Veteran Southern newspaper editor and publisher Stephen Hemelt has been named publisher of The Port Arthur News.

Hemelt most recently served for five years as editor and publisher of L’Observateur in LaPlace, Louisiana, which, like The Port Arthur News, is a Boone Newspaper Inc. publication.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to work in a growing community with a combination of great roots and limitless potential,” Hemelt said. “Greater Port Arthur offers the opportunity for my family, which includes two children, to grow while also serving as a tremendous professional experience.”

Hemelt, 38, has previously worked in news and management positions in Ennis, Texas; Jonesboro, La.; New Iberia, La.; Roanoke Rapids, N.C.; Natchez, Miss.; and LaPlace. He is steeped in community leadership roles, including civic organizations and chambers of commerce.

“We welcome Stephen’s leadership at our newspaper,” said Port Arthur News editor Ken Stickney. “I’ve known Stephen over the years and respected his work with other news organizations and look forward to learning from him and working with him.”

Hemelt and his wife Candace, a native of Abita Springs, Louisiana, have been married 12 years. The couple has two children: Dominick, 11; and Mallory, 9.

Hemelt is a New Orleans native and he and his wife both graduated from Louisiana Tech University, where Hemelt earned a journalism degree.