Rural Messenger: History, Weekly Print Edition, Content and Staff
Profile updated November 2026
The Rural Messenger is a weekly Kansas newspaper that reaches rural readers the old-fashioned way: printed copies delivered along regular routes and left at drop locations in small towns, with local and community news online as well. It is built on advertising from local businesses, auctions and farm suppliers, and on Kansas community news.
| Type | Weekly community newspaper with a website |
|---|---|
| Home state | Kansas |
| Distribution | Delivery routes and drop locations |
| Website sections | Kansas News, Kansas Community News, Local News |
| Leadership change | Mike Alfers retired in early 2020; staff took over daily operations |
| Sales lead | Jennifer Long, Director of Sales and Development |
| Official website | RuralMessenger.com |
History of Rural Messenger
The Rural Messenger grew up as a weekly paper for rural Kansas, supported by local advertisers and distributed along delivery routes and at drop locations in towns and businesses. Its founding date is not published on its website.
For years the paper was led by Mike Alfers. When he decided to retire in early 2020, the paper told readers its staff would take over day-to-day operations and keep offering readers and advertisers the same service, with the normal routes and drop locations continuing to carry the weekly paper.
In March 2026 the Rural Messenger took part in a BigIron Auction Company video series on the Legacy of Rural America. The paper used the video to talk about its print edition and the weekly tradition readers expect, featuring its layout editor, a longtime writer, its sales and marketing staff, advertisers and Leslie Atherton, city clerk of Haven, Kansas.
Rural Messenger Today
The Rural Messenger still prints weekly and posts Kansas news, community news and local stories on its website. Its pages reflect the businesses that keep small Kansas towns running, from auction companies and farm suppliers to local shops, and it covers community events, notices and people in its readership area.
In a media era when many rural weeklies have closed, the paper has kept its print routes and positioned its weekly edition as part of rural tradition.
What Rural Messenger Is Publishing Now
Local and community news
Kansas news, community events, city and school items and features on local people, posted online in Kansas News and Community News sections.
Advertising and auctions
Display and classified advertising from area businesses, with farm and equipment auctions a natural fit for its rural readership.
Weekly print tradition
Printed copies on regular routes and at drop locations, which the paper describes as the weekly tradition its readers expect.
Rural Messenger Editors and Staff
Staff named by the Rural Messenger in its 2026 Legacy of Rural America feature:
- Tammie Hoeme - Layout Editor
- Steve Gilliand - Longtime writer
- Jennifer Long - Director of Sales and Development
- Anita Stuckey - Marketing Manager
- Mike Alfers - Former head of the paper, retired 2020
Who Reads Rural Messenger
Readers are rural and small-town Kansans: farm and ranch families, retirees, local business owners and anyone who picks up the paper at a cafe or co-op. Kansas is a leading wheat and beef cattle state, and farm and ranch life shapes the advertising and community news. Cattle made up $72.9 billion, or 37%, of U.S. animal product receipts in 2021, according to USDA ERS, and county-level Kansas data are available through USDA NASS.
A paper that still drops its weekly bundle at the co-op counter knows rural readers like a good story with their coffee. farm.FM offers farm satire about Kansas wheat harvest, farm humor about auction-day bidding wars and ranch humor for the Flint Hills cattle crowd. Its farm jokes travel well from the Rural Messenger rack to the pickup seat.
Readers who want the full experience can pair the jokes with Tractor Tunes, the country music for farmers that farm.FM, the nation's first satirical farm site, plays between stories. This author page is a fine starting point.
Rural Messenger Sources and Agriculture Authority Links
- Rural Messenger: What's next for the Rural Messenger? - the paper's note on its 2020 leadership change.
- Rural Messenger: Legacy of Rural America video - the 2026 feature on its weekly print edition.
- Rural Messenger: Kansas community news - recent community coverage.
- USDA ERS: Animal product receipts - national cattle income data.
- USDA NASS Quick Stats - Kansas county crop and livestock statistics.
Rural Messenger FAQ
What is the Rural Messenger?
A weekly Kansas newspaper delivered on routes and at drop locations, with news posted online.
Who runs the Rural Messenger?
Its staff took over day-to-day operations when Mike Alfers retired in early 2020.
Is the Rural Messenger still in print?
Yes. The paper says its weekly print edition continues on its normal routes and drop locations.
How do I advertise in the Rural Messenger?
Jennifer Long is the paper's Director of Sales and Development; contact details are on ruralmessenger.com.
Week after week, the Rural Messenger keeps rural Kansas informed with a printed paper delivered the way its readers like it.