Press Release

LAPLACE — Kevin Chiri has been named the new Editor and Publisher of L’Observateur, beginning his duties this week at the paper.

Chiri has 31 years experience in the newspaper business, and spent the past 29 years at the Slidell Sentry-News, where he served as Managing Editor for the past 13 years.

L’Observateur, owned by Wick Communications, Inc., is also the owner of the Slidell Sentry-News, as well as two other publications in the southeast Louisiana area.

While at the Slidell Sentry-News, Chiri guided that newspaper to the Louisiana Press Association’s “Sweepstakes Award” as the best paper in its division for 13 consecutive years.

“I’m really excited to be starting this new position in LaPlace,” Chiri said. “From the first time I visited the area with my family, we really loved it. LaPlace has a small-town atmosphere, yet all the conveniences of a bigger city.” “If there is anything I think is important for a local paper, it is to have local news. That is exactly what we plan to do more of here. We want local folks to know that if it is happening in the River Parish region, I want to report it in your community paper.”

Kevin encourages anyone with any news or comments for the paper to call him at the L’Observateur office at 652-9545.