By Nicholas Masopust, student journalist
The Purcell Register is a community newspaper run by a family who is deeply embedded into the fabric of its community.
Led by publisher John D. Montgomery Jr., The Purcell Register is a weekly newspaper that chronicles events in Purcell as well as McClain County and parts of Cleveland County.
On staff is Montgomery’s son John Denny Jr., better known as John Denny, who is the assistant editor and takes care of the layout of the paper. John Montgomery’s other son, Matt Montgomery, covers local sports. Montgomery’s wife, Gracie Montgomery, is the co-publisher and business manager. The Montgomery’s daughter-in-law Emily Montgomery also works for the Purcell Register in the accounting department. The Montgomery family has owned the Purcell Register for 25 years.
“The Purcell Register is one with the community,” said John Denny Montgomery, “a lot of times we know kind of each other’s next step, which is really good for coherence.”
Founded in 1887 by Ed P. Ingle, The Purcell Register has had nine owners in its 126-year history. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives James C. Nance purchased The Purcell Register in 1934, and the paper remained in his family for over 50 years. A dispute over the Nance estate led the Register to be put up for sale. After working for local papers like The Madill Record and The Johnson County Capital-Democrat, the Montgomery’s seized the opportunity to own a newspaper of their own and it has remained in their name ever since.
The Purcell Register continues to turn out community journalism, including covering the recent bridge closure and other stories. When John Montgomery retires, The Purcell Register will be able to keep its family dynamic.
“It looks my brother’s probably gonna take on that role and follow my dad’s footsteps with journalism when the time comes,” said Matt Montgomery.
With John Denny Jr, in line as successor to his father, it looks to stay a family-run paper for years to come.
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