The Bismarck Tribune has hired Ken Bohl as circulation manager to oversee the distribution of the newspaper.

"I think we're fortunate to get someone of Ken's caliber on our staff,"said Brian Kroshus, publisher. "He has a proven track record and has done a terrific job in Lee (Enterprises)."

Lee Enterprises owns the Tribune, as well as 55 other daily newspapers in 23 states.

Bohl has worked for Lee Enterprises since the company acquired the Pulitzer group in 2005; before coming to Bismarck, he was the circulation manager in Flagstaff, Ariz., a Pulitzer paper which was bought by Lee.

Prior to working at the newspaper in Flagstaff, Bohl was a circulation manager for a paper in Vallejo, Calif.

Bohl's no stranger to North Dakota:A Towner native, he began his career working at the Minot Daily News.

He has worked at six newspapers since graduating from the North Dakota School of Science in Wahpeton in 1986.

He moved here with his wife, Alicia, and their three daughters, ages 10, 9 and 5.

Bohl recognizes the challenges of circulation, and is confident about the staff and delivery assistants, saying they're very committed. He plans to continue to contract strong carriers and will encourage communication with those carriers.

"I think it's a great place to work,"he said. "The people here are just great."

- Crystal R. Reid