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Saddened over Hlas’ departure
Dale Kueter
Nov. 26, 2025 7:05 am
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I was saddened and disappointed to read that sports columnist and writer Mike Hlas will not be retained under the new Gazette ownership. Hlas is a great writer, maybe the best ever in The Gazette sports department and beyond. He could have written for many nationally-known papers, but chose to stay in Iowa.
Not retaining Hlas also signals that under the new management superb writing and knowledge of a beat are not recognized. It has ominous overtones for the future. The Gazette has other good reporters, people who ask the right questions and write a penetrating story.
Where is this newspaper going, and do new owners really understand the importance and tradition of excellent journalism?
Dale Kueter
Cedar Rapids
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