The Herald: A 140-Year Legacy of Journalism
by Zachary Daum
On September 5, 1884, the first issue of The Herald was printed, marking the beginning of a newspaper that would become a cornerstone of the Mascoutah community. Founded by Carl Montag, The Herald has chronicled the lives, events, and milestones of Mascoutah for 140 years, a legacy that continues to this day.
Above is the front page of the oldest issue in our archive
Montag, who settled in Mascoutah in 1855 after emigrating from Bavaria, was a carpenter and lumberyard owner before venturing into the world of journalism. He left school early to apprentice at the print shop of the Mascoutah Enterprise. His passion for journalism took him to cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and New York City, but his heart remained in Mascoutah. In 1884, he purchased the Lebanon Illinois Herald and moved it to Mascoutah the following year, where it has operated ever since.
The Montag family home, located at 213 East Church St., stood as a testament to his legacy until its recent demolition. Built by Carl’s father, Louis Carl Montag, in 1862, the house was a unique fixture in Mascoutah, known for its distinctive “mansard” roof. Over the years, the house served various purposes, including as a nursing home, but fell into disrepair and was eventually deemed unsalvageable.
A full story on his house can be found here:
The Montag household as it stood when the family still resided in it. (Photo provided by long-time Herald Supporter and Mascoutah Historical Society member Marilyn Welch)
Montag was deeply involved in the community, serving in various city positions, including Justice of the Peace, Postmaster, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and even Mayor of Mascoutah in 1913. His commitment to the community and his trade was evident in his 50-year membership in the International Typographical Union, where he served as president of Union 443 until his death in 1933.
The paper continued to evolve under new ownership as it exchanged hands. In 1991, Greg Hoskins purchased The Herald, making it the first acquisition of what would become Better Newspapers, Inc. Better Newspapers currently owns four daily newspapers, 35 weeklies, the monthly Illinois Business Journal, five magazines, and seven radio stations across Illinois and Missouri, along with three press plants in Altamont, Park Hills and Centralia.
Greg Hoskins
Reflecting on his tenure, longtime editor Gene Isbell shared his journey with The Herald in a column published on April 19, 2018. Isbell, who joined The Herald in 1994, recounted the early days of working with a small but dedicated team of journalists, photographers, and editors. The camaraderie and shared passion for community journalism defined his years at the paper, where he eventually rose to the position of editor, covering Mascoutah and managing seven different papers. Isbell wrote 880 “Izzy Writes” columns in addition to his other work at The Herald. Read Isbell’s final column from 2018 here:
Keith Gillett joined Herald Publications in December 2004, taking over as editor of “The Herald” in September 2005. During his tenure, which lasted until March 2012, Gillett managed the demanding task of overseeing both “The Herald” and the *Scott Flier*. Known for his passion for photography, he frequently featured striking local images on the front page, including an award-winning photo of Scheve Park after a Christmas snowfall.
Under Gillett’s leadership, “The Herald” covered significant local events, including a severe ice storm in 2008 and a tornado in 2011. His dedication to the newspaper was recognized when “The Herald” was named the top weekly paper in Southern Illinois by the Southern Illinois Press Association in his final week.
After retiring, Gillett continued his work in photography as a regional contract photographer for Icon Sportswire, contributing thousands of images to Getty and covering major sporting events. His work remains influential, both in the community and beyond.
Thoughts on his time at The Herald can be found here:
Former Editor Keith Gillett Speaks on his time at The Herald
Pamela Rensing, who started at The Herald in 1992 with no prior journalism experience, also shared her memories of working alongside Greg Hoskins. Over the years, Rensing met governors, senators, and local leaders, all while reporting on the events that shaped Mascoutah. Her writing captured the growth and change in the town, from the demolition of the old high school to the expansion driven by Scott Air Force Base.
In her reflection on 30 years at The Herald, Rensing highlighted the emotional toll of reporting on the deaths of beloved community members, including former Police Chief Kevin Gordon and Lt. Kevin McGinnis. But it was the death of Greg Hoskins in 2024 that hit her hardest. Hoskins was more than just a boss; he was a friend, a mentor, and a key figure in her career. Her full writing on her time at The Herald can be found here:
Former Editor Pamela Rensing Muses on Her History at The Herald
Musings from longtime Herald Publications writer Randy Pierce can be found here:
Writer Randy Pierce Speaks on his Time at Herald Publications So Far
Today, The Herald is under the stewardship of Greg’s son, Scott Hoskins. The newspaper industry has changed dramatically, but the commitment to community journalism remains. As The Herald celebrates its 140th anniversary, it continues to be a vital part of Mascoutah’s history, telling the stories of its people with dedication and heart.
Words from the community:
Nancy Larson: “Long live the Herald!! The Herald is a great resource for current happenings and a valued historical record of the past. Thanks for your commitment to covering local news.”
Kimberly Kilgore: “(This is) very exciting. I just heard on the radio today that local papers are shutting down, two a week, across the United States. I hope you have 140 more years of success!”
Lori Hill-McKenzie: “Love the herald congrats!”
Jillian Schroeder: “Congratulations!”
Shelby Hulliung Brennan: “My grandma, Mildred Hulliung, will turn 101 on Sept 8. She is a lifelong resident of Mascoutah and remembers reading The Herald with her father as a child.”
Mildred Hulliung
