New editor joins Havelock News

A longtime Havelock resident and 18-year veteran of eastern North Carolina journalism has been hired as editor of the Havelock News.

Ken Buday, formerly managing editor of the New Bern Sun Journal, began work here Monday. Both newspapers are owned by Freedom ENC Communications.

“Ken brings a depth of journalism experience as well as a thorough knowledge of the Havelock community,” said Hunter Bretzius, associate publisher and executive editor. “By joining the Havelock News staff, Ken will only strengthen our commitment to provide news about Havelock and its residents to our readers.”

Buday worked as a freelance sportswriter for the Sun Journal while attending East Carolina University and was hired as a full-time sports reporter upon earning his bachelor’s in communications in 1989. He was later promoted to sports editor and then became the paper’s managing editor in 2000.

Buday has won numerous writing and reporting awards from the North Carolina Press Association, including a first-place award for his weekly column. He plans to write a regular column for the Havelock News.

He succeeds Pat Coleman, who left the newspaper in December for medical reasons. Sarah Maynard, a former U.S. Marine who was editor of the Windsock while stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, has served as interim editor.

Buday attended middle school and high school in Havelock, graduating from Havelock High in 1984.

He and his wife, Michele, have one daughter, 11-year-old Savannah.

“To be the editor of my hometown newspaper-which is also one of the best newspapers in the state-is an honor,” Buday said. “The staff here is tremendous, and I look forward to working with them and our readers in continuing this excellent tradition of community journalism.”