PORT LAVACA – JT Strasner is the new publisher of the Port Lavaca Wave.
He comes from Phillips Media Group, where he served as the group publisher over five community publications.
“I have already found Port Lavaca and Calhoun County to be full of friendly people who are passionate about their hometown newspaper, and I’m so eager to continue the tradition of excellence established here for so many decades,” Strasner said.

NEW BOSTON – Bowie County native and award winning journalist Heather Russell has been named publisher of the Bowie County Citizens Tribune.
Russell first came to the Tribune five years ago, and has since won awards both for her writing and photography skills, including a photographer of the year award from the North and East Texas Press Association for a photo she took of the butterfly garden at Little Country Greenhouse.

121 Media acquires Star Local Media
FRISCO – 121 Media has acquired Star Local Media and its 14 publications and hyper-local news websites from S.A.W. Advisors, LLC. Founders of 121 Media are media industry veteran Rick Rogers and his wife, Elizabeth Rogers, of Frisco.
Star Local Media print publications are delivered to more than 215,000 homes weekly, and the company provides local business partners a marketing solution set including digital and social media marketing services and print advertising packages.

By RUSSELL VIERS
Digiversity.tv

Services held for retired Denton Chronicle publisher, community booster Fred Patterson

Obituaries published in the March 2022 edition of the Texas Press Messenger

The 2020-21 Texas Better Newspaper Contest is open for entries through March 4.
TPA member newspapers may submit entries from material published during the 16-month period ending Dec. 31, 2021.
The rulebook for the 2020-21 Texas Better Newspaper Contest is available for download online at www.texaspress.com/bnc. Those interested in entering are encouraged to download the rules and read the guidelines for entries.

DECATUR – Kristen Tribe has resigned as publisher of the Wise County Messenger in Decatur to become managing editor of Cowboys and Indians magazine in Dallas.
“Kristen has been an important part of the Messenger family for almost 30 years, but we know her passion is for writing, and this is a great new opportunity for her,” said Roy J. Eaton, president of the Messenger.

TAYLOR — Granite Media Partners Inc. has named veteran journalist Thomas Edwards as executive editor to round out its management team, CEO Daniel Philhower accounced.
Granite Media Partners Inc. operates 10 non-daily newspapers and a printing press. 
“We are honored to have Thomas join our Granite family of community newspapers,” Philhower said. “Together with Thomas’ vast experience, we look forward to elevating our editorial products in 2022 and better serving our communities and our readers.”
Edwards said he is delighted to be a part of Granite’s growth. 

RUSK – Cherokeean Herald staff members John and Penny Hawkins acquired the newspaper on Jan. 1.
John Hawkins is general manager and publisher of the newspaper and Penny Hawkins is part of the editorial staff.
“We are excited to be able to steer the direction and content, and make it more relevant to everyone here, highlighting all the positive things we have to offer in Cherokee County,” they said. 
“The opportunity to become the owners/publishers was offered and we simply wanted to make certain the paper continues, and stays local to Cherokee County.”