Wishek native and family purchase two North Dakota newspapers

FARGO (KVRR/KFGO) – The south-central North Dakota newspapers that had been owned and operated by Tony Bender for nearly 30 years have been sold.

KFGO News reporter Ryan Janke and his wife, Tabitha, have purchased the Ashley Tribune and Wishek Star from Bender’s family, who took over after his death last fall.

Bender’s daughter, India, says Ryan Janke has been involved in discussions surrounding the newspapers since she took over publishing duties in March.

“He’s been thoroughly invested in the future of these newspapers,” Bender says. “So, I’m so tickled to see that somebody who worked so closely with my dad… is taking over.”

Janke plans to continue his work at KFGO. Janke assisted Bender in collecting news and writing for the two papers from late 2018 until Bender’s death.