AUGUSTA, Ga. .- Starla M. Nickel has been named general manager for Mid Nebraska Connections, Grand Island, and Trade & Transactions, York, the two free community papers owned by Morris in Nebraska. The appointment is effective immediately.

Nickel has seven years of sales and management experience in the newspaper industry. Most recently she was general manager of the Torrington Telegram, Lusk Herald, Lingle Guide and the Business Farmer, four newspapers in the Eastern division of the Wyoming Newspaper Group, owned by News Media of Rochelle, Ill. Prior to that, Nickel worked in outside sales for Triangle Publications, a group of three free community papers owned by Morris Communications and closed by the company in November 2000.

"Starla brings us a strong background in shoppers, newspapers and specialty publications," said Michael C. Traynor, vice president of newspapers. "She has the vision and the energy to consolidate marketing strategies and bring the management of these two Nebraska markets under one umbrella."

Nickel will be located in Grand Island, reporting to the publisher of The Grand Island Independent, Donald S. Smith.

Morris Publishing Group was formed in 2001 and assumed the operations of the newspaper business segment of its parent, Morris Communications Co. Morris Publishing Group publishes 26 daily, 11 nondaily and 23 free community newspapers in the United States.