New Publishers for 'Rockford Register Star,' State Journal-Register''

The State Journal-Register in Springfield and the (Rockford) Register Star have named new publishers, days after the publisher for both Illinois papers stepped down.

Taking over in Springfield is Walt Lafferty, a New Jersey newspaper executive. In Rockford, longtime newspaper advertising executive Peter Ricker takes the same post. Both newspapers are owned by GateHouse Media, which also owns the Journal Star.

The appointments follow last week's resignation of Scott Bowers.

Lafferty, 49, spent three years as president and publisher of the Courier Post in Camden, N.J., after holding the same position at The Daily Record in Parsippany, N.J.

Ricker, 53, spent the last two years as senior vice president of advertising for Republic Media in Phoenix. He's held management jobs for Gannett Corp. and Knight Ridder and at various newspapers.