Mike Robinson, a sixth generation Wellington County resident, graduated from Conestoga College’s journalism print program, leading to a 24 year career in both daily and weekly newspapers. He won the OCNA Best News Story Ontario 1996 award for his coverage of the tornado near Arthur. Robinson joined the Wellington Advertiser in 2002.

Kris Svela, of Mount Forest, brings 28 years of journalism experience in both daily and weekly newspapers since attending the journalism program at Conestoga College. His work includes covering business, agriculture, police beats and political issues at the local, provincial and national levels, notably covering Minto and Wellington North councils for the Wellington Advertiser. This month he joined the editorial team as a full-time reporter.

Chris Daponte graduated from Brock University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then obtained a post-graduate diploma in print and broadcast journalism from Humber College in 2005 and started that year as a reporter with the Wellington Advertiser. He has since worked as assignment editor and now serves as editor, leading a team of four reporters.

Dave Adsett was raised in the newspaper business. His father Bill Adsett started the Wellington Advertiser in 1968 and Dave has worked in all departments over the years before joining the paper full time in 1992 as its general manager and editor. Most recently he assumed the role of publisher. He also has nine years of municipal experience as reeve, mayor and warden of Wellington County.

Kelly Waterhouse moved to Wellington County 11 years ago. After graduating from York University, she worked in public relations and corporate communications, was published in magazines and community newspapers and has been a columnist for ten years. Her column “Write Out of Her Mind” first appeared in Wellington Advertiser three years ago. She joined the editorial team full time in December 2011.

Patrick Raftis, of Harriston, is the newest member of the editorial team. He has accumulated more than 20 years experience as a reporter, photographer and editor with several community newspapers across southern Ontario since graduating from the Conestoga College print journalism program and has also worked as news correspondent for CKNX radio in Wingham.