Rouse to retire after more than four decades in the newspaper industry

Rust Communications Regional Publisher Shelia Rouse has announced she will retire after spending more than four decades in the newspaper industry. Current General Manager Mike Smith has accepted a promotion to fill the role vacated by Rouse, effective Aug. 6.

Rouse, 56, has been employed by Rust Communications since September of 1993. Announcing her retirement, she said the time has come to focus on herself, as well as her family and her well-being for the first time since she was a teenager growing up in Kennett, Mo.

“I’ve really thought about retiring for several years but I love the newspaper, I love the staff, and I love the Rust family so it’s been a difficult decision,” explained Rouse. “On one hand it’s extremely difficult for me to retire, however, I need to think about my family and my health. I wanted to be able to retire young enough to enjoy doing the things I’ve always wanted to do.”

Sheila Rouse

Rouse began her career with Rust Communications in 1993 as a salesperson at the Daily Dunklin Democrat in Kennett, Mo. In 1995, she moved to Dyersburg as a sales consultant for the Dyersburg News. Six years later, in January of 2001 when Rust Communications acquired the State Gazette, Rouse was named publisher.

In 2014, Rouse was named regional publisher and began overseeing multiple properties in Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas. In addition, she was also named Advertising Strategic Operations Team Leader working with advertising managers in multiple states.

“We know how much Shelia loves the people of Dyersburg and retiring was a hard decision. And we are so thankful for her leadership in our company, not just in Tennessee, but with managers at more than 30 newspapers in eight states,” said Jon Rust, co-president of Rust Communications. “For three decades, she has helped nurture talent at Rust Communications into new roles of leadership, which is what she’s also done with incoming State Gazette publisher Mike Smith. Shelia is a one-of-kind, inspiring individual, dedicated to her community, whom I am honored to call a friend."

Rouse, daughter of Sandra Rouse and the late Stanley Rouse, is married to Jimmie Smith Jr., and has one bonus son, Trey Smith of Kennett.

“My husband recently retired as well and that really made me sit down and think about our future and what our life goals are,” added Rouse. “We all need to be able to enjoy our lives and it’s time for me to be able to travel, work in the garden, and just enjoy myself.”

Rouse said she will miss the businesses in the community the most, and remains thankful for the way she was accepted by the people when she first moved from Kennett to Dyersburg in 1995.

“The people here, when we first came from Missouri, welcomed us with open arms and I will never forget it and I’m still so appreciative of it. This was an amazing community then and it still is today,” added Rouse. “Particularly the businesses, because we could not be as strong as we have grown to be if not for the support of the businesses and our subscribers. I’m very thankful they have always supported us and I’m certain moving forward they will be extremely supportive of Mike in his new role as publisher.”

A 17-year employee of Rust Communications, Smith accepted the promotion to fill the role as publisher at the State Gazette.

Mike Smith

Smith, 54, a native of Dyersburg, began his career the State Gazette in 2004 as sports editor. After spending a decade covering local sports, he was promoted in 2015 to the position of managing editor. In 2017 he accepted the position of general manager at the State Gazette as well as numerous properties in Missouri and Arkansas.

Speaking of the promotion as well as Rouse’s impending retirement, Smith said it is somewhat bittersweet.

“While I certainly appreciate the opportunity to fill the role of publisher, I’m also disappointed to see Shelia decide to retire,” explained Smith. “I’m very happy for her, however, she’s been more than my publisher for 17 years. She’s also been a great friend and we’ve faced many battles together through the years. The knowledge regarding the newspaper industry I’ve learned from her is something I’m very proud to have.”

Smith said it will be business as usual once he steps into the role in early August.

“My door has been and always will be open. I look forward to continuing to lead our team at the (State) Gazette and at our properties in Missouri and Arkansas,” he added. “Just as it has been for 17 years, I want people to know they can reach me by visiting the paper, by phone, text or email. This is my home and I love our community. I look forward to continuing to promote all of the positive things we have underway, and am excited about the direction our city and county are headed.”

Rouse hired Smith in 2004 and recommended him for the publisher position. Rouse said she believes he will do well in his new role with the company and shared a story regarding Smith’s hiring in 2004.

“It’s a funny story about how Mike became a newspaper person. His son was an all-star in our local leagues and Mike would call and complain about our sports coverage at state tournaments. I told him to come in and let’s have a conversation about it,” explained Rouse. “We wanted to be the best we could be and I told him if he thought he could do a better job then let’s have a serious conversation. Mike came in with very little writing experience, but he had tremendous knowledge of local sports and was open to the challenge. Once he got going, he ended up being the best sports editor we have ever had. He developed great relationships in the community and helped to build a great relationship with both of our school systems. I’m very confident Mike will do very well in his new role and I’m excited to see him help us continue to grow and prosper.”

Smith and his wife Trish have three children — Mallory Childress, Adam Smith and Paige Murray — as well as eight grandchildren.