New era for the Gazette: After 41 years of ownership interest, Newtons sell newspaper company to Woodward Communications

P. Carter and Sarah J. Newton announce that they have sold Galena Gazette Publications, Inc., to Woodward Communications, Inc., of Dubuque, Iowa, effective Wednesday, April 12. The transaction involves the sale of The Galena Gazette, founded in 1834, as well as agreements for the publishing of The Galenian, which is owned by the Community Development Fund of Galena.

Health considerations played a major role in the Newtons’ decision to sell the newspaper at this time. Sarah has been treated for cholangeocarcinoma, (bile duct cancer), a treatable but not curable cancer since July 2020.

“We came to the realization that we wanted more time to knock off ‘bucket list’ items,” Carter noted. “We want to spend more time with our children and grandchildren as well as travel. Time has become more precious to us.”

The Newtons have three children. Paul and his wife, Kendall, and their two children live in Jefferson City, Mo.; Jane and her husband, Mike Boruta, live in Grandville, Mich.; and Vincent and his partner, Emily Riley, live in Seattle, Wash.

The Newtons note that they are committed to helping facilitate the transition and are eager to help when needed and want to help and support the new owners in any way they can.

Sarah noted that The Gazette has a long history with Woodward Communications, Inc. A subsidiary of the company, Woodward Printing Services, prints The Gazette and its specialty products and has done so for over 20 years. “We’ve appreciated the quality of service and the quality of their work from their printing press and other related services,” said Sarah.

Sarah also noted that through the years, Gazette staff members have had numerous positive interactions with the staff of the Telegraph Herald, also owned by Woodward Communications, Inc. “Taking this next step seemed like the natural thing to do,” she added

Bob Woodward, Vice-President of Woodward Communications, Inc. said, “We very much respect the important role the Galena Gazette plays in the community and have long admired the great work Carter and Sarah have done with the paper. Local journalism is essential to a strong community and we are looking forward to continuing the legacy the Newtons have entrusted to us.”

The Newtons have a long history at the newspaper. Carter was hired in December 1979 as the managing editor and acquired an ownership interest in January 1982. In December 1985, the Newtons bought out the ownership interest of Sam and Fran Byers. In 2001, Galena Gazette Publications, Inc., purchased the stock held by Bob and Frances Melvold, Maquoketa, Iowa, making the Newtons sole owners of the newspaper. Carter is the longest serving publisher in the newspaper’s history.

“We were blessed to have wonderful partners,” Sarah noted. “More than that, being involved in the newspaper through the years has given us a front-row seat in the happenings of the communities we serve. We’ve been able to meet and work with so many wonderful people.”

In addition to his work at The Gazette, Carter has served as president of both the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association and the Illinois Press Association. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Illinois Press Foundation. Locally, he serves on the boards of directors of Midwest Medical Center, Community Development Fund of Galena and Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Galena.

Sarah is active with the Galena Kiwanis Club, Galena United Methodist Church and is a past board member of The Galena Foundation.

The Newtons plan to continue living in Galena, being involved in area organizations, spending more time with children and grandchildren and traveling.