Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
On the Move
Joplin — Katherine Miller has been named publisher of The Joplin Globe. The appointment is somewhat of a homecoming for Miller, who is a native of Joplin and began her career at The Globe in 1996 as an advertising representative and eventually becoming assistant sales manager.
“I am very excited to be back in Joplin where I grew up, began my career and raised my children,” Miller told readers. “Joplin has always been the place I call home, and I look forward to spending my time getting reacquainted with the community.”
In 2023, Miller was named publisher of The Norman Transcript and the Chickasha Express-Star in Oklahoma, and she will continue in that role along with her duties in Joplin. Before that, she was a group publisher for three newspapers in Alabama owned by CNHI, parent company of the Globe and Transcript.
West Plains — Abby Hess is the new general manager of the Daily Quill, a role she took on in mid-January. Celebrating her 10th anniversary with the newspaper last month, Hess had previously been managing editor and worked as news editor before then.
In her new role, Hess will oversee office operations at the Quill and continue her duties as editor, including working directly with reporters and the community to emphasize local news coverage in the print publication and online.
“We are turning a new page at the Quill,” said Hess. “We are committed to including your voices, telling your stories and sharing your perspectives on what it means to be a part of this vibrant community. I want you to know my door is always open, and I’m excited to hear from you your ideas for what comes next.”
Salem — Donald Dodd, publisher of Salem Publishing Company, announced his plans to retire following the sale of The Salem News, Pulaski County Weekly and Phelps County Focus to Carpenter Media Group. Dodd was publisher in Salem since 1995 and owned the newspapers with his wife, Felicia.
Before coming to Missouri, Dodd had been a journalist in Mississippi since 1980. He worked as a sports columnist and editor, first for the Daily News in Starkville, Miss. and later joining the staff of the Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
In writing his farewell to readers, Dodd said, “It’s been almost 29 years, one month since we made the drive on a snow-covered Highway 32/72 from Ridgeland, Mississippi, to Salem, Missouri. I wondered if I’d regret it. I haven’t. You have been a joy.”
Cape Girardeau — Lucas Presson, the former general manager and assistant publisher of the Southeast Missourian, left Rust Commun-ications in late January. Along with leaving the newspaper industry, Presson resigned from the Missouri Press Association Board of Directors, on which he had served for several years.
Presson has joined the Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development Inc. as director of business growth and innovation.
In an announcement of his departure, Presson told Missourian readers he is grateful for the opportunities afforded him over the 14 years he worked at the newspaper company. “Local media plays a vital role in a community, and this team truly exemplifies how to do it the right way,” he said.
Scrapbook
Salem — Carpenter Media Group announced in late January it would acquire Salem Publishing Company. Owned by Donald and Felicia Dodd, Salem Publishing operates The Salem News, Phelps County Focus, Pulaski County Weekly, as well as specialty publications, a commercial printing plant and a sign company.
The Dodds have published the Salem newspaper since 1995 and added to the group in that time. They plan to retire following the sale to Carpenter Media Group (CMG).
Catherine Wynn, the Dodd’s daughter and editor for Salem Publishing’s newspapers, will remain and manage the properties under CMG’s ownership.
Salem Publishing’s print circulation is 14,300, reaching an estimated 40,040 readers per week in Phelps, Dent, Pulaski and adjoining counties. The publications’ websites have averaged more than three million pageviews per year for the past few years and have over 32,000 followers on social media.
CMG purchased Phillips Media Group and Nowata Printing in Springfield in 2024. The company now owns and manages newspapers, magazines and hyperlocal news websites serving more than 240 communities in the U.S. and Canada.
