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.
Former Lufkin Daily News staff writer Jess Huff has joined the Texas Tribune as its East Texas reporter.
Huff, who won numerous investigative reporting awards while writing for the LDN, continues to be based in Lufkin as she reports on issues of importance throughout the Pineywoods region.
The North and East Texas Press Association, in conjunction with the Texas Press Association, will award two $1,500 scholarships to eligible candidates. Applications are accepted now through March 25. High school seniors and current college journalism majors may apply.
The scholarships are payable to the registrar of the college/university upon proof of enrollment as a full-time student.
Applications must be postmarked by March 25 to be considered.
BURNET – The Citizens Gazette is celebrating 30 years of providing local news and information each week in the Highland Lakes and Burnet area.
Started in 1991, the Citizens Gazette continues to offer a voice to local residents who want to connect with the people and events unique to the towns they live in.
After just three years of publication the Citizens Gazette claimed the top award for best all-round newspaper in its class in the state for its coverage in 1993 by the Texas Press Association. The newspaper was recognized again in 2004.
LaGRANGE – The Fayette County Record celebrated the beginning of its 100th year of publication on Nov. 2, publishing a special commemorative edition and hosting an open house.
The commemorative edition featured top stories from each decade of its history.
According to the history, The Fayette County Record was published infrequently by various ownership groups as far back in the 1800s; however, the Record as it is known today was founded in 1922 by L.J. Sulak and Fran S. Bambuch. It was published in a frame building a little east of the courthouse square.
MARTIN COUNTY - The Martin County Messenger is under new ownership following its recent sale to 4B Publications member David Butler of Stanton.
The Messenger has been a staple in Martin County for three decades. It was started and purchased by the late Bob Dillard, owner of Far West Texas Newspapers, in the early 1990s.