Record, Czech Center To Manage ‘Texas Polka News’

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center and The Fayette County Record took over management of the Texas Polka News on Aug. 1.

The first issue under the new management comes out this week.

Julius Tupa launched the Texas Polka News newspaper in 1987 with the mission of preserving and promoting polka music and dance. Tupa died in 2002, and his wife, Maire, continued as publisher. Julius’ friend, John Rivald, took the reins as editor.

Rivard stepped down as editor in 2014. Marie Tupa sold the paper that year to Theresa Cernoch Parker, who resumed publication in September 2014. By that time, the paper grew and began covering other genres of dance hall music including country, western swing and cajun.

On Aug. 1, Parker donated the paper to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC). TCHCC teamed up with the Fayette County Record to manage the operations of the Texas Polka News.

Gary E. McKee, long-time writer and editor for the Texas Polka News, will continue covering the polka music scene in Texas and beyond.

Each monthly issue of the paper includes album reviews and radio deejay profiles by Justin Everett, grandson of Texas polka music icon Anton Vrazel. Readers can also keep up with monthly dance listings and the church picnic directory.

The Record’s Andy Behlen now serves as managing editor.

Subscribe to the Texas Polka News for only $25 a year by calling (979) 968-3155 or send a check and your address to P.O. Box 6, La Grange, Texas, 78945.

You can find the Texas Polka News online at www.texaspolkanews.com. Also visit TPN’s sister site, www.polkabeat.com.