Citizen names new editor, design director

Lee, who was a reporter for the Citizen in 2008-09, spent the past three years as media content writer for the website of the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville.

"I am glad to be home and look forward to the challenges of editing and writing at the Citizen," said Lee. "While this is my first time in the position of editor, I was fortunate to have written every possible kind of story for the Citizen when I was here before as a reporter, and so I am excited not only to be back in the saddle again, but to be back in Eureka Springs."

Outside of the office, Lee enjoys spending time with his son, reading and writing fiction, cooking and canoeing, a habit he acquired in Eureka Springs.

"Actually, just being back here is such a wonderful thing to me personally, I doubt I'll have time for anything much for awhile beyond roaming the streets and re-learning all the old shortcuts," he said.

Lee holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Arkansas Tech University and a master of arts in Communications from the University of Arkansas.

"The day-to-day events in this community are as important to us as anything on the front of The New York Times is to its readers," Lee explained. "As editor of this paper, I want us to connect with our readers in meaningful and entertaining ways. It is our duty to hold up a mirror that fairly and accurately reflects the events in our community. That's what I intend to make sure we do."

Managing Editor Kristal Kuykendall, who helps oversee both the Citizen and its sister paper the Carroll County News, said she couldn't be more pleased that Lee has come on board.

"Don is a talented writer, a great guy and a strong leader for the Citizen," she said. "He truly loves this city and its people, and his commitment to community journalism is unquestionable. We are thrilled."

Melody Rust has been named design director of the Lovely County Citizen by publisher Bob Moore.

She returned to the Lovely County Citizen as design director on July 12. Rust is from Eureka Springs, has an impressive resume in graphic design and has worked for many years as a freelance graphic designer.

"Here's the thing," said Rust. "I spent four years with the Citizen doing everything from the paper itself to special publications, and once you get this kind of work in your blood, it doesn't go away overnight. Let's just say I'm a happy camper."

Through her work, Ozark Excursions received two Arkansas Press Association statewide journalism awards for page design.

Rust is very knowledgeable in the graphic design world and has held positions at several other publications, including Ozark Excursions, WellSpring Publications, LLC., Lovely County Citizen, Southern Dutchess News, Fayetteville Free Weekly, American Speedy Printing and Carroll County Newspapers.

"Melody Rust has always been there when we needed her, and we're just happy for the chance to work with her again," said Citizen publisher Bob Moore.

As an avid horse lover, Rust also worked with special needs horses at Mary Tyler Moore Stables in New York and she worked part-time with horses at Bear Mountain Riding Stables in Eureka Springs.

"I feel I am doing an important job and I am being appreciated for it," she added. I like the nature of my job, my peers and the overall environment."