John Peters has been named editor of The Littleton Observer.

With 18 years of journalism experience, Peters brings a background in writing, editing, newspaper business management and special project oversight to the job.

He replaces Maurice Emery, who has served as editor since SH Newspaper LLC purchased the Observer two years ago. Emery left the post to focus on developing the Observer’s Website, www.littletonobserver.com, as an alternative source of news and information for Lake Gaston and Roanoke Rapids area residents and advertisers.

He will also continue to write his column, A Thought or Two, for the Observer and do some additional writing for the weekly newspaper.

“I’m thrilled to be assuming the duties here,” Peters said of the move. “I’ve spent most of my career working in small daily and weekly newspapers, and working for a true community newspaper has always been my first love.

“The Observer has local ownership, is involved in the community at a real grassroots level, has a long history here and a bright future.”

Peters said readers will notice some subtle changes in the paper over time.

“Primarily, I plan to build on what Maurice has done. He assumed the editorship at a critical time for the Observer, and we plan to continue with the best of what he brought to the newspaper, while adding a few new touches here and there.

“We have a lot of plans for 2007, but ultimately our goal is to be the best community newspaper we can be. I’m a firm believer that a newspaper really belongs to the community, the subscribers, advertisers.”

Peters has been working as the editor of Lake Gaston Magazine since July, and editor of Carolina Crossroads Travel and Tourism Magazine since that publication’s debut in September and will retain those duties.

He and his wife, Stephanie, and their five children live in Warrenton.