BULLARD, Texas (July 5, 2025) — Bullard has a newspaper to call its own again. ETX Bell, a newly launched community newspaper in Bullard, Texas, has stepped up to serve the town and surrounding areas after the closure of the Bullard Banner in 2018 left a noticeable void in local news coverage.
Founded in early 2025, ETX Bell delivers both print and digital editions to Bullard, Whitehouse, Troup, Flint, Noonday, Frankston, and parts of Cherokee County. The publication covers city government, schools, sports, obituaries, public notices, business features, and community events with a distinctly local voice.
Filling the void left by the Bullard Banner
The Bullard Banner served the community for over three decades before ceasing publication in 2018. Since then, residents have relied on broader regional publications such as the Tyler Morning Telegraph, the Cherokeean Herald (which serves the Cherokee County portion of Bullard), and the Jacksonville Daily Progress for occasional coverage. While those papers have made efforts to include Bullard, they often lack consistent, in-depth reporting on the issues that matter most to local residents.
A truly local newspaper for Bullard
ETX Bell was created to fill that gap—not to compete with other papers, but to serve as a hyperlocal newspaper that highlights what’s happening in Bullard and nearby communities. From City Council meetings to school board updates, high school sports to community fundraisers, ETX Bell focuses on the stories that larger publications often overlook.
“We’re not trying to replace or displace any newspaper,” said founder Shawn Larson. “Our mission is to be an additional voice—one based right here in Bullard—focused on the people and events that shape our hometown.”
A modern take on a hometown classic
ETX Bell blends traditional newspaper values with modern communication tools. Alongside its printed edition, the paper features an online e-edition, a growing business directory, digital advertising, and active social media engagement. The paper also encourages reader participation, with photo submissions, event announcements, and letters to the editor.
Bullard’s newspaper history
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Bullard Banner (circa 1986–2018): The last dedicated Bullard newspaper before ETX Bell.
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Tyler Morning Telegraph: Provides regional coverage, including occasional Bullard news.
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Cherokeean Herald: Based in Rusk, it has covered parts of Bullard within Cherokee County.
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Jacksonville Daily Progress: A regional daily with some coverage of Bullard events.
Community-driven and growing
Since launching, ETX Bell has seen growing support from residents, businesses, churches, and civic leaders. Its Founders’ Edition and Graduation Issue have helped reestablish a trusted source for local stories. The team plans to expand coverage and frequency as subscriptions and advertising grow.
Subscribe and connect
ETX Bell is currently published monthly and is available in print and digital formats. Subscriptions, advertising inquiries, and content submissions can be made through www.etxbell.com.
Conclusion: ETX Bell is proud to restore a local newspaper in Bullard, Texas, delivering timely, community-focused news after years without a hometown publication. With a commitment to local storytelling and civic engagement, ETX Bell offers Bullard a voice of its own once again.
