David Butler acquires Martin County Messenger

MARTIN COUNTY - The Martin County Messenger is under new ownership following its recent sale to 4B Publications member David Butler of Stanton.
The Messenger has been a staple in Martin County for three decades. It was started and purchased by the late Bob Dillard, owner of Far West Texas Newspapers, in the early 1990s.
Butler has been with the Messenger since August 2003 when he was hired to label, stuff and sort papers for mailing. “My journey with the Martin County Messenger started with a recommendation from Daniel Ramos,” Butler said. “Longtime owner Bob Dillard was looking for some help labeling papers, and Daniel talked him into giving me a chance.”
Through the years, despite having no previous experience, Butler was given opportunities to take on larger roles with the Messenger, progressing from office manager to writer, photographer and eventually to editor.
Butler noted that for 16 years in working with Dillard, he spent “every Thursday night in deep conversation getting an education in newspapers, politics, logical thinking and Rangers baseball.”
After Dillard’s death in 2019, his widow Christi Dillard and their son Luke Dillard continued to own and operate the newspaper until deciding to offer ownership to Butler.
Butler said he is honored to be chosen by the Dillard family to continue publishing the newspaper. “Every week I have two goals: give the readers a reason to pick up and read the Messenger and to make Bob proud,” he said.
Contact information for the newspaper remains the same, although the newspaper has moved to a new office location in Stanton.