Schwien new managing editor at Hays

Nick Schwien has been named the new managing editor of The Hays Daily News. Schwien has been with the HDN for 16 years, and most recently served as the chief copy editor.

According to Publisher Patrick Lowry, Schwien received the position for a number of reasons, mainly his talent with multimedia platforms.

"Nick is talented with all the platforms that we work with," Lowry said. "From paper to apps to mobile editions and all of our niche products. He has demonstrated a strong talent with each of them."

Schwien, a graduate of Fort Hays State University, began as a sports stringer with the HDN while still in college. Following graduation, he was hired as a full-time sports reporter and later promoted to assistant sports editor.

In 2004, Schwien received a job as a copy editor and quickly was promoted to chief copy editor.

As chief copy editor, he oversaw the daily production of the newspaper, as well as assisted with story assignments.

While in his positions at HDN, Schwien started the newspaper's racing website, HDNews.net/racing, making "the HDN the only newspaper in the state to cover dirt-track racing on a regular basis during the season," Schwien said.

He assisted in the founding of Sports Ink., a monthly magazine by the HDN sports team, along with Nick McQueen, sports editor, Conor Nicholl, sports reporter, and the advertising department. Schwien also started the newspaper's Hays Larks website, which served as the baseball team's official website at the time.

Schwien replaces former managing editor Ron Fields, who resigned in December.

While not at work, Schwien is an active member at Celebration Community Church, a member of Hays USD 489 facilities needs committee and volunteer coach for Hays Recreation Commission. In addition, his free time is spent with his wife, Jessica, and their two children, Brenna and Kale.