Newsmakers

Promotions, new hires and other employment news reported in Texas newspapers and published in the December 2025 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

ALEXANDRA MONTOYA

Marlin Democrat, Rosebud News

MARLIN – Alexandra Montoya has been promoted to the managing editor position for Texas Local Media’s Marlin Democrat and Rosebud News weekly newspapers.

“We have been looking for ways to build up the paper,” Group Publisher Tim Timmons said. “Alex has a long track record with this company and her work has been outstanding.”

Montoya came to work as a reporter at the Groesbeck Journal in 2017. She studied journalism at the University of Texas and her work has been well regarded, Timmons said.

“I am excited to take on the role of managing editor for the Marlin Democrat and Rosebud News,” Montoya said. “With eight years of reporting experience in Limestone County, I am confident I can build strong relationships with community leaders and locals to ensure our paper is filled with the coverage you care about.”

Montoya and her husband Joe live in Kosse with their three young sons.

Group Editor Jennifer Paul said she is also excited for Montoya. Paul said the goal is to continue to search for ways to add more local content in stories and photos.

RACHEAL CLARK

The Cameron Herald, Thorndale Champion

CAMERON – Racheal Clark has been promoted to the managing editor position for Texas Local Media’s Cameron Herald and Thorndale Champion weekly newspapers.

“We have been looking for ways to build up the paper,” Group Publisher Tim Timmons said. “Racheal has done a great job for us in her two years in Groesbeck and she has a very bright future.”

Clark came to work as a reporter at the Groesbeck Journal in October of 2023. During that time her work has consistently been of high quality, Timmons said.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to get to know and work with more of the residents and businesses of Milam County,” Clark said. “Having reported for these newspapers for several months, I’m looking forward to becoming more connected to the community. Together, we can continue building a newspaper that truly reflects and serves Milam County.”

Group Editor Jennifer Paul said she is also excited for Clark. Paul said the goal is to continue to search for ways to add more local content in stories and photos.

JEFF OSBORNE

Hood County News

GRANBURY – Jeff Osborne has joined the Hood County News as the newspaper’s lead reporter and will cover city and county government as well as feature stories.

Osborne has more than 32 years’ experience in media and communications, most recently working for the Hood County News’ sister publication in Gatesville from 2021-23. He worked for about two years as a high school English and journalism teacher in Three Rivers before returning to the newsroom.

“I loved working with the students and being able to have a positive impact on their lives, but the opportunity to work with Hyde Media Group again and Chief Operating Officer Sam Houston was too great to pass up,” Osborne said.

Osborne is a graduate of McLennan Community College in Waco and Texas A&M University in College Station. In addition to writing for college newspapers, he has worked for the Waxahachie Daily Light (1991-95) as sports editor; the Stephenville Empire-Tribune (1995-97) as managing editor; the Brazosport Facts (1997-98) as business editor; the Waco Tribune-Herald (1998-2011) as assistant city editor and WacoToday magazine editor; the Fort Bend Herald (2011) as managing editor; the Temple Daily Telegram (2012-15) as education reporter, city reporter and features editor; Beeville Publishing and Coastal Bend Publishing as editor of the Live Oak and McMullen County Progress, the News of San Patricio; the Refugio County News; the Goliad Advance-Guard and the Karnes Countywide; and the Gatesville Messenger.

Osborne was also assistant public information officer for the Brazos River Authority from 2015-18.

Houston, Hyde Media’s chief operating officer, said he is glad to welcome Osborne to the News. “I am tremendously excited to have a seasoned professional like Jeff join our team,” Houston said. “He has a great deal of experience in covering city and county government and does so with a great deal of professionalism. I believe our readers will enjoy Jeff’s reports as he helps to make the Hood County News even more informative. He is a very strong asset to add to our staff.”

ANNE WILKERSON

The Steel Country Bee, The Pittsburg Gazette

DAINGERFIELD – Anne Wilkerson has joined the staff of  The Steel Country Bee, covering local news, meetings, events and more.

Bee Publisher Dave Shabaz made the announcement. “I’m excited to have Anne join our team handling Pittsburg and Daingerfield. Her many years of experience working with people and communities will really show in her writing. I think everyone will love her.”

“I feel lucky to be part of such a rich newspaper history,” Wilkerson said.

Wilkerson has lived in Pittsburg for the past four years. Previously, she lived in Houston for 50 years and grew up as a military brat, moving all over the world. She attended the University of Houston and majored in political science with a minor in communication and a minor in psychology.