Our Tipton: A Modern Legacy Rooted in Local History
As we launch Our Tipton, a news website dedicated to celebrating the unique stories, people, and events of Tipton County, we are inspired by the remarkable history of local journalism that has served our community for over a century. One such cornerstone of Tipton County’s news legacy is The Covington Leader, founded in 1886 by printer Lorenzo D. Hamner and editor S.A. Montgomery. Their passion for storytelling and commitment to community paved the way for generations of local journalism.
For nearly 140 years, The Covington Leader chronicled the lives and times of Tipton County, delivering news both local and global. In its early days, it competed with the Tipton Weekly Record to provide a voice for the Independent Democratic perspective. By 1894, The Leader had earned the loyalty of 1,400 readers, offering a balance of community updates, war reports, and literary pieces. Its pages captured moments of joy, hardship, and celebration, from courthouse festivities marking the end of World War I to the quiet milestones of births, marriages, and passing loved ones.
The Simonton family left an indelible mark on the paper’s history, dedicating decades of service to its mission. The family’s commitment, particularly that of William C. “Bill” Simonton, who worked tirelessly across nearly every department, underscores the critical role of local journalists in preserving community identity. Under their stewardship, the paper not only kept Tipton County informed but also evolved, embracing technological innovations like offset printing and desktop publishing.
Today, as Our Tipton joins this proud tradition, we aim to carry forward the spirit of connection and dedication exemplified by our predecessors. Where The Covington Leader transitioned from print to digital, Our Tipton begins its journey fully online, embracing the tools of modern journalism to reach every corner of our vibrant county. Our mission is to provide Tipton County with timely, accurate, and heartfelt stories that reflect the character and resilience of our community.
We’ll cover the news that matters most: the milestones in your neighborhoods, the businesses that shape our economy, the educators who inspire our youth, and the people who make Tipton County a place to be proud of. Alongside breaking news and local events, we will share features on our county’s rich history, ensuring that the stories of yesterday continue to inform and inspire tomorrow.
As we look to the future, we honor the legacy of The Covington Leader and all the journalists who came before us. Together, they laid a foundation of trust and service that we aim to build upon. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we write the next chapter in Tipton County’s story. This is Our Tipton. Welcome home.