San Saba News and Star acquires Levelland and Hockley News-Press

LEVELLAND – Stephen and Pat Henry have sold the Levelland and Hockley County News-Press to Brett Wesner and his San Saba News and Star corporation.
Wesner owns the Lamb County Leader-News in Littlefield, purchased from the Henrys in 2013, and the Castro County News in Dimmit. He serves as chairman of the National Newspaper Association and is principal in Central Oklahoma Publications, which owns several newspapers in that state. He also owns the newspaper in Gallup, New Mexico.
With the purchase of the News-Press, Wesner has three county-seat newspapers serving residents in four counties along US 385.
“I grew up knowing the importance of the local newspaper and the impact it can have in our communities,” Wesner said. “In working with local editorial and advertising staffs at what is now 12 communities in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, I have tried to continue that tradition.”
The Henrys acquired the News-Press and its corporation, Hockley County Publishing Co., Inc. from Roberts Publishing Company in 1993, after having managed the business since 1978. They will continue to make their home in Levelland.
The Henrys said their decision to sell the newspaper came with mixed emotions. They said they felt it was time to “pass ownership to someone with new ideas and energy and who understands the changes being undergone by media companies.”