Copperas Cove Leader-Press to celebrate 125 years

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press 

When William Bennett started the Copperas Cove News in 1894, the population of Copperas Cove was fewer than 500. There were no cars, no telephones, no radio, and no other means of keeping residents up to date on happenings in the community and elsewhere. 
As ownership of the newspaper changed hands over the past 125 years, the owners would sometimes change the name. It has remained the Copperas Cove Leader-Press since 1979, during which time the Copperas Cove Leader and the Copperas Cove Press were combined into one publication. 
The Copperas Cove Leader-Press is preparing for Volume 125, Issue No. 1, on Oct. 4, which will be the first issue of the newspaper’s 125th year. 
In celebration of this early edition, the Leader-Press is holding a reception at its offices, located at 2210 E. Bus. 190 Suite 1, on Thursday, Oct. 3. 
 “This is an amazing milestone for the newspaper and the community. It is bigger than just the Leader-Press and our current staff,” said David Morris, the publisher of the Leader-Press.  “As the date was approaching we wanted to have an opportunity to celebrate this with the community. What started out as a simple gathering has turned into a full-on celebration. We have a proclamation from the city, cake and lots of prizes to give away. All is made possible because of the tremendous support the Leader-Press receives from the business community and our readers here in Copperas Cove.”
From 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, the Leader-Press will serve cupcakes and draw names for door prizes courtesy of local businesses such as H-E-B, Hank’s Tire & Auto Pros, MAKS Family Fun Center, Shilo Inn, Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, McAlister’s Deli, Bill French Jewelers, and Copperas Cove alum Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal. 
The upcoming publication for the newspaper’s 125th year in Copperas Cove will have special articles from former reporters and editors of the newspaper, many of whom continued to have careers in news media and publishing after their days at the newspaper – whether that be the Copperas Cove Courier, Copperas Cove Leader, Copperas Cove Press, or Copperas Cove Leader-Press.
Morris said the copies of first publication of the 125th year will arrive shortly after 6 p.m. on Oct. 3. 
“Hopefully everyone who attends will walk away with some form of a giveaway.  We have reached into our archives and have copies of the Copperas Cove Centennial history, belt buckles custom made for the Leader-Press and other items to share. Please stop by and register for our larger item giveaways. No purchase necessary and you need not be present to win,” he added.