Democrat Tribune coming July 1

When Democrat readers pick up their papers next Wednesday they will find their hometown newspaper has a new name. As of July 1, the Trumann Democrat will merge with its sister paper, the Tri-City Tribune, to form a countywide newspaper.

The newly-formed Poinsett County Democrat Tribune will continue to cover news in Lepanto, Marked Tree, Tyronza and Trumann but will expand to also cover Harrisburg and other areas in the county as well.

"Readers will find their newspapers are available for sale at all the same spots they always purchased them with the addition of a few more locations," said Samantha Martin, managing editor of both papers.

Martin said subscribers will also continue to receive their newspapers without any action on their part.

"We're excited about offering a bigger, better newspaper," said Martin. "Our readers can expect the same locally focused news, sports and feature stories in addition to more news about what's going on in other areas of the county."

Martin said both the Tribune and the Trumann Democrat always have prided themselves in being extensively involved in the communities they serve and plan to continue those efforts.

"We're proceeding forward with our full staff so you will still see us at your civic club meetings and city council meetings just as you always have," said Martin. "This is not about cutting back on news coverage of our local towns but rather about expanding what we have to offer our readers and advertisers."

"We believe Poinsett County and its communities have a good future, and we hope to help play an integral role in that growth and development," Kemp said. "Our goal is to publish a strong newspaper that will cover the news in an interesting and professional manner and to provide an effective marketing tool for our advertisers. We firmly believe this new expanded newspaper will serve the people of Poinsett County well."

The home office for the Democrat Tribune will be located at 201 Highway 463 South in Trumann.

"We have always been proud to be a community-oriented newspaper and that will not change," said Martin. "We take seriously our job to record the history of our area and bring current, relevant news to our readers. We have always appreciated the support of our communities and look forward to continuing those relationships in the future."

See next week's first edition of the Democrat Tribune for a complete listing of places to purchase the paper county wide.