Missouri Press Association

06/11/2026

Whether you call him Dr. Stebbins or Missouri Press Association Executive Director Chad Stebbins, you should definitely call him today to congratulate him on another revolution around the sun. Or send a text. He’d probably appreciate an email too.
The important thing is that we wish Chad the happiest of birthdays today.
You could probably respond to this post with a well wish of some kind also … he’ll see it!
Happy Birthday, Chad!

06/01/2026

In recognition of their professional excellence, four journalists have been selected by Missouri Press Association to receive this year’s William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist award.
MPA President Bryan Chester announced Miranda Jamison of Richmond, Marta Mieze of Springfield, Christopher Parker of Richmond Heights and Abby Stetina of Imperial will each receive a plaque and a check for $500 during Missouri Press’ Annual Convention and Trade Show awards brunch, Saturday, Sept. 26, in Columbia.
Chester said it is important Missouri Press’ member newspapers celebrate the industry’s young talent and show appreciation for the next generation of journalists in what is an increasingly demanding profession. This marks the 18th year for Missouri Press to recognize young journalists with this award, as well as the 14th being named in honor of the late William E. James.
Find out more about each awardee in this month's Missouri Press News, available online at www.mopress.com.

05/14/2026

MPA Legislative Director Doug Crews and others worked really hard on this bill, which still must be signed by Gov. Kehoe. It finally made its way through all the legislative hurdles, thanks to Doug and Rep. Peggy McGaugh's perseverance.

House Bill 1940, sponsored by Rep. Peggy McGaugh was Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed.

In the Senate, language regarding the bond election was added to this bill to address issues found by the State Auditor. This addition allows the county clerks and election authorities the option to mail or email this notice.

05/06/2026

Love the "A day from hail" headline in the Greene County Commonwealth, based on last week's horrific hailstorm in the Springfield-Ash Grove area.

04/23/2026

Throwback Thursday: In the early 1960s, members of the Missouri Press Association formed a golf team to take on the Kansas Press Association every year. (MPA usually won.) Organized by 1964 MPA President Jac W. Zimmerman, publisher of the Willow Springs News, the team consisted of (left to right) Bill Bray, Jay Graff, Wayne Freeman, Pete Steiner, Zimmerman, and (standing) Bob Bowling and Jim Kirkpatrick.

04/22/2026

Do you play golf? Well, have we got a deal for you! For only $75, you can play a round of golf and support the Missouri Press Foundation's summer internship program at the same time!

Can't be in Hermann for the golf tournament? You can still be a sponsor!

Don't like golf but like to watch people hit tiny balls with sticks? Join us at 11 a.m. June 4, at Loutre Shore Country Club in Hermann!

Register here: https://bit.ly/26MPAGolf

04/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended and made for a great day at the Missouri Press Advertising and Marketing Executives meeting in Jefferson City. Stephanie Schumer-Vandeven marked her second year as president with a day of learning that began with Marty Goodnight, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal, followed by an afternoon panel discussion that included Dennis Warden, Bryan Chester, Gina Raffety and Jeanine York. Also, thank you to everyone who led the roundtable discussions.

Finally, a big congratulations to Stephanie Letner, who is this year’s Dee Hamilton Sales Pro. She was nominated by Jackson Cash-Book Journal publisher Gina Raffety and joined at the MPAME awards lunch by Denise Slinkard.

Here’s looking forward to next year! Look for more information from Missouri Press in the coming months.

04/09/2026

Throwback Thursday: MPA past presidents in 1985 (front row, left to right): J. Porter Fisher, New London, 1971; J.J. Graf, Hermann, 1966; W.L. Simpson, Holden, 1957; Mrs. Avis Tucker, Warrensburg, 1982; Joe Synder, Gallatin, 1975; John Henry Cox, Rock Port, 1979; Jim Sterling, Bolivar, 1985.
(Back row, left to right): Dean Emeritus Earl English, University of Missouri School of Journalism; Bill D. Williams, Thayer, 1974; Rogers Hewitt, Shelbyville, 1980; Robert M. White II, Mexico, 1984; James C. Kirkpatrick, Windsor, 1959; Robert Blosser, Jefferson City, 1976; Wallace Vernon, Eldon, 1973; Vic Gierke, Louisiana, 1961; and Bill Bray, MPA executive director.

04/06/2026

Kent Ford is celebrating another birthday today! Kent served as MPA's editor from 1989 to 2014. He previously worked at newspapers in Poplar Bluff and Council Bluffs before purchasing the weekly newspaper in Oregon, Missouri. He and his wife, Sharon, published that paper for eight years. If you bump into Kent around Columbia, slap him on the back and congratulate him for being an all-around good guy and dedicated journalist.