Showing off general excellence awards in the Panhandle Press Association Better Newspaper Contest are Roger Estlack, (left) The Clarendon Enterprise in Division 1; and Tim Ritter, The Canyon News in Division 2. Awards were presented at the 117th Annual Panhandle Press Association convention in Hereford. Contest results are available on the TPA website. (Photo by Sue Brown)
Diana R. Fuentes, a veteran Texas journalist and news industry leader who was an ardent advocate for a free press and open government, is the posthumous recipient of this year’s James Madison Award.
Bestowed by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, the honor recognizes those who demonstrate their commitment to government transparency and First Amendment rights. The award will be presented to Fuentes’ family at the organization’s state conference Sept. 18 in Austin.
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.
KERRVILLE – Shelly Bissell is the new publisher of The Kerrville Daily Times.
Leonard Woolsey, president of Southern Newspapers Inc., which owns The Kerrville Daily Times as well as nearby papers in New Braunfels and Seguin, welcomed Bissell to her new role.
PARIS, Texas – Clay Carsner has turned over the reins of The Paris News to a woman who has worked just a few steps away from him over his 14-year tenure, including the last five years as publisher at the paper.
Southern Newspapers, which owns The Paris News and nine other newspapers across Texas, announced this week that Kelsey Graham will be the next publisher of the paper.
Graham has been with the paper for 11 years, eight of those as business manager.
HOUSTON – Longview News-Journal Sports Editor Jack Stallard was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor with the 2026 class of four East Texans who have made extraordinary contributions to high school athletics.
Induction ceremonies were held July 19 in Houston July 19 during the THSCA Coaching School and Convention.
Promotions, new hires and other employment news as reporting by Texas newspapers and published in the August 2026 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
Elgin Courier newsroom changes announced
ELGIN – The Elgin Courier recently shuffled some newsroom roles.
Reporter Emily Treadway is now the area editor for the Centex Group, which includes the Courier, the Taylor Press and the Manor Journal.
Former Area Editor Jason Chlapek has switched to the digital editor role.
Promotions, new hires and other employment news as reporting by Texas newspapers and published in the August 2026 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
Elgin Courier newsroom changes announced
ELGIN – The Elgin Courier recently shuffled some newsroom roles.
Reporter Emily Treadway is now the area editor for the Centex Group, which includes the Courier, the Taylor Press and the Manor Journal.
Former Area Editor Jason Chlapek has switched to the digital editor role.
Obituaries published in the August 2026 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
Christelle Troell
PLEASANTON – Christelle Troell, who worked on and off for the Pleasanton Express for more than 50 years, died June 27. She was a former news editor and photographer who covered meetings and continued to contribute until her passing.
She was hired — part time at first — when the Wilkerson family purchased the Express. Then Bill Wilkerson assigned her to take photos when no one else was available.