Friends and family gathered June 12 at the Hamilton Herald-News for a bittersweet retirement celebration for longtime HHN Editor and Co-publisher Maria Weaver. Shown are (from left) HHN team members Jaxon Hansard, Janice Velasquez, Publisher Grant Lengefeld, Weaver and Kim Tyson. Not pictured, Kate Edwards.    Photo by Saundra Lengefeld

HAMILTON – Maria Weaver has retired after 40 years in community journalism, 24 dedicated to the Hamilton Herald-News.

PLEASANTON – Jessica Alvarado-Machado and Charley Gallegos have been named co-managing editors of the Pleasanton Express, succeeding Daniel Elizondo.

The announcement by Publisher Noel Wilkerson Holmes was part of an introduction to the newspaper’s newsroom management team, which includes Lisa Luna, lifestyles editor, and Heaven Marquez, sports editor.

Neice Bell’s more than 45 years in newspapers — which began in a Kerrville closet as a typesetter in 1979 — will wrap at the end of May as she finishes her second tenure as publisher of the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

By KAITLYNN HUTCHINS, The New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung

Fredericksburg lost an important steward of the town’s history when Sherrie Geistweidt, an employee of Fredericksburg Publishing Company for just over 50 years, retired from her storied career.

Geistweidt wrote the column “50 Years Ago in the Standard.” She previously wrote a once-per-month personal column called “Time Pieces” filled with historical and humorous memories and anecdotes from her life growing up on land near the Doss area in northern Gillespie County.

Promotions, new hires and other employment news reported in Texas newspapers and published in the February 2026 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

UVIE BIKOMO

Beaumont Enterprise

BEAUMONT – Uvie Bikomo, formerly audience development editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, has baeen named editor of the Beaumont Enterprise. Bikomo will lead the editorial side of the newspaper and its digital products.

The announcement was made by Hearst Newspapers President Jeff Johnson and Hearst Community Newspapers President Jeff Bergin.

Promotions, new hires and other employment news reported in Texas newspapers and published in the December 2025 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

ALEXANDRA MONTOYA

Marlin Democrat, Rosebud News

MARLIN – Alexandra Montoya has been promoted to the managing editor position for Texas Local Media’s Marlin Democrat and Rosebud News weekly newspapers.

“We have been looking for ways to build up the paper,” Group Publisher Tim Timmons said. “Alex has a long track record with this company and her work has been outstanding.”

Staff report  from the Galveston Daily News

After more than a decade at the helm of The Daily News, Leonard Woolsey will retire from day-to-day duties as publisher Jan. 1, handing the reins of the state’s oldest newspaper to Michelle Robinson, general manager and chief revenue officer.

Robinson will be the first woman to serve as publisher of The Daily News in its 183-year history.

Woolsey will continue as president of Southern Newspapers Inc., the parent company of The Daily News.

Promotions, new hires and other employment news published in Texas Newspapers and reported in the November edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

Shaffer promoted to general manager for DeWitt County Publishing

CUERO – Kayla Lynn Shaffer has been promoted to general manager of DeWitt County Publishing.

Shaffer, a Cuero native, has worked for the Cuero Record and Yorktown View since 2024, starting as bookkeeper and taking on sales and marketing operations as well within a few months. 

MEXIA – Tim Timmons has assumed duties as group publisher for The Cameron Herald, Groesbeck Journal, The Freestone County Recorder-Chronicle in Fairfield, The Marlin Democrat, The Mexia News, The Rosebud News and Thorndale Champion, all owned by Moser Community Media.

GALVESTON  – Michelle Robinson has been promoted to the newly created post of general manager for The Daily News in Galveston.

Robinson is responsible for operational duties of the newspaper and will retain her role as chief revenue officer.

“I am proud of the great work Michelle is doing at The Daily News, changing our digital culture and creating stronger relationships in our community,” said Leonard Woolsey, publisher of The Daily News.