With the North and East Texas Press Association’s 91st annual convention set March 16-18, entry deadline for the regional group’s newspaper contest is fast approaching.

Contest entries are due Feb. 5, according to Todd A. Griffith, NETPA contest chairman. Awards will be presented at the NETPA convention in Sulphur Springs. 

The best examples of journalism and community service are celebrated each year through the Texas Press Association Better Newspaper Contest. 

This year, the contest entry period opens Feb. 15. TPA members are invited to upload entries through the Texas BNC online contest platform. Deadline for entries is 5 p.m. March 23.

Q: I am new to Texas and want to check on laws regarding the advertising of alcohol and tobacco products in print and online that are specific to tobacco barns and liquor stores. 

A: First, here is a link to a list of laws affecting advertising in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage code:

A tight budget picture and brutal fights over “red meat” issues such as school bathrooms and sanctuary cities are expected to dominate the 85th session of the Texas Legislature. 

Government transparency issues championed by the Texas Press Association Legislative Advisory Committee will have to compete for legislators’ time and attention.

GATESVILLE – Debbie Day has succeeded her husband, the late Marshall Day, as publisher of The Gatesville Messenger.

“I am honored to have been Marshall’s wife and I am honored to carry on Marshall’s legacy,” Day said. “He taught me this business and I will run the newspaper just like he did – nothing will change.”

GONZALES – Kevin Wright has assumed duties as publisher of the Gonzales Inquirer. 

Wright, who came to Gonzales from Ureka Springs, Arkansas, got his start in newspapers in 1982 with Jim Chionsini, who, at that time, had a newspaper in Ulysses, Kansas.