Pierson named Newton News editor

After three years as news editor for the Jasper County weeklies, Jamee A. Pierson has been named editor of the Newton News. The announcement was made following the departure of former editor Pam Pratt.

“I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work the Newton News is not only known for but prides itself in,” Pierson said. “The future is nothing but exciting for all of the newspapers and those who read them.”

Pierson is a 2003 graduate of PCM High School. She majored in journalism and minored in political science at the University of Iowa, receiving her diploma in 2007.

After first joining the Newton Daily News seven years ago as the city beat reporter, Pierson later took the reigns of the two Jasper County weekly publications, PCM Explorer and Jasper County Tribune, in 2018.

Pierson lives in Monroe with her husband, two daughters, golden retriever and two cats.

Also announced this week, Christopher Braunschweig has moved into the role of associate editor for the Newton News. Braunschweig came to the paper three years ago, taking over for Pierson on the city beat and adding to his repertoire along the way.

“Community journalism means so much to me, and I treasure the experience I’ve gained covering all things Newton these past years,” Braunschweig said. “I’m confident this new role will help elevate the newspaper to new heights.”

Braunschweig spent the first years of his life in Newton before moving to Altoona, where he graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 2010. He majored in mass communications and minored in writing at Briar Cliff University, receiving his diploma in 2014.

Ever since he joined the Newton News, Braunschweig has enjoyed reacquainting himself with Newton and revisiting his Jasper County roots. He lives in Mitchellville with his soon-to-be wife, an old Llewellin setter and a sassy chinchilla.