KPV buys four central Kansas newspapers

Kansas Publishing Ventures (KPV) has entered into an agreement to purchase the Hesston Record, Harvey County Independent and The Ledger in Moundridge from Robb and Martha Reeves. Closing is set for Sept. 1.

KPV also recently acquired the McPherson News from Anne Heidel, who launched that paper about three years ago.

Joey Young and Bruce Behymer are the owners of KPV.

“We weren’t necessarily looking to acquire any more papers, but these deals found us, and we are excited about the opportunity to expand our reach in the region,” Young said.

KPV currently runs Newton Now, Hillsboro Free Press, The Herington Times and The Clarion.

Reeves said: “Joey and Bruce, who are former Reeves Media employees, operate their newspapers much the way we do in that local news and tremendous relationships with our customers are very important. Joey and Bruce are friends and will do a great job.”

Anne Heidel, owner of the McPherson News, will stay on as the managing editor of that paper and become an employee of KPV. All of Reeves’ employees will be offered a job to stay on with KPV when the sale is final.

Reeves gave Young his first job in journalism as a reporter at the Harvey County Independent. Young worked for Reeves for over two years, also working as editor of The Clarion, a paper he later purchased at the age of 27.

Behymer is a native of Sedgwick in Harvey County and said he was excited about being part-owner of his hometown paper —The Harvey County Independent.