Two TPA member newspapers have changed ownership.
South Texas News acquires Hood County News in Granbury
GRANBURY – South Texas News, Inc., has expanded well beyond its namesake by acquiring The Hood County News from Hyde Media Group, LLC, owned by Paul Hyde, a longtime Hood County resident and founder of the Hyde Law Firm.
The acquisition increases the total number of newspapers operated by the company in Texas to 11, reinforcing its commitment to delivering comprehensive local journalism.
The Whitewright Sun has merged with the Whitesboro News-Record in a consolidated effort to serve readers better in Grayson County.
Coverage continues weekly with Austin and Jennifer Lewter at the helm as publishers along with Jessica Edwards as editor.
The newly revamped masthead bears the name the “News-Record.”
“We are thrilled to partner with another legendary weekly,” publisher Austin Lewter said. “We have long sought ways to organically grow our coverage in the county and this a natural step.”
BURNET – After 35 years of serving the Burnet community, the Citizens Gazette ceased to publish in July.
The decision to close came after the newspaper received word that the printing plant which produces the newspaper would be shutting down and would no longer be offering printing services to the Gazette and numerous other newspapers which it printed.
PEARSALL – Frio-Nueces Current managing editor Manuel Azocar III and business manager Kasie Rendon have purchased the newspaper from longtime owner and publisher Craig Garnett.
The sale, which became effective June 1, leaves the new owners in charge of all operations — reporting, advertising sales and distribution. The newspaper operates with a staff of five, plus delivery personnel.
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.
MERCEDES – The Mercedes Enterprise made a major move to continue providing news coverage in Mercedes and throughout the Rio Grande Valley with a transfer of ownership from Mid-Valley Publishers to Valleywood Publications, a company owned by Mercedes Enterprise Editor Raul Garcia Jr.
Roger and Ashlee Estlack of Clarendon have acquired the Red River Sun in Childress from Hicks Media LLA.
The sale brings the Sun under the management of the Texas Panhandle’s oldest newspaper, although the two papers will continue to be separate publications.
The Red River Sun covers Childress, Collingsworth, and Hall Counties and combines the heritages of The Childress Index, The Wellington Leader, and the Memphis Democrat / Hall County Herald.
The Estlacks took over management of the paper Dec. 1 and the sale was finalized Dec. 31.
News about Texas newspapers as reported in the March 2025 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
Iowa Park Journal marks first year
IOWA PARK– The Iowa Park Journal celebrated its first anniversary Feb. 1, completing 52 weeks of publication.
ELDORADO – Randy and Kathy Mankin recently marked the 30th anniversary of their purchase of The Eldorado Success newspaper.
The couple bought the newspaper April 29, 1994, from Gary and Cathy Smith, who published the Hansford County Reporter-Statesman in Spearman for many years thereafter. The Mankins have called Eldorado home since moving from Lubbock in 1979.
Industry news reported in the January 2024 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
Madison County accepts Tocker Grant to digitize newspapers
MADISONVILLE – Madison County Commissioners recently accepted a Tocker Foundation grant for the Madison County Library that will provide funding for digitizing old editions of the Madison Meteor and The Patriot.