Paxton Media Group purchased the Wilkes Journal-Patriot newspaper in North Wilkesboro from Carter-Hubbard Publishing Co., effective Monday.
Dale Morefield, publisher of The Enquirer-Journal in Monroe since 2015, has taken on the additional duties of publisher of the Wilkes Journal Patriot with the sale. The Wilkes Journal-Patriot joined The Enquirer-Journal in Paxton Media Group’s N.C./Tenn./Georgia division.
Morefield said he is deeply excited about the future of the paper and its lengthy tradition of producing strong journalism and being invested in the community.
“The paper has deep roots here, and we are looking forward to continuing the work the Journal-Patriot has done so well over the years of being a community watchdog and partner,” Morefield said.
Paxton Media Group, based in Paducah, Ky., owns more than 30 daily newspapers and several dozen weekly newspapers in the South and Midwest. They include the High Point Enterprise and the News-Topic in Lenoir.
The Wilkes Journal-Patriot will continue to publish Wednesdays and update its website throughout the week with developing news.