A stack of newspapers on a reporter's desk. These were the first off the press, given to the staff. (Joshua Morrison)
In 2002, I was hired at The News in classified sales. Over the years, I transitioned into various roles, including information technology, photojournalism, web editing, and video journalism. I captured Friday night high school football games and won several photojournalism accolades and website of the year awards. I worked alongside countless other professional journalists, including editor Samantha Scoles, who taught me everything about being tough and tenacious in getting the story.
I have witnessed firsthand the impact that these publications have had on their communities and the void that is left when they are gone. The Mount Vernon News, a print newspaper that was published six times a week in Mount Vernon, Ohio, is a prime example of why small-town newspapers matter.
For eight decades, the Culbertson family owned and managed the News. Under their direction, the paper was a community bulwark for truth and information.
Editor Samantha Scoles speaks with City Council candidate John Booth before a series of candidate debates the Mount Vernon News held with local media each election.
Area school kids tour the Mount Vernon News press during the spring each year.
Newspapers come off the press
Editor Samantha Scoles, left, reporters Allison Glass and Callan Pugh discuss the layout of the next days newspaper.
The Mount Vernon News was more than just a newspaper. It was a community institution that brought people together. It covered everything from local politics to high school sports, and it was a trusted source of information for its readers. The paper's print deadline for Monday through Friday was 10:15 AM, and on Saturday morning, it was 1:15 AM, and 2 AM during football season. The paper was a constant presence in the lives of the people of Knox County, Ohio.
However, in August 2020, Metric Media LLC purchased The News, which was the company's first purchase of an existing print newspaper. In December of the same year, Metric Media sold the building on East Vine Street, and The News now operates out of offices in the Woodward Opera House on South Main Street. While the paper continues to publish online and once a week on Saturday, the cutback of its print edition has left a significant void in the community.
Reporter Pam Schehl interviews two members of the Knox County Career Center JROTC for Wreaths Across America.
Circulation Department's John Nixon signs a beam of the Woodward Opera House as he delivers newspapers in the downtown area of Mount Vernon.
Alan Reed, left, and Virgil Shipley during the music and arts festival complete the Taking it to the Streets column for a Saturday paper.
Ad Design manager Joshua Worster roasting chestnuts during the annual Christmas Walk in Mount Vernon.
On his first day as Sports Editor, Eric Starkey learns from then City Editor Fred Main about the News' styles and layouts.
Small-town newspapers matter because they are the lifeblood of their communities. They are a source of news, information, and entertainment, and they play a crucial role in holding local government accountable. They are a reflection of the community they serve, and they help to bring people together. When small-town newspapers disappear, the community suffers. It loses its voice, its identity, and its sense of purpose.
As a former photojournalist, I have seen the power of local news firsthand. I have seen how it can bring people together and make a difference in their lives. Small-town newspapers matter because they are the voice of the community. They are a vital link between the people and the world around them. The Mount Vernon News was an example of what a small-town newspaper should be, and its absence is a reminder of why we must continue to support local journalism.
As a group of school children leaves the pressroom, manager Dean Hammons, right, smiles after leading a presentation.
As I reflect on my time at 18 East Vine, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and sadness. The paper was more than just a job to me. It was a part of my life, and I will always cherish the memories I made there. The News was more than just ink on paper. It was a symbol of the community's strength, resilience, and spirit.
Saying goodbye to The News is like saying goodbye to a dear friend. It is a bittersweet farewell that leaves a void in our hearts. To my former coworkers of the Mount Vernon News, thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the lessons.
Goodbye Sam
Samantha Scoles leaves the News on November 9, 2018. It was her final day as managing editor. She was replaced by Fred Main.