Newsmakers

Promotions, new hires and other employment news reported in Texas newspapers.

Anthony Collins appointed editor of Lockhart Post-Register

LOCKHART – Anthony Collins is the new editor of the Lockhart Post-Register.

A Texas native and resident of Kingsbury, Collins is an experienced photographer with more than 30 years of professional work in the newspaper industry.

Beginning his career photographing college sporting events, he is now contracted to shoot more than 35 professional bull riding events in and around Texas.

Collins joined the staff as a freelance photographer and writer in March of 2024. He then began working as the office manager while contributing stories and photographs.

He officially took over as editor on March 26.

He said his goal for the editorial department is to continue producing the quality of news the Lockhart Post Register is known for.

Emmons named general manager for Cass County Citizens Journal-Sun

ATLANTA – Longtime Cass County Citizens Journal-Sun sports editor Tim Emmons has been named the new general manager of the newspaper.

Emmons has worked at the Journal-Sun for 13 years, primarily as sports editor. Over those years, his main job was to write articles and take photographs at sporting events at local schools. Over time, he has branched out into writing feature stories, news articles, newspaper layout, conducting interviews, making videos and other duties.

Northeast Texas publisher Kenny Mitchell has been named the new publisher at the Journal-Sun. Mitchell brings 25 years of experience in the newspaper industry to his new role, including nine years at The Dallas Morning News. He is also the publisher of the Bowie County Citizens Tribune.

Mitchell says, “I am excited about this new opportunity and what it will mean to the readers and advertisers here in Cass County. We will be working hard to bring our readers the best possible newspaper.”

“Tim has been with us since 2012 and as a local, knows Cass County very well,” said Northeast Texas Publishing, LP group manager Mark Henry. “He has worked in all aspects of a community newspaper and has demonstrated the willingness and ability to work hard for the readers, advertisers and communities we serve.”

“Kenny has also been with us since 2012 and has published other Northeast Texas newspapers like the Bowie County Citizens Tribune, Mount Pleasant Tribune, Steel Country Bee in Daingerfield and Pittsburg Gazette,” Henry added. “We are convinced the combination of Tim and Kenny will better serve Cass County residents, communities, schools and more.”

Mitchell assumes ME duties for Lampasas Dispatch-Record

LAMPASAS – Erick Mitchell, the Dispatch Record’s two-year veteran news editor, will lead the newsroom as the publication’s new managing editor.

He takes the full-time role after former managing editor Alexandria Randolph shifted to part-time status with the newspaper.

Mitchell is a San Antonio native who graduated from Tom C. Clark High School in 2015. He completed his journalism degree from Beloit College, where he played quarterback on the Buccaneers’ football team and contributed to the Beloit Daily News as a sportswriter.

After graduating from Beloit, he served as sports editor for the Iola Register, where he covered six high schools across three counties in the heart of southeast Kansas. While at the Iola Register, he received recognition from the Kansas Press Association for writing, photography and page layout.

He joined the Dispatch Record in January 2023 as news editor. His beats have included the Lampasas County Commissioners Court, Kempner City Council and Lampasas Independent School District.

Co-Publisher Gail Lowe said Mitchell has been a strong addition to the Dispatch Record editorial staff, which includes sports editor Hunter King, staff writer Randolph and regular contributors Mason Hines, Joycesarah McCabe and Cheri Wienecke.

Van Hal joins Bay City Tribune staff as managing editor

BAY CITY – Kavan Van Hal has been named managing editor of The Bay City Tribune. In that role, he is responsible for writing news, assigning stories to correspondents, shooting photos and design of the newspaper.

He comes to the Tribune from a sister paper, The Facts, where he served as a reporter covering news and photos for Brazoria County. Recently, he has contributed stories to the Bay City Tribune as well.

Van Hal received his associate degree from Brazosport College in 2022, then his bachelor’s in historical education from Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2024.

His hobbies of video production, writing and photography drew him to journalism. After freelancing for The Facts during the summer of 2023 he decided to start his career in newspapers.

“Kavan has a passion for news and a great work ethic,” said Facts Publisher Yvonne Mintz, who is also a vice president for parent company Southern Newspapers Inc. with oversight of the Tribune. 

“We are excited to see him take on this challenge. The ideas he has for coverage and his eagerness to get involved in the community quickly make him a perfect candidate.”

Mbu Maqungo joins Enterprise staff as business reporter

BEAUMONT – Mbu Maqungo is the new business reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise.

A native of Corpus Christi, Maqungo was raised in the Houston area and attended college at Angelo State University. 

There, he served in roles with the student radio and television stations, but found a true home with the Ram Page, Angelo State’s student newspaper. As editor in chief of that paper, Maqungo led coverage of important issues in the student community and won statewide for his efforts from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Much like Beaumont businesses look to grow and expand, Maqungo said he hopes to do the same and help build the Enterprise’s coverage on the business beat.

“I’m definitely going to be filling some big shoes and hopefully growing in the space of business reporting,” he said.