Wilson County News
Owner: Elaine Kolodziej
Location: Floresville, TX
Elaine Kolodziej began publishing the Wilson County News when its owner Peter J. Russo died Dec. 29, 1984. At that time, it was a little shopper with no assets, hidden debts, and no apparent future. Against all odds -- and her family's wishes -- Elaine pursued her vision of a "real" newspaper.
After struggling out from under debts and working to overcome the paper's poor reputation, the business began to take on a life of its own. In the beginning, with the occasional help of her family, Elaine picked up and delivered the almost 6,000 papers to seven local post offices and the newsstands. Her husband, Al, retired from his career in 1996 and joined the business.
Along the way, each of their three children helped in varying capacities, beginning in grade school with putting inserts into the papers before they were mailed. After her graduation from college, their daughter, Kristen Weaver, joined the staff full time and is now director of operations. Kristen also manages the very popular web site and the social media for Wilson County News as well as for its sister newspaper, the La Vernia News, which was acquired a couple of years ago. Today the Wilson County News employs approximately 30 people.
The Wilson County News is one of the largest distribution weekly community newspapers in the Texas Press Association. Through its comprehensive reporting of city, county, church, and school activities, the Wilson County News continues to have a tremendous impact on the local communities.
