Former Russell publisher inducted into Hall of Fame

Russell Townsley, former publisher of the Russell Daily News, was honored by the Kansas Press Association last weekend as the historical inductee to the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame.

Townsley was honored posthumously for his 42 years of work in journalism.

He purchased the Russell County News in 1947 and transformed it into a six-day daily newspaper shortly thereafter.

Along with Allan D. Evans, Townsley also owned and operated newspapers in Hoisington, Claflin, Natoma and Luray.

Townsley's son, Russ, said in an e-mail his father was known for his wit and dry humor, often weighing in on national, state and local issues through his "Coffee Time Notes" weekly column.

Russell Townsley sold his stake in the newspapers when he retired in 1989.

He joins his father, Will, former publisher of the Great Bend Tribune, in the hall of fame.