Happy New Year!

Every year seems to pass a little faster the older I get. The funny thing about that realization is that newspapers force you to confront time head-on, every single week. From the headline banner on page one that shows the issue number and publication date, to the date stamped across every inside page, time is always staring back at me. I change those dates weekly, and every time I do, it gives me a brief moment of pause to reflect on what just passed.

As I strip away last week’s news and replace it with fresh copy, new advertisements, updated calendars and the latest jail logs, I naturally reflect on the week behind us. You would think that working so closely with the passage of time would somehow make it slow down. It doesn’t. If anything, it seems to speed things up.

In February 2025, I returned to Robertson County after completing a 13-month stint with Moser Community Media, where I worked to stabilize and rebuild The Light and Champion in Center. As the calendar turned to 2025, I faced a major decision. After a lot of thought, prayer and discussion, I chose to come home and resume my duties at the Robertson County News. It felt like the right call, especially knowing that my son, Roy McCoy, had kept the paper viable and moving forward during my absence.

Veronica and I returned quietly, without much fanfare. There were a few welcome homes and a handful of encouraging comments like, “You’re back running the paper, right?” The early months rolled along smoothly, but it quickly became clear that change was still coming, and coming fast.

One of the first major decisions involved downsizing. The 3,600-square-foot Fourth Street building was simply too much space to maintain in today’s newspaper world. We put the building up for sale and began searching for a new home. When we found the space at 305 Cedar Street, we knew immediately it was the right fit. Smaller, more efficient and exactly what we needed for the next chapter.

Then, right in the middle of that move, an opportunity surfaced that simply could not be ignored. In truth, it was more of an emergency than an opportunity. A phone call came in with a stark message: if I did not buy The Silsbee Bee, the paper would close. We had 20 days to make it happen.

Anyone who has ever bought or sold a business knows that 20 days is not how these things are done. Nothing goes smoothly without at least one hiccup, and this was no exception. Still, against the odds, it got done. On June 2, The Silsbee Bee officially became part of Phillips Publishing and found a new home.

What followed was a whirlwind. Moving the Robertson County News, taking over operations at The Bee, relocating that office as well, hiring staff, stabilizing production and rebuilding community trust all happened in rapid succession. The weeks passed faster than a 102-mile-per-hour fastball. Somehow, though, the work got done.

It has only been six months since the purchase of The Bee, and already we are deep into another major project. I can’t share the details just yet, but when it is finished, you will understand just how big it truly is. I promise.

Is there time to breathe in this business? Not really. But with an incredible new staff at The Bee and a streamlined, experienced team in Robertson County, Veronica and I feel incredibly blessed. In my 30 years in the newspaper business, I have never seen things move this fast. What surprises me most is that with the right people in place, it never felt like work.

As we head into a new year, I want to offer three heartfelt thank-yous.

First, to the communities we serve. Our readers are the heartbeat of these newspapers, and we are grateful beyond words. Thank you for your patience and understanding, especially in Silsbee, where the team is still finding its footing. That patience is helping build a newspaper you can truly be proud of. And in Robertson County, after 15 years, you already know how much this place and these people mean to me.

Second, to the staff of Phillips Publishing. What an incredible job you did in 2025. Fair warning, we are just getting warmed up. 2026 is going to be something special as we continue to grow alongside our communities and alongside each other. I won’t list every name here, but please know this thanks comes from both Veronica and me. We are family, and we will succeed as a family.

Finally, and most importantly, thanks to God for His grace, patience and guidance. Nothing we do has real value without His direction.

With that, Happy New Year. May 2026 bring success, purpose and joy. I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year. Now, let’s get back to work. Take care, y’all.