KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — The Kearney Hub is naming Julie Speirs as its publisher.

The Hub reported Tuesday that Speirs will move from her current position as vice president and general manager to become publisher on Sept. 1.

In her new position, Speirs will lead a newspaper and media company that includes the Hub, a variety of digital marketing services, commercial printing and agricultural publications. Speirs has had a 34-year newspaper career, including 29 years with the Hub. She was publisher of the Columbus Telegram from 1995 to 2000.

Speirs will replace Steve Chatelain, who has been publisher of the Hub since 1993. He is resigning to joining his wife, Mary Jo, in operating a home health care franchise.

The Hub is owned by the World-Herald Co.