The Inyo Register, the oldest hometown news source for Inyo County, began as a weekly publication called The Inyo Independent in 1870. Chalfant, The Independent ultimately spawned a series of community newspapers operated by Chalfant Press, Inc. Those papers included the Owens Valley Progress-Citizen, The Inyo Register and The Bridgeport Chronicle-Union and The Mono Herald in Mono County. Chalfant, assumed the leadership of the newspapers when his father was elected county assessor in 1887. Chalfant oversaw the newspapers until 1942. He remained editor emeritus of The Inyo Register until his death on Nov. 5, 1945. Chalfant remains one of the most beloved journalist figures of the early 20th Century, having been fondly named the "Dean of the California Newspaper Editors." Chalfant Press was eventually purchased in 1942 and operated by Todd Watkins and Owen F. While Watkins oversaw the newspaper, Cooper handled the business' commercial printing operation. Both men played an active role in the community with Watkins earning recognition throughout the state for his community-based journalism. Watkins and Cooper sold the plant and its newspapers to brothers C. Deane and Ron Funk in 1983. The Funks, the former owners of The Santa Monica Evening Outlook, and later co-publisher Pete Doughtie, operated Chalfant Press until 1996. Under their direction, the newspapers were streamlined into The Inyo Register, serving all of Inyo County, and The Review-Herald, serving all of Mono County. The Inyo Register also increased its publication frequency from once a week to twice a week, and finally to its current three times a week status. In 1996, Edward W. Scripps III purchased The Inyo Register, The Review-Herald and the commercial print shop. Shortly thereafter the print shop and the company's book publishing efforts were sold to M. Peter Korngiebel. The print shop continues to operate today as Community Printing and Publishing. Scripps re-christened the newspaper operation as Register-Review Publishing. Under his direction, RRP continued to produce niche products including The Eastern Sierra Fishing and Vacation Guide, The Bishop Visitors Guide, The Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair Guide and many other such publications. In 1999, American Publishing Co. purchased The Inyo Register from Scripps. The Review-Herald ceased publication in November 1999, ending a 137-year Mono County tradition. However, the purchase of The Mammoth Times by American Publishing that same year ensured a continued print presence in Mono County. In 2000, Horizon Publications USA bought The Inyo Register and in 2001, it also purchased The Mammoth Times. The Inyo Register remains steadfastedly true to its history as a community-based newspaper. The newsapaper staff strives daily to produce the most complete and most accurate publication possible, and remains open to constructive suggestions which will better the newspaper for all its readers.
