5 Shocking Facts About The New Castle Courier-Times: Indiana's 8th Oldest Paper And Its Local Revolution

For over 184 years, the New Castle Courier-Times has been the unwavering voice of Henry County, Indiana, a cornerstone of local life that has documented everything from the town's early history to its latest 2024 developments. This daily newspaper, which proudly holds the title of Indiana's eighth-oldest newspaper, is far more than just ink on paper; it is a critical institution that shapes local politics, business, and community identity. Its longevity in the ever-changing media landscape is a testament to the enduring power of hyper-local journalism.

As of late 2025, the paper continues to navigate the complexities of the modern digital age while maintaining its deep roots in the New Castle community. Recent notable events, such as the support for a proposed Knightstown tech company and the tragic passing of local figures like the New Castle police chief, demonstrate the paper's essential role in keeping residents informed and connected to the pulse of their hometown. Moreover, a significant local development—the sale of the historic Courier-Times building—marks a new chapter for both the newspaper and the downtown area.

The Key Figures: Editors, Reporters, and Leadership Profiles

Local newspapers thrive on the dedication of the journalists and editors who live and breathe the community they cover. The New Castle Courier-Times is no exception, with a small but dedicated team committed to delivering timely and insightful coverage across Henry County.

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• Travis Weik: Managing Editor
  As of Spring 2024, Travis Weik serves as the Managing Editor of The Courier-Times. Weik is a prime example of a local journalist with deep community ties, having started his career at the paper as the Education Reporter in 2014. His leadership is crucial in steering the 184-year-old publication through modern challenges, focusing on essential local coverage, from hometown politics to business news.
• Katie Clontz: Contact & Staff Member
  Katie Clontz is another key figure associated with the paper, listed as a primary contact. Staff members like Clontz are vital in maintaining the paper's day-to-day operations and its connection with the Henry County business and civic communities.
• Darrel Radford: Historical Contributor
  While perhaps not a current editor, Darrel Radford, a staff writer for The Courier-Times and a member of the Henry County Historical Society, exemplifies the deep historical and archival knowledge that flows through the paper's veins. His work often bridges the paper's long history with current events.

These individuals are the guardians of the paper's legacy, ensuring that the critical stories—from economic development projects like the proposed Knightstown tech initiative to local government decisions—are accurately reported to the New Castle readership.

A Deep Dive into the Courier-Times' Storied History and Legacy

The history of the New Castle Courier-Times is inextricably linked to the history of New Castle itself, which was established as the seat of Henry County in 1823. The newspaper's remarkable longevity has cemented its status as an Indiana institution.

Indiana's Eighth-Oldest Newspaper

Tracing its roots back to the mid-19th century, the Courier-Times is proudly recognized as the eighth-oldest newspaper in the state of Indiana. This extensive history means that the publication has documented nearly two centuries of American life, including the Civil War era, the industrial boom of Henry County, and the evolution of local governance. This historical depth gives the paper a unique perspective and an unparalleled archive of local events.

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The Power of the Archives

For historians, genealogists, and curious residents, the paper's archives are an invaluable resource. The New Castle/Henry County Public Library maintains an extensive collection, offering a tangible link to the past.

• Microfilm and Card Index: The library holds a full card index for The Courier-Times spanning a significant period from 1848 to 1989.
• Digital Access: For modern research, the Henry County Public Library provides library card holders with access to digital materials, which includes portions of the newspaper's historical content, offering a searchable window into the past.
• Documenting Local Milestones: The archives contain records of crucial Henry County events, including historical advertisements, obituaries, and reports on major local businesses like Citizens State Bank, whose 150th anniversary was celebrated with references to old Courier-Times articles.

This commitment to preserving its past ensures that the paper serves not just as a source of current news, but as the official historical record for the community of New Castle and the surrounding towns like Knightstown and New Lisbon.

The Modern Era: New Ownership, New Downtown Life, and Local Focus

The media industry is in constant flux, and the New Castle Courier-Times is no exception. Recent years have brought significant changes, particularly concerning its physical presence in the downtown New Castle area and its focus on critical local issues.

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The Sale of the Historic Courier-Times Building

One of the most talked-about local developments in recent years has been the sale of the historic Courier-Times building. While the newspaper continues its operations, the former headquarters is now under new local ownership.

• A New Chapter for Downtown: The building's sale is part of a broader trend of revitalization in downtown New Castle, with plans for the structure to be converted into retail and office space. This move represents a physical shift in the paper's operations, even as its journalistic mission remains rooted in the community.
• Economic Development: This change coincides with other economic initiatives in Henry County, such as the PreservINg Main Street Program, which the city of New Castle Main Street was a finalist for. The paper plays a crucial role in reporting on these grants and investments that help commercial property owners assess and clean up properties.

Focus on Critical Henry County Issues

Under its current leadership, the paper maintains a sharp focus on the issues that directly impact its readership. This dedication to local news is what keeps the paper relevant in an age of national media dominance.

• Local Politics and Business: The paper provides essential coverage of hometown politics and the local business environment, which is crucial for civic engagement.
• Infrastructure and Tech Growth: A recent example of its impactful reporting is the coverage of local business leaders and the editor himself, Travis Weik, weighing in on the proposed Knightstown tech company and the necessary upgrades to the current power grid to support the electricity needs of large technology companies.
• Community Safety and Tragedies: The Courier-Times is the primary source for reporting on local community safety, including the recent sad news regarding the funeral services for the New Castle police chief.

The New Castle Courier-Times, therefore, stands as a testament to the enduring value of local journalism. By blending its rich 184-year history with a modern, focused approach to Henry County's current challenges and opportunities, the paper remains an indispensable resource for the New Castle community.