(Lehighton) Times News

Urban new editor at Times News; Cimms is lifestyle editor

Robert 'Bob' Urban is the new editor of the Times News. His promotion from managing editor to editor was announced by Times News Publisher Fred L. Masenheimer. Urban succeeds Robert Parfitt, who announced his retirement effective Sept. 29 after serving as the editor for 34 years.

Another promotion announced is Karen Cimms to lifestyle editor from general reporter. Cimms replaces Marigrace Heyer, who also retired Sept. 29 and had been lifestyle editor since 1972.

Urban began his newspaper career in 1963 at the former Tamaqua Courier, where he was sports writer and general news reporter.

In 1966, he joined the staff of the Pottstown Mercury and wrote sports for two years before being promoted to city editor. He later was promoted to managing editor, and then editor, serving in this position for nine years. While he was editor, the newspaper won the coveted Pulitzer Prize, which is considered the top national award in the newspaper industry.

He came to the Times News in June 1986, as managing editor, a position he held for 20 years. His main responsibilities at the Times News had been writing opinions and columns. He also has been in charge of the Saturday edition.

Regarding his new position, Urban remarked, "I've enjoyed [JUMP]working for Bob Parfitt the past 20 years and I hope to continue the legacy that he left behind."

"This is the best possible situation for me," he said. "I was born and raised in this area, moved away and developed my career for 20 years in Pottstown, and then returned to my roots."

The new editor said the Times News will continue its strong emphasis on local coverage and we'll work hard to continue being the newspaper of record in this area."

Cimms began her newspaper career with the former Pocono Post, writing a column in 1996 as well as features which periodically were printed in the Times News.

In November 1997, she became a stringer for the Times News. She became a part-time employee in April 1998 and was hired full-time a year later. Cimms has been covering the Carbon County Commissioners since the spring of 1999. She also has been covering the Penn Forest Township beat since 1998.

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