Local business man, former Highlander publisher, Dan Alvey dies in boat accident
As growth and a volatile news cycle shaped The Highlander in the 1970s and 80s, one newspaper man stood out in his work with the Burnet Bulletin’s sister publication.
The late John Daniel (Dan) Alvey worked for The Highlander from 1972 to 1985; first in the advertising department as a salesman and ad director and eventually as publisher. He died Dec. 17, several weeks after a recreational accident in the Seattle, Washington area. He was 67.
During Alvey’s tenure at The Highlander, the local newspaper witnessed and reported locally on much of the same political and governmental strife the rest of the nation experienced during a time of great change.
“There was a tremendous amount of change in the paper. That was part of the hiring of Dan on the advertising side,” said Bill Bray, the newspaper owner at the time.
“He did a very good job. He was a very creative person when it came to marketing.”
The Highlander published several articles including a series on a contentious battle involving a proposed nuclear power plant; state-mandated septic system regulations to protect area waterways; controversial issues involving the city, county government and local law enforcement; and drugs in the local high school.
“People didn’t like the topic and didn’t believe it was true,” Bray said.
“We stayed with it for several years and people acknowledged it was true, and we needed to do something about it.”
Certain corners of the community attempted to cultivate a dim view of the newspaper.
“In that backdrop, Dan’s job was difficult to say the least in marketing and advertising,” Bray said of Alvey’s work. “There were boycotts against the newspaper.
“He was able to use his creativity working with people,” he added. “He had a great sense of humor. He got through all that.”
During Bray’s ownership and Alvey’s tenure, The Highlander increased in size and scope as a Thursday morning publication.
“The Highlander started running full-color back in the 1970s which was very unique,” Bray said.
During the time the newspaper won awards in categories including all around weekly.
After leaving The Highlander, Alvey ventured into the Marble Falls community with a competitive spirit, further utilizing his journalism degree from North Texas State University.
The Odessa native soon founded publications including The Picayune and the River Cities Tribune newspaper.
Loved ones have scheduled Alvey’s funeral service for 2 p.m. Friday Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 1101 Bluebonnet Dr. in Marble Falls.
Alvey was married to Merri Lee for 45 years. Their children are Amber Alvey Weems and John Nicholas Alvey.
Alvey is survived by his wife, their children and two grandchildren, Morgan and Natalie Weems, all of Marble Falls; brother Patrick Alvey (and wife Linda) of Tyler; his mother, Charlene Alvey of Marble Falls; a niece, a nephew, five great nieces and a great nephew.
