The Fluvanna Review has been sold to longtime staffer Heather Michon, a Fluvanna County resident who joined the paper as a reporter in 2017 and currently serves as its advertising director.
Michon and her husband, Douglas, have created Rivanna Publishing to operate the Fluvanna Review and future local media ventures.
“The paper will be in very capable hands,” said Carlos Santos, who has served as publisher and editor since he and a business partner purchased the Review in 2010. “Heather knows the county inside and out. She knows it’s people. She knows the issues the county will face in the coming years. But most importantly, she cares about the county.”
Santos added that like newspapers nationwide, the Fluvanna Review has confronted challenges in recent years — including the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down many businesses and took ad dollars with them — “but it’s still strong, widely read, and remains the main source of news for Fluvanna residents.”
He praised the staff who have shaped the paper over the years: “The paper has been lucky to have a strong staff who care deeply about both the paper and the county. Page Gifford and Duncan Nixon have added depth in arts and sports for decades. Heather, a skilled writer, has covered local government with deep knowledge and balance. Layout editor Amelia McConnell conjured countless eye-catching covers and produced readable issues with efficiency. Ad designers Lynn Stayton-Eurell and Marilyn Ellinger brought art to ads and helped local businesses thrive. And office manager Edee Povol became the face of the paper, overseeing everything with a sharp eye and an unstoppable work ethic. All are staying on to help Michon run the paper. I’ll miss them all.”
Michon said she is excited to take the helm. “I’m looking forward to the work ahead and I’m grateful to have an exceptional team standing with me as we step into our next chapter.”
In the months ahead, Michon said her priorities include maintaining strong coverage of county government and community life, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the paper’s digital presence while keeping the weekly print edition at the heart of its mission. “Our role is to inform, connect, and reflect Fluvanna,” she said. “That won’t change.”
