Reynolds to lead Texas newspaper group

Rick Reynolds, publisher of The Troy, Alabama Messenger since 1990 and vice-president of Boone Newspapers, Inc. of Tuscaloosa, Alabama has resigned to accept the position of president of Granite Publications of Burnet, Texas. Granite Publications operates 15 newspapers and two central printing facilities in south-central Texas.

Reynolds has worked in newspapers in Alabama since 1987 when first joining the Boone Newspaper group in Selma, Alabama. Reynolds also served as publisher of The Franklin County Times from 1987-90. He began his newspaper career in 1982 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Reynolds has served on a number of local boards and committees while at The Messenger including service as Chairman of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Drive Chairman of the Pike County United Way, Chairman of the Jean Lake Festival Committee, Co-chair of the Pike County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and on the boards of the Troy City Schools Education Foundation, and the Troy State University Publications Committee, among others. Reynolds was also active with The Alabama Press Association serving on the Association’s Foundation Board, which awards scholarships to journalism students and serving on the APA Better Newspaper Contest Committee.

Reynolds is an active Rotarian. He and his wife Patti, son Brian 16 and daughter Kinsey, 10 are all members of First Baptist Church, Troy. Patti, an aerobics instructor at Troy Health and Fitness, served as president of the Troy Charity League and on executive committees of both the Troy Jr. Women’s League and PTO. Brian currently serves on the Troy Public Library Teen Advisory Board. Both children are active leaders in student government associations in the Troy City School System.

"To leave Troy was one of the toughest decisions we’ve ever had to make."

Reynolds said of his family’s decision to relocate to Texas. "We will certainly miss Troy, our friends and our involvement in this wonderful community. We will always call Troy home, considering this not a relocation, but more like Trojans on mission. And, I leave confident that the community leadership demonstrated by the staff of The Messenger will continue."

Graning named publisher of Messenger

Stacy Grantland Graning has been named president of Troy Publications, Inc. and publisher of the Troy Messenger and Messenger Bonus. She begins work in Troy on Monday, Sept. 24.

Graning, 35, has been editor of The Natchez (Miss.) Democrat, an award-winning daily newspaper in southwest Mississippi. During her tenure as editor, the newspaper and its staff have won state, regional and national acclaim for writing, design, photography and community service. The paper has been recognized for the past four years as the state’s best community newspaper.

"The Messenger has a long and important history of serving the Troy community, and I’m honored to be able to be a part of the paper’s future," Graning said. "Rick Reynolds has created a committed team of professionals, and I’m looking forward to working with them."

Raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Graning is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. She began her journalism career with The Democrat, like The Messenger a part of the Boone Newspapers organization.

She also worked previously as a director of development for a Catholic church and school in Natchez.

Graning was an active member of the Natchez community, having served as a vice president for the Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce; president of the Leadership Natchez Board of Directors; president of the Junior Auxiliary of Natchez, Inc.; a United Way company campaign chairman; and as a member of many local civic organizations. Professionally, she served as a vice president of the Mississippi-Louisiana Associated Press Managing Editors Association and as a committee chairman and speaker with the Mississippi Press Association.

She is the mother of two sons, Thomas, 7, and Wright, 4.