84R1237 RA-D
By: Clardy H.R. No. 117
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Cherokeean Herald in Rusk, which has been
recognized as the oldest, continuously operated, weekly newspaper
in Texas, is celebrating its 165th anniversary in 2015; and
WHEREAS, First published on February 27, 1850, as the
Cherokee Sentinel, the local weekly underwent a number of name
changes before its establishment as the Rusk Cherokeean in 1923;
when the Alto Herald was absorbed by the paper in 1989, the
publication became known as the Cherokeean Herald; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, this venerable publication has
benefited from the contributions of several well-known public
figures; in 1867, at the age of 16, future governor James Stephen
Hogg was hired by the paper as a typesetter, and its roster of
previous publishers and owners includes U.S. Congressman John
Benjamin Long and State Representatives Wallace M. Ellis and Emmett
Whitehead; Mr. Whitehead and his wife, Marie, bought the newspaper
in 1950, and the Whitehead family continues to own and operate it
today; in 2001, an Official State Historical Marker recognized the
Cherokeean's long record of service to the East Texas community;
and
WHEREAS, Local, independent newspapers are a vital and valued
part of their readers' lives, and for well more than a century and a
half, the Cherokeean Herald has done an outstanding job of keeping
the residents of Rusk and Cherokee Counties informed and
enlightened; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the Cherokeean Herald on the occasion of
its 165th anniversary and extend to all those associated with the
paper sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Cherokeean Herald as an expression of high regard
by the Texas House of Representatives.