On Jan. 1, The Sealy News returned under Granite Publications and as such, Karen Lopez and Amy Lieb took over all aspects of the business as executive publisher and general manager.

Granite Publications came under new leadership in 2017 and has remained strong since – even through this pandemic. Daniel Philhower, Vice President of Operations, now leads Granite Publications and its portfolio of 11 newspapers in Texas.

“I am honored to have The Sealy News, Karen and Amy back under our management umbrella,” said Philhower. “Our team strives to provide quality local news, sports and entertainment to our readers along with effective marketing tools and platforms for our advertisers. We strive to support every local community where we serve and have local people serving the local community.”

Lopez, who returned as Executive Publisher, previously served as publisher of The Sealy News from 2014 to 2019.

“Amy and I will work diligently to provide the excellence that our community desires and deserves,” Lopez said. “We have demonstrated in the past the tremendous ability to maintain personal and professional business relationships. Our integrity and result-driven work ethics will be in place to, once again, assist your company in its growth initiative as we get past a stressful 2020.

“We have also retained sports editor Cole McNanna,” Lopez continued, “his ambition, quality writing and continued loyalty made the decision easy to elevate him to Managing Editor.”

Lieb, who previously served as the office manager and was promoted to General Manager, returned after a year hiatus as well.

“My expertise in office management and communication will provide comfortable conversations as we move into 2021,” Lieb said. We look forward to seeing familiar faces as we missed you all last year. Karen and I intend to get up to speed very quickly and will be privileged to work with you all again. You can expect top-level professionalism as we strive to renew outstanding customer service. We hope that this change will greatly and positively impact the community.”

“I am blessed to have Karen and Amy back as part of the Sealy Team,” Philhower said. “They will bring passion and professionalism to The Sealy News and I am excited to see what great things they can do for the Sealy community.”

The sale brings Granite Publications to 11 community newspapers and Granite Commercial Printing. Community newspapers include The Boerne Star, The Bandera Bulletin, The Elgin Courier, The Taylor Press, Colorado County Citizen, Navasota Examiner, Anahuac Progress and The Liberty Vindicator.

Granite Publications was established more than 40 years ago and believes its success is related to the experience and accomplishments of its employees. One team, one vision, one goal.

“Please consider supporting us as we continue to support you,” Lopez said. “Thank you to all that have reached out and stuck by us. The Austin County community is truly inspiring, and The Sealy News is even more committed to making our newspaper and products an amazing experience for everyone!”

“I am blessed to have Karen and Amy back as part of the Sealy Team. They will bring passion and professionalism to The Sealy News and I am excited to see what great things they can do for the Sealy community.”

— DANIEL PHILHOWER, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS