KIlgore, Exec. Editor at 'The Olympian,' Retires

By: The Olympian newspaper's executive editor is retiring after 10 years at the top editorial post at the state capital's newspaper.

Vickie Kilgore, 58, announced Friday that she will step down from her position in an early retirement prompted by personal reasons.

"My husband and I are still newlyweds," Kilgore told her newspaper. "This first year has been a cross-country commuter marriage. Our frequent-flyer miles are dwindling; airfares are climbing; so we stand to see even less of each other next year."

She added: "The increasing challenges of running a newsroom in today's economic climate demand a leader who can give 110 percent to the job. I can no longer do that."

Publisher John Winn Miller said Managing Editor Jerry Wakefield will fill in for Kilgore while the newsroom is restructured.

"I know from personal experience how tough it is to be the editor of a capital city newspaper," Miller said. "And I can tell you that Vickie has not only persevered but excelled. Through blinding storms and floods, through political cliffhangers, riots, local tragedies and triumphs, Vickie has upheld the highest ideals of journalism."

Kilgore led the Olympian as the newspaper developed its online content. The newspaper now consistently produces Web videos for its Web site, which attracts around 4 million page views a month.

She will remain in the Olympia area. Her last day will be Sept. 12.

The Olympian is owned by the McClatchy Co. and was established in 1889.