The Grand Prairie Herald newspaper, owned by Roxanne Woods Bradow and her family through Heritage Publishing Co. for the last 72 years, has been sold to Roby Brock. Plans are to keep the newspaper running on its current weekly schedule and to grow its offerings to Hazen, Carlisle, DeValls Bluff, Des Arc and other communities in Prairie and Lonoke counties.

“The Grand Prairie Herald is the oldest continuing business in Hazen,” said Bradow. “It has served the residents of the Grand Prairie for 124 years and begins its 125^th year this January.”

“It has been an honor and a privilege for my family to provide this vital news service to the residents of Prairie County and Carlisle, and I am so thankful that Roby has chosen to purchase our paper and take over responsibilities that the Woods and Bradow families have had for 73 years,” she added.

Bradow will remain with the paper as a consultant through a transition period.

Brock, of Little Rock, also owns The England Democrat in Lonoke County and The Waldron News in Scott County.

“I am deeply honored to be the new owner of The Grand Prairie Herald. It is one of the most historic newspapers in Arkansas and I plan to keep its legacy alive and thriving for future generations,” said Brock. “I’m humbled that Roxanne and the Bradow family have allowed me this privilege.”

Current plans are to continue producing a weekly newspaper on Tuesdays, the same as the current schedule. Subscriptions are $40 annually, or 75 cents per week at news rack outlets.

Brock is the host of Talk Business & Politics and Capitol View, which airs on Sunday morning television in central Arkansas and statewide. He is also the CEO of Natural State Media, the parent company of Talk Business & Politics and the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. He has been in the media business for 27 years.