A veteran journalist and newspaper businessman has been named publisher of the Daily American Republic.
Chris Pruett will begin his new leadership role in Poplar Bluff on Nov. 1. Pruett will also serve as publisher of the Dexter Statesman, Puxico Press and Doniphan's Prospect-News.
"Chris is an outstanding publisher: dedicated to quality news, innovative and focused on serving advertisers and the community," said Jon K. Rust, co-president of Rust Communications. "Key to his style is listening to all stakeholders."
Pruett comes to Poplar Bluff and Butler County from Indiana where he served as publisher of daily newspapers in Greencastle, Brazil and Linton for six years. All three publications are part of the Cape Girardeau-based Rust family network of newspapers, which includes the Daily American Republic.
Prior to his role as publisher, Pruett served as general manager and editor in Linton, Ind., for the Greene County Daily World for 14 years.
"I'm thrilled with the opportunity the Rust family has offered my wife and me in Poplar Bluff and Butler County," Pruett said. "When we visited the community it didn't take long for us to realize there's something special going on here.
"During the transition period in preparing to move, everyone we've contacted was extremely friendly and helpful. We even reached out to a local church for help unloading a truck and they didn't hesitate to find us help."
Pruett, a graduate of Vincennes University with additional studies at Indiana University, started his career as a sports writer at the Vincennes Sun-Commercial in Indiana in 1982 before moving to Linton in 1983. He served as editor, sports editor and news director there until he moved to the Terre Haute Tribune-Star in Indiana in 1990. He served as assistant sports editor until moving back to Linton in 1998.
He has been associated with the Linton newspaper for almost 28 years.
"I've been in the newspaper business a long time and have witnessed many changes over the years. Technology has been a huge factor in those changes," Pruett said. "In studying all of Butler County's newspaper products, both print and online, it's obvious we have some quality people doing some really good things. I'm anxious to help continue that tradition and help lead the newspaper into the future."
Pruett said retiring publisher Don Schrieber did a remarkable job leading the newspapers.
"Don is a fixture in this community and from what I'm told bleeds ink. Don spent 39 years with the DAR, and that's a testament to his love for this newspaper and community," Pruett said. "I respect someone with that type of dedication and loyalty. It's obvious he's well respected in this community."
Pruett and his wife, Debbie, an elementary school teacher, have a daughter, Rachael. She is the women's golf coach at Drake University in Des Monies, Iowa.
"I look forward to starting on Nov. 1 and getting to know the community and those who make Poplar Bluff and Butler County a great place to live and raise a family," Pruett said. "Don't hesitate to call, stop by the office or email."