The Sheboygan Sun has been acquired by the Wisconsin Media Group based in Kiel. “The
Sheboygan Sun is a perfect fit with our current markets in Wisconsin,” says Group Owner and
CEO Jim O’Rourke. “We’re looking forward to serving and supporting local businesses and
readers in Sheboygan County, and we’re thankful that Mike Walton has extended this
opportunity to our Company.”
Mike Walton Jr. started the Sheboygan Sun in 1999 with his father and business partner Mike
Walton Sr. “We’re fortunate to turn the Sheboygan Sun over to the Wisconsin Media Group,
another family-owned company with a proven track record of running successful community
publications in Wisconsin,” says Mike Walton, former owner of the Sun. “They will bring
resources, technology and a digital emphasis on local news and information. We very much
appreciate the community support we have received over the past 21 years and are confident
that Jim O’Rourke, Joe Mathes, and Tony Humski will continue and expand on the tradition.”
Wisconsin Media Group is an affiliate company of O’Rourke Media Group. Both companies
specialize in publishing local community newspapers and providing state-of-the-art digital
marketing solutions and print/design services to local businesses.
Joe Mathes, General Manager of the Wisconsin Media Group, will assume responsibility for the
management of the Sheboygan Sun. “Joe has a demonstrated track record as a digital
marketing strategist and has worked with local businesses in the Wisconsin market for over 35
years,” says O’Rourke. “He has been the centerpiece with expanding our business in Wisconsin,
and it’s been really fun partnering with him and his team.”
The Wisconsin Media Group market footprint is becoming impressive—Kiel, New Holstein,
Chilton, Sheboygan, Plymouth, Howard’s Grove, Ripon and Green Lake. Wisconsin Media Group
is committed to maintaining a strong local presence in each market. All current employees of
the Sheboygan Sun will be hired and Mike Walton will be assisting closely with the transition.
Readers and local businesses in Sheboygan can expect the relaunch of the Sun on Tuesday, June
9 th . The Sheboygan office, located at 615 S. 8 th Street, will officially reopen on Monday, June 1.