Mike's Retirement Video

Mike Probst
1984-2024 40 years at Rockport Pilot, 43 years with Hartman Publications
After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1982 with a BBA in Marketing, Mike landed his first job as Advertising Manager for the Brenham Banner Press in Brenham, Texas. Since that moment in time, Mike has been involved in every aspect of running a community newspaper.
In February of 1984, he received the call to move to Rockport and run the newspaper as the current publisher became ill. In May, he was promoted to the Editor and Publisher and has been at the helm of our newspaper ever since, something unheard of in this day and time.
He is the author of three books: 30 Years through the News Lens where he established a bullet point list of top historic events and photos for each of the 30 years. He then gave all proceeds to the History Center for Aransas County as a legacy to the news of the community. Also, Harvey Hit Here and Harvey Hit Here plus five recording the stories and photographs of that catastrophic event in Aransas County’s history.
When Harvey hit here, his beloved town, his eyes were opened as he had to cover the news with a whole new perspective. He was able to capture the journey of the people, the town and local government and tell the story as it happened.
He and his wife, Diane, have lived in Rockport, Texas since 1984. They have two daughters, Alyssa (Doug) and Ashlee (Cody) and six grandchildren: Ben, Connor, Campbell, Archie, Paige and Ryleigh.