Thayer named Publisher of High Plains News; Focus on local journalism and growth
A deep appreciation for small-town life and the people who make it thrive has guided Julie Thayer throughout her life and career. Now, as the new publisher of High Plains News, she brings that same passion for community and commitment to local journalism to a network of newspapers serving communities across Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas.
Thayer, who was born and raised in Holyoke, was named publisher of High Plains News in September 2025. She oversees nine weekly newspapers across three states, including The Holyoke Enterprise in Holyoke, Colorado; The Grant Tribune Sentinel in Grant, Nebraska; and The Imperial Republican in Imperial, Nebraska. Her Kansas publications include The Goodland Star-News, The Colby Free Press, The St. Francis Herald, The Norton Telegram, The Oberlin Herald and The Rawlins County Square Deal.
A lifelong Coloradan, Thayer left her hometown to attend college before returning to northeast Colorado to raise a family. She and her husband, Branden Thayer, have lived in Haxtun for 23 years. Branden serves as the Western Territory Manager for ServiTech, an agronomic consulting and laboratory services company. Together, they have three children — Tanley, 22; Trevon, 17; and Taryn, 14.
“I believe deeply in the power of local journalism,” Thayer said. “Community newspapers are more than just a place to find local news — they’re a reflection of who we are. They tell our stories, celebrate our triumphs and help us stay connected to our neighbors. I want every newspaper under our banner to be a source of pride for the people it serves.”
Thayer said High Plains News ownership shares that same vision and strongly believes in supporting small communities and the vital role local newspapers play in keeping them informed, connected and thriving.
“I look forward to working closely with each newspaper and its community to bring truly local news to every hometown we serve,” Thayer said. “Each community has its own story to tell, and it deserves coverage that is as unique and genuine as the people who live there.”
Under her leadership, High Plains News has continued to grow and invest in the future of print. The company recently announced the purchase of a new press for its Goodland, Kansas, facility, which will allow all High Plains News publications to print in full color beginning in January 2026. The upgrade not only enhances the quality of each issue but also brings new job opportunities to the Goodland area.
Thayer said she sees the new press as a symbol of optimism and opportunity for rural journalism.
“This investment shows our commitment to keeping community newspapers strong and relevant,” she said. “Small towns deserve great newspapers — ones that celebrate local schools, support area businesses and preserve our shared history.”
As High Plains News enters a new chapter, Thayer remains focused on the values that have always defined her work: connection and service.
“My goal is simple,” she said. “To make sure every community we serve has a trusted, vibrant newspaper that tells their story the way only a hometown paper can.”