Powerhouse Trio Gather for Local Press Even

Former Governor Rick Perry, Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp and Fayette County Judge Joe Weber are old college buddies whose friendship was first forged as students at Texas A&M 52 years ago.

Friday the trio of distinguished public servants reunited for a roundtable discussion about a wide-range of topics as part of the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association’s 83rd annual convention at Camp Tejas.

The trio told some funny old stories, talked about some current hot topics facing the state of Texas, and Perry, who has twice run for President, and even served as U.S. Energy secretary under Donald Trump, was even asked about his future plans for seeking office – he said that time has past, by the way.

But mostly the trio talked about the media –the polarizing effect cable television news has had on the nation, and how much they respect small rural newspapers.

“Corporate entities are interested more in the bottom line than they are about the truth,” Perry told the attendees. “Small town rural newspaper are the last bastion of integrity (in the media). What you do is important to the future of the republic. Thank you for what you are doing. Your work had continued to give me hope for the future of our state.”

Another of the featured speakers had local connections. Mike Wallace, a former journalism instructor at La Grange High School, who is now a professor at Concordia University, talked to the attendees about the current state of journalism, and also gave some history and updates on his uncle, famed newscaster Dan Rather, who will turn 90 later this year.

Also part of the convention was the announcement of numerous journalism awards.

Sweepstakes awards went to the Flatonia Argus in Division I (smallest newspapers), the Port Aransas South Jetty Division II and the Polk County Enterprise in Division III

Competing in the largest circulation category, The Fayette County Record fared well.

Here’s the awards won by the Record:

First Place Special Section, for last year’s Vine and Stein publication

First Place Humorous Column Writing, for work done by Jeff Wick

First place in Feature Photos by work done by Andy Behlen

First Place in Advertising Design, for work done by John Castaneda

First place in Serious Column Writing, for work done by Jeff Wick

First place Website for work done by Andy Behlen

Second Place in Community Service, for a series on youth mental health

Second Place in Headline Writing, for work done by Jeff Wick

Second Place in Sports Coverage, for work done by Jeff Wick

Second Place in General Excellence

Second Place in Feature Writing for work done by Jeff Wick

Third Place in News Writing, for work done by Andy Behlen

Third Place in Sports Photography for work done by Jeff Wick.