In the coming days, a change of venue will take place for one of Crenshaw County’s oldest businesses, The Luverne Journal, as it moves its office to a new location.

For over 100 years, The Journal has proudly served Crenshaw County.  During that time much has changed, but what has not changed is the newspaper’s pursuit of excellence in county coverage.

“For 120 years, The Luverne Journal has kept the community informed and connected and has given a voice to the residents of Luverne and Crenshaw County,” said Greenville Newspapers, LLC Publisher Tracy Salter.

“Over the years, the look of the newspaper and the types of stories that have filled its pages has changed as the community has changed.  We start the new year off with excitement as we open the doors to our new location, and we look forward to continuing to cover stories that are important to our audience as well as providing an affordable and effective outlet for businesses to market their products and services.”

Salter added that the new office is in a convenient location for most of our readers and advertisers, and also provides convenient access to the city’s hub of city government.

The Luverne Journal had its origin in Rutledge, Alabama, in 1888.

In 1890 the first newspaper to be printed in Luverne was published under the banner, The Luverne Enterprise, with Matthew Tucker as editor and publisher until Oct. 7, 1890, when he sold his business to Toiler Publishing Company.

The owners and status of the paper from 1893 through 1895 are vague, but in 1896 J. M. Sanders and C. B. Carter, who began publication under a new name, The Luverne Journal, purchased the paper.

From 1896 until 1951, The Journal changed hands several times, until Owen Reeder purchased the paper in 1951. In Nov. 1959, the editor of The Journal, Alvin Bland, became part owner and business manager, while Mary F. Reeder continued as editor and publisher.

In Jan. 1960, James R. Morgan purchased a part interest in The Journal, and in July 1969, Morgan was named assistant editor.

On Jan. 1, 1971, Bland and Morgan assumed ownership of the paper, having purchased the Reeder interest, and continued to operate the paper until its sale to Boone Newspapers in 1997.

“I know it’s kind of a big change for the community, seeing as how the paper has been in the original building for as long as anyone can remember, but I’m excited to see this new chapter,” said Journal Editor Beth Hyatt.

“It’s in a great location, it’s a good space and I look forward to continuing to do great things for the community.”

The Journal is now located at 94 South Glenwood Ave. in Luverne across from Lightfoot and Nichols Attorneys-At-Law. To contact us, please call (334) 335-3541.