5 Shocking Facts About The Cherokeean Herald: Texas' Oldest Weekly Newspaper In Rusk, Texas
The Cherokeean Herald in Rusk, Texas, remains a vital and surprisingly current source of local news, a testament to its incredible longevity as the oldest continuously published weekly newspaper in the entire state of Texas. As of this December 20, 2025, the paper is not only active but is aggressively covering major local developments, including significant decisions by the Cherokee County Commissioners and critical environmental rulings that impact the East Texas region.
The paper's 170-year history is a deep well of Texas heritage, yet its current operations are focused squarely on the future, driven by a recent change in ownership and a renewed pledge to hyper-local, community-centric journalism that keeps Rusk and Cherokee County residents informed on issues that truly matter to their daily lives.
The Enduring Legacy of Texas' Oldest Weekly Newspaper: A Historical Profile
The history of the Cherokeean Herald is intrinsically linked with the history of Rusk and Cherokee County itself, providing a continuous narrative of the region since before the Civil War. Its roots extend back to 1850, a time when Texas was still a young state.
- Founding Year: 1850
- Designation: Texas' oldest continuously published weekly newspaper.
- Historical Marker: A state historical marker designates its significance in Rusk, Texas.
- Original Titles: The paper evolved from earlier publications like The Cherokee Herald (1890) and The Rusk Cherokeean (1921-1959).
- Modern Merger: The current title, The Cherokeean Herald, was established in 1989 following the merger of the Rusk Cherokeean and the Alto Herald under the direction of the Whitehead family.
- Pioneer Broadcaster Connection: Former owner Marie Whitehead, widow of state Rep. Emmett H. Whitehead, was a pioneer broadcaster and also owned radio stations KTLU-AM and KWRW-FM in Rusk, highlighting the family's deep media roots in the community.
This deep historical foundation establishes the paper not merely as a business, but as a crucial pillar of community memory and accountability. The archives, available in digital form, offer a rich, chronological look at life in East Texas across three centuries.
The New Era: Recent Ownership and a Renewed Focus on Rusk, Texas
In a significant development that ensures the newspaper's future relevance, the Cherokeean Herald underwent a recent change in ownership, ushering in a new era of local management. This transition signifies a powerful commitment to keeping the paper’s focus tightly on the needs of its immediate readership.
On January 1, new owners John and Penny Hawkins acquired the newspaper. The Hawkins are familiar faces within Rusk, having worked with the paper previously, which provides a seamless transition and an inherent understanding of the community's journalistic needs.
John Hawkins now serves as the general manager and publisher, and both he and Penny have publicly pledged to concentrate their efforts on comprehensive local coverage. This focus is critical in an age where many small-town newspapers are being absorbed by large, non-local corporate entities, often leading to a dilution of true community reporting.
The acquisition, whether from a previous owner like LCP or a direct transfer, has been framed as a move to reinforce the paper’s dedication to the people of Rusk and Cherokee County. Their goal is to ensure that the vital stories—from school board decisions to county commissioner meetings—are reported accurately and accessibly, maintaining the paper's role as the community's primary watchdog and information hub.
Current Hot Topics and Key Entities in the Cherokeean Herald's Headlines
The recent editions of the Cherokeean Herald demonstrate the paper’s commitment to covering impactful, up-to-the-minute local and regional news. The following entities and topics have been prominently featured in late 2025, providing a snapshot of the issues currently dominating the conversation in Rusk, Texas, and the surrounding Cherokee County.
1. Cherokee County Commissioners and the DHS 287g Program
One of the most significant and potentially controversial topics covered recently is the Cherokee County Commissioners' decision to approve an agreement for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) 287g Program. This program allows the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office to enter into a partnership with DHS, effectively deputizing local law enforcement officers to perform certain federal immigration functions.
The paper’s coverage of the December 9, 2025, vote is essential for local residents, as it details the implications of the program on law enforcement, community relations, and local governance. This type of high-stakes, local political reporting is a hallmark of the Cherokeean Herald's value.
2. Protection of the East Texas Aquifer
Environmental and resource management issues are also a major focus, reflecting the importance of water to the region. The Cherokeean Herald reported on a crucial legal development where a judge upheld decisions aimed at protecting the East Texas Aquifer. This ruling, covered in a November 26, 2025, report, has long-term implications for the water supply and environmental health of Cherokee County and beyond.
The East Texas Aquifer is a critical natural resource, and the paper's attention to legal battles and governmental decisions surrounding its protection highlights their role in advocating for the region's sustainability.
3. Local Law Enforcement Honors and Community Recognition
Beyond politics and environment, the newspaper consistently celebrates local achievements and community figures. A recent story highlighted Rusk Police Chief Scott Heagney, who was the latest recipient of the Law Enforcement Command Officer Professional honors, awarded by the Texas Police Chiefs Association.
These features on local heroes and professional achievements are vital for maintaining community morale and recognizing the dedication of public servants like Chief Heagney.
The Future of Local Journalism in Cherokee County
The continued operation and recent revitalization of the Cherokeean Herald are a powerful counter-narrative to the national trend of disappearing local newspapers. Its ability to pivot to current, high-impact stories—from the DHS 287g agreement to the protection of the East Texas Aquifer—proves its ongoing relevance.
The dedication of the new publishers, John and Penny Hawkins, to maintain a hyper-local focus ensures that the people of Rusk and Cherokee County will continue to have a reliable, deeply-rooted source of news. In a world saturated with national headlines, the Cherokeean Herald remains the essential voice for the oldest continuously published weekly newspaper in Texas, connecting generations of readers to the heart of their community.
To stay informed on the latest developments in Rusk, Texas, and Cherokee County, residents are encouraged to subscribe to the paper, which offers both print and online access to breaking news and community updates.
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