Southern Newspapers announces leadership changes in East Texas

LUFKIN – The Lufkin Daily News and The Daily Sentinel in Nacogdoches welcomed  some exciting leadership changes on June 30, Southern Newspapers Inc. President Leonard Woolsey announced.

Rick Craig, publisher of The Daily Sentinel, retired from the newspaper after seven years at the helm and more than 50 years in the newspaper business. Under his leadership, the newspaper earned its place at the top of editorial contests year after year.

Lufkin Daily News publisher Greg Weatherbee has moved from Lufkin to Nacogdoches to take the reins as publisher of The Daily Sentinel. Weatherbee, who came to Deep East Texas two years ago, elevated the journalism at the Lufkin newspaper greatly. The newspaper, like its sister paper in Nacogdoches, maintains its place among the state’s top newspapers in its class.

At the same time, Rhonda Overbey went to Lufkin as publisher of The Lufkin Daily News. Overbey, with more than 30 years experience in the newspaper industry, comes to the paper from Benton, Arkansas.

Craig said he is pleased to hand the reins to Weatherbee.

“I’m glad to see someone with Greg’s experience and expertise is taking over the reins of The Sentinel,” Craig said. “He knows East Texas from his roles in Longview and Lufkin. I know he is committed to continuing the tradition of top-quality community journalism in Nacogdoches.”

As for his retirement, Craig said he is thankful for the newspaper and community.

“It has been an honor to be a part of the Nacogdoches community the last seven years,” he said. “Jill and I have enjoyed our time here, made great friends and look forward to the opportunity to be a ‘tourist in our hometown.’ Nacogdoches is a tremendous community with even more incredible things on the horizon.”

Weatherbee said the opportunity to follow in Craig’s footsteps is an honor.

“Rick is a great guy, and I’ve always appreciated his insight and leadership,” Weatherbee said. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves in Nacogdoches and helping this already wonderful community thrive.

“I deeply value the friends and coworkers I’ve discovered in Lufkin, but the opportunity to help communities grow and thrive is what publishers do. And while Rick leaves big shoes, I intend to do the same for Nacogdoches.”

Overbey said she is excited to get involved in all aspects of the Lufkin area.

“I love the excitement of joining a community and learning how I can help,” she said. “Quality of life is so important, and for me and my two dogs, Lufkin seems like an excellent place — so many wonderful businesses to get to know and organizations to help.”

The Lufkin Daily News and The Daily Sentinel are owned by Houston-based Southern Newspapers, Inc.