Inside the front door of the Hays Free Press office in downtown Kyle sits Bob Barton’s old rolltop desk. On it are an antique Royal manual typewriter, an Apple SE computer, various framed awards and commendations and the long-time newspaper publisher’s trademark white Stetson.

It’s a shrine of sorts to Barton, a proud Democrat who served in the Texas House of Representatives. But it’s more truly a testament to his craft – a dedication to community journalism.

Looking ...