RUST BUYS BALANCE OF NEWSPAPERS' SHARES

Gary W. Rust, co-owner of The Daily Statesman in Dexter and The Daily Dunklin Democrat in Kennett, purchased the shares of co-owner Sherm Smith Wednesday.

In making the ownership transition, Barbara Hill was named publisher of The Daily Statesman and acting General Manager of The Daily Dunklin Democrat.

Hill will also serve on the Family Network of Newspapers management committee in which Rust has ownership, including the Southeast Missourian in Cape Girardeau and the Daily American Republic in Poplar Bluff.

Other members of the management committee include Don Schrieber of the Daily American Republic, and Peter Kinder and Dick Caldwell of the Southeast Missourian.

The group purchases its supplies together, and networks in providing advertising and news opportunities for the communities they serve.

Hill, in discussing her new role at both Southeast Missouri newspapers commented, "I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve with this management team and play a key role in the day to day operations in both Dexter and Kennett."

She continued, "I have spent my life in the field of journalism, and have tried to exemplify the highest standards of a journalist.

"The philosophy of the family group has always been to serve the community - and this will continue," Hill stressed.

"Both staffs have hard working individuals who take pride in their work and together we will continue to strive to publish the best product possible," she emphasized.

Hill has 29 years of journalism experience, and has worked in various departments of the newspaper over the years including news, advertising and circulation as well as general management.

She presently serves as secretary of the Southeast Missouri Press Association and in 1980-81 was president of the Missouri Ad Managers Association.

Throughout the years she has been active in community affairs. Three years ago she was instrumental in forming the Heartland Writers Guild and served two years as president of the organization.

She and her husband Harold reside in Dexter, and are the parents of one child, a daughter, Pam Kinnevan, of Eagle River, Alaska.

Hill concluded by saying, "The challenge of this new position is exciting and I am looking forward to continuing the many friendships I have made in Dexter and to making many new ones in Kennett."

A number of continued improvements are planned and the operations will continue with their present management and staff.

Sherm Smith, who owned the Stoddard County News for a number of years before purchasing The Daily Statesman, has elected to devote his energies to his other investments and plans to continue to live in Dexter. He will serve as a consultant to both Dexter and Kennett newspapers.