HUMBOLDT – James Gargano, publisher of the Humboldt Independent newspaper, was named as one of two Master Editor-Publishers during the 2015 Iowa Newspaper Association convention awards banquet.

Gargano has spent nearly three decades in the newspaper industry. He began his career operating a single newspaper as its lone employee. A few years into the business, he purchased a second paper and began growing his family business.

Winners of the award are chosen by past Master Editor-Publisher winners, based on four criteria: The nominee has worked hard, thought soundly, influenced unselfishly and lived honorably.

Also named this year was Charles Nixon, publisher of the Coon Rapids Enterprise.