In lieu of a printed newspaper, early citizens of Carlton would gather on Friday evenings at the school to hear R. F. McKeage read items contributed by the residents. 

The Carlton Courier, a newspaper was established 4 April, 1907, by V. O. Porter lasted two years. 

Robert E. Downey opened the Carlton Citizen which was published until 1936. Leo Rendessy was one of the publisher/editors of this paper. Mr. Rendessy sold the Carlton Citizen to M. S. Nance of Lometa who assumed ownership on 1 July, 1934.

RENDESSY SELLS CARLTON CITIZEN TO M. S. NANCE

In 1938 the The Carlton Citizen and Hamilton County News were published by W. F. BIllingslea in Hamilton.