Denny Koenders

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Denny Koenders, longtime news and military veteran, has assumed the position of publisher at the Altus Times.

Koenders was born in South Dakota, and has worked in the newspaper industry for 46 years. He has served at papers in New Mexico, Alabama, Montana, Iowa, South Carolina and North Carolina. Koenders will also oversee operations of the Altus Times sister newspaper, the Frederick Press-Leader.

“I want to make sure the community of Altus feels and understands the local newspaper belongs to them,“ said Koenders. “I want the public to know they are free to come to The Altus Times at any time to express their thoughts and opinions openly.”

Another driving principle for the new publisher is making sure The Altus Times continues to have excellent local content.

Koenders points out that the newspaper has a number of employees, most of whom make their homes in Altus with their families.

“This gives the paper’s staff, from the pressroom to the newsroom, a vested interest in the community,” he says.

Throughout his newspaper career, Koenders has been an avid supporter of chambers of commerce, and has served on chamber boards in Alabama and as chamber president.

He adds his life and his history have been formed in communities the size of Altus.

Koenders is also a long-time member of the Rotary Club and was in two centennial celebrations and the State of South Dakota Bicentennial committee, and has been active in past rodeos.

He has also served as an ambassador for several towns similar in size to Altus.

Also, having served in the Vietnam War, Koenders is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and served as junior vice-commander and Vietnam veteran coordinator for the state of South Dakota.

Koenders has six children and seven grandchildren.