THE LOCAL NEWS OF THE MADISON VALLEY, RUBY VALLEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

The Madisonian welcomes new editor

The Madisonian is excited to introduce its new editor John Taylor. Taylor assumed his new role on April 26, after the previous editor, Geoff Hamill, transitioned over to the West Yellowstone Star, The Madisonian’s sister paper. 

Taylor comes to Madison County from Hot Springs, S.D., where he worked as the editor for The Hot Springs Star since 2015. His career spans over 30 years, working for eight different newspapers as well as a career in publishing. Taylor has written eight books. 

A native of Pennsylvania, Taylor earned his degree from York College of Pennsylvania where he majored in history and minored in English. His first published writing credit comes as an outdoor columnist with the “York Daily Record” and later as the outdoor editor of the “York Dispatch.” Working around Pennsylvania, Taylor expanded his career covering daily and weekly newspapers in Minnesota, North Dakota and, most recently, South Dakota. During his time at “The Journal” in Crosby, N. D., Taylor broke several national news stories including disclosing an oil company dumping illegal radioactive materials. “That surprised the heck out of me,” Taylor said of breaking the national news story. “But I was just doing my job and doing what a journalist should do.”

Having the opportunity to write every day is one reason he stayed in the journalism field. “I just love to write, but I also like to tell people’s stories.” Some of his writing icons include George Bird Evans for his works about upland gunning with English Setters, which Taylor has three of his own: Harry, Ellen and Beryl. He’s also a fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. “I like Fitzgerald’s language and how Hemingway managed to write between the lines,” Taylor said. 

With eight books under his belt, Taylor owns and operates his own publishing company, Bonasa Press. “My books are my favorite pieces I’ve written because there is more room to examine a topic,” he said. Taylor’s first book was published in 1997, titled“75 Years of Conservation: The Story of the Conservation Society of York County.” 

Finding his way back to Montana has been a 36-year journey, but one Taylor is happy to see come full circle. In 1982, he worked for a big game outfitter in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and being an avid hunter, fisherman and general outdoors enthusiast Taylor said landing in Madison County was exciting. “To have the Madison River and all this right out your back yard … wow,” he exclaimed. 

“I’m looking forward to continuing coverage and taking the paper forward in a good direction,” said Taylor of his new role.

Taylor is joined in his new home by his wife, Nancy, all three of his canine companions and his two horses, Ribbon and Johnny. 

He can be reached via email at editor@madisoniannews.comor calling the office at 682-7755.

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The Madisonian

65 N. MT Hwy 287
Ennis, MT 59729
406-682-7755
www.madisoniannews.com

Cori Koenig, editor: editor@madisoniannews.com
Susanne Hill, billing: s.hill@madisoniannews.com 
Ad orders, inserts, classifieds: connect@madisoniannews.com 
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