Many local newspapers in the United States are being bought by large companies. Over half of the daily newspapers now belong to a few big media groups. However, in one county in Georgia, a different story is happening.
On July 16, 2026, Evan Newton, a 25-year-old who grew up in the area, officially took over The Monticello News. This newspaper has been serving Jasper County since 1881. Newton, who graduated from the local high school seven years ago, is likely one of the youngest newspaper owners in the country.
Newton decided to buy the newspaper because of problems in the news industry. Before this, he was the managing editor at The Covington News. He led his team to win awards and improved the newspaper's online presence. However, a large company eventually bought that newspaper. Seeing this, Newton realized he needed to act to protect community journalism.
He saw an opportunity in Monticello. Newton knows Jasper County well, as he grew up there. He studied communication at Georgia College & State University and even worked as an intern for The Monticello News in 2023. He said it feels like a "full-circle moment" to go from being a reader and intern to the owner.
Newton is taking over from Kathy Mudd, who has run the paper since the late 1990s. Her parents had bought it in 1975. Mudd supports Newton, saying he understands the importance of both the printed paper and digital news.
Newton plans to update the newspaper's look, which hasn't changed much in over 20 years. He will focus more on local sports, community stories, and online features. He wants to improve the website and social media presence to match the quality of the weekly paper. Newton believes that local ownership helps build trust with readers, allowing them to connect with the people behind the news.