Kevin Hensley
It has been far too long since I have talked with you, our faithful readers of The Graham Star.
A lot has happened. A lot. We are now owned by a new company, but the continued effort to deliver quality journalism has remained at the forefront through the transition.
Since I am not above admitting when I am wrong, I will readily admit that I dropped the ball when it came to announcing what changes accompany the acquisition.
On the same page where we list our clarifications and corrections, I have some long-winded explanations to make. Please view this column as my attempt to achieve the goal:
* We are now owned by Paxton Media Group, which is based in Paducah, Ky. The Star was purchased in a package deal with eight other newspapers across western North Carolina and North Georgia.
* I learned of the purchase outside the Graham County Courthouse, after stepping out of a hearing you might have read about in these very pages. It was also deadline day, which was the double whammy. To simplify, I had 12 hours notice about the pending transaction – before it was announced to all nine of the newspapers involved in the acquisition. We officially became a member of the Paxton family at midnight March 28.
* The purchase has led to all of us having to learn new systems, whether it be for bookkeeping purposes or for the content you read inside our pages (more on that in a moment). After growing accustomed to a standard process for well over a decade, I will admit that picking up new, internal formats has brought on a list of growing pains. As always, we have persevered.
* Pagination of The Star (the design and selection of where stories are placed on a page) is now handled at a central hub, utilized by all Paxton Media newspapers. Perhaps this has been the biggest adjustment of all. The newsprint dropped to a smaller width and the mailing label is now at the top-right corner of the front page, but I am certain many have instead noted the changes to our presentation. Paxton Media Group owns over 120 newspapers in the Midwest and Southeast, so we are now part of a bigger machine that delivers each of its community staples with a similar look.
* We now print in Sevierville, Tenn., and The Star is delivered – along with other publications – for pick-up Wednesday night. This is why many of you have been unable to find the latest edition on Wednesday afternoons, when we typically had the papers distributed and ready for purchase. We now complete all distribution Thursday mornings.
Community Newspapers, Inc., purchased The Star in 1988 and we felt right at home during the entirety of our time under its umbrella. Now, we look forward to the Paxton Era of The Star, as Paxton Media fully supports our initiative to be a hub in this community. We're not going anywhere.
The Star has been readily dedicated to delivering high-quality journalism from this wonderful place we call home for 71 years. At the end of next month, we turn 72 – and our commitment to being the one-stop shop for community news has yet to be defeated by Father Time. The staff remains the same. Our mission to tell your stories still drives what we do, week in and week out – no matter what speed bump may come our way.
The newsroom is still open – it's just virtual now, but you can still call us or email us with questions, news tips, or just to chat. We love hearing from you and ask for your continued support, as we work weekly to be the most-accurate source for what's new around town.
Remember, Facebook may be free, but the social media rumor mill often matches the quality of that same low price.
As always, thanks for reading.
Kevin Hensley is the publisher/editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached via phone, 828-479-3383; email, editor@grahamstar.com; or on X, @KevinHensleyCNI.