11/19/2025
Valued readers,
In 2015, on the heels of the death of Roland Doroff, Star Publications purchased the Sauk Rapids Herald. Three years later, we acquired Benton County News as Ron Youso put down the pen and retired.
For 10 years, our dedicated staff has shared the heartbeat of Benton County through coverage of countless community events; city, county, church and school happenings; area athletics; and the everyday but important stories of people like you and me.
Today, we pledge to continue that effort, but with some changes.
Beginning Dec. 6, the Sauk Rapids Herald and Benton County News will become one. This county-wide publication — Benton County Herald — will serve the same communities we do now but with additional coverage to our county borders.
Those living in the zip codes of Foley, Gilman and Oak Park will have access to the paper through the same requester format that has been provided to Sauk Rapids and Rice residents since 2018. Simply provide your name, address, phone number and email, and an edition can be delivered to your mailbox in print and/or online at no charge.
The paper will be published and delivered Saturdays, and Benton County Herald will continue to have a physical office with walk-in access in Sauk Rapids. I will remain the publication’s editor, with Tim Hennagir, Evan Michealson, Tom Fenton and other Star Publications staff members providing your county coverage.
This decision will enable us to continue the quality reporting you’ve grown to know.
Star Publications is committed to being the best community newspaper this area has to offer. If at any time you have suggestions, story leads, comments or concerns, we want to hear them. Please email [email protected].
After all, sharing your stories and supporting your businesses is what keeps print alive in Benton County.
Sincerely,
Natasha Barber on behalf of the
Star Publications ownership team
