tribune in Mesa, as well as a group of small publications in Texas.

In February, Ryan Kedzierski resigned as publisher of the group 10/13 dubbed "Tucson Local Media" after its pickups from Wick, taking a job in Oregon. In March, the company named a new publisher: Paul C. Hay, a marketing exec whose career has taken him through Oregon, Alaska and Colorado.

"We are excited to welcome David to the team," Hay said in the press release. "David has a big job in front of him, but with a strong staff here at Tucson Local Media, I know we will continue to provide top-notch news and events to our readers."