New publisher named in Paris, Texas

Relan Walker succeeds J.D. Davidson

Posted

Interim publisher and longtime business manager Relan Walker has assumed the role of publisher of The Paris (Texas) News, Dolph Tillotson, president of Southern Newspapers Inc., has announced.

"Walker is a great asset for our company," Tillotson said. "I'm very happy to announce her promotion to the role of publisher on a permanent basis. She's a good newspaper woman and a good citizen, and I don't know of anyone who has more universal support from her staff."

"I am excited to take this on," Walker said. "My goal has always been and will continue to be the publication of a quality, community-minded newspaper. I will do my best to make sure the employees of The Paris News have the resources and support they need to produce a quality product each day."

A native Parisian, Walker has been employed at The Paris News for more than 31 years.

Walker has also announced two new appointments at the paper:

  • Northeast Texas native and former publisher and editor of the Whitesboro News-Record in Whitesboro, Texas, Austin Lewter has been named as the new managing editor of The Paris News.

    "I am very excited to have someone with Austin's experience of proven success as a leader in the newsroom," Walker said. "He brings with him not only experience in the newspaper industry in multiple positions, but in his community as well. He has served and volunteered his time in the communities in which he has lived. We expect he will make a positive difference in the newspaper and in Paris."

    Lewter grew up in Grayson County and has a degree in journalism from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in mass communication at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

  • Kelsey Wallace was named business manager. "Kelsey has worked here for more than two years in various capacities and has been an asset in every department," Walker said. "She has a get-it-done attitude that will serve her well in her new position and be a benefit to our customers and the community."
Paris, Walker, Tillotson, Southern Newspapers, Lewter, Wallace
Calendar View all