WEST MILFORD-JoAnn Baker was promoted to Managing Editor of The West Milford Messenger, effective February 17, 2005. The promotion comes after working with Straus Newspapers, publisher of the paper, in many different capacities. Baker served as a freelance reporter and writer, a copyeditor, and a layout artist, wrote a weekly humor column, edited special sections, designed ads and held various other positions throughout the company. In commenting on the promotion, Jeanne Straus, President of Straus Newspapers, said, "JoAnn Baker is one of those people with a huge range of talent and abilities. We are fortunate to have found a position that allows an outlet for her fine news sense and wonderful flair for writing and reporting. We're also really pleased and proud to be able to promote one of our own." JoAnn began her career at Straus Newspapers in 1992 doing editorial paste-up. She soon began covering beats and writing features for The Warwick Advertiser and The Photo News. Her weekly column, "The View From My House," was a Straus Newspaper staple for more than a decade. Baker is married, has two sons, and is the author of three books: The View From My House, The Big Sleep, and Dirty Little Secrets. In commenting on the move, JoAnn said, "I'm excited by both the opportunity and the challenge. West Milford is in a fascinating and beautiful area. I look forward to meeting as many of the people as possible." JoAnn Baker replaces Larry Moniz, who is pursuing other opportunities. Straus Newspapers publishes eight community weekly newspapers: The Warwick Advertiser, The Photo News, The Chronicle, The Advertiser News North, The Advertiser News South, The Sparta Independent, The Township Journal and The West Milford Messenger.