Grand Forks, N.D.--Mike Jacobs has stepped down as editor of the Grand Forks Herald to lead the launch of a new Upper Midwest news service by Forum Communications Co. Jacobs has served as editor since 1984. He will continue to serve as publisher, overseeing the paper’s day-to-day operations.

In his new role as director of the FCC news service, his first new effort will be to establish a company footprint in the Oil Patch of northwestern North Dakota. As editor, the paper was honored with a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 1998. Jacobs will continue to serve as the Herald’s editor until a replacement is found.