Foard County News resumes publication under new owner

The historic Foard County News is once again serving readers across Foard County after being acquired by Lance Publishing LLC and returned to publication earlier this year.

Shane Lance, owner of Lance Publishing LLC and publisher of the Quanah Tribune-Chief, purchased the Foard County News from longtime owner Kent Smith following the newspaper’s closure in January.

“The Foard County News has been a part of this community for 135 years, and newspapers with that kind of history are worth preserving,” Lance said. “When the opportunity arose to continue its legacy, it was something I felt strongly about pursuing.”

Founded in 1891, the Foard County News has documented generations of local history, community milestones, school achievements, and everyday life in Foard County. In 1910, the newspaper merged with the Crowell Index, further cementing its role as the county’s newspaper of record.

Lance said the deep historical ties between Foard and Hardeman counties were an important factor in the decision to acquire the publication.

“Foard County and Hardeman County share a unique history,” Lance said. “Before Foard County was created in 1891, this area was all part of Hardeman County. The communities have always been connected, and that connection continues today. Owning both newspapers allows us to better preserve and tell the history of both counties.”

Former owner Kent Smith announced the closure of the Foard County News in December. The newspaper ceased publication on Jan. 8. Lance Publishing acquired the newspaper in mid-February and resumed publication on March 6, restoring local news coverage to the county.

To help ensure long-term sustainability, the Foard County News now operates remotely and has moved its publication day from Thursday to Friday.

Lance, who has owned the Quanah Tribune-Chief since May 2018, said local journalism remains an important part of maintaining strong rural communities.

“Small-town newspapers are often the only permanent record of a community’s history,” Lance said. “My goal is to make sure Foard County continues to have a newspaper that covers its schools, businesses, local government, and the people who call this county home.”

Today, the Foard County News is published by Shane Lance, with Lori Gable serving as editor and overseeing the newspaper’s day-to-day editorial operations.