Early Bird Newspaper 123018

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

from the team at The Early Bird and Bluebag Media

THE EARLY BIRD NEWSPAPER

WEEKEND EDITION - DECEMBER 30, 2018

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE GREAT DARKE COUNTY FAIR!

The Early Bird completes 50 years of serving Darke County RYAN BERRY

MANAGING EDITOR editor@earlybirdpaper.com

GREENVILLE – The Early Bird recently completed its 50th year of service to Darke County and while much has changed over the last half-century, the desire to provide readers with news and information about the people, places and events in the county as well as a desire to buildup local businesses through advertising opportunities has been consistent. The Early Bird was the vision of John Ball and although he passed away in 2011, his mark remains on the newspaper. The newspaper and website, Bluebag Media, were purchased in June 2012 by brothers, Keith and Fred Foutz. Keith and wife Peggy eventually became sole owners – keeping the newspaper locally-owned and operated. During the newspaper’s infancy, Ball kept notes describing the progress of the newspaper. The first issue of The

Early Bird was published in mid-November 1968 and contained four pages. It was delivered by third class mail to 3,000 homes in the Arcanum, West Manchester, Verona and Laura areas. Ball wrote, “The biggest factor leading to the decision to publish such a shopper was the need expressed by advertisers for a better means of reaching more people in their market since the newspaper went only to those who subscribed to it or who purchased it over the counter.” Sutton’s Super Valu has been a big part of The Early Bird’s existence. Ball was looking for a way to make their two-page flyer profitable as Ball’s costs were more than he was charging. The press had the capacity of printing eight pages and Ball felt if he could sell the other six pages “we could turn a loser into a winner… and at the same time give the advertisers the exposure they asked for. Mr. Sutton agreed and The Early Bird was born.”

By June 1969, distribution stood at 12,500 copies and included the northern half of Darke County. Greenville was the only part of the county not covered. Ball wrote, “The capacity of our press at Arcanum is 2,000 eight-page papers per hour, which meant that printing a 16-pager took two full working days.” With success came the need to out-source the printing. In June 1970, The Early Bird expanded its circulation to include Greenville. A few months later, The Early Bird began home and business delivery by carrier. As the paper’s news staff grew they were able to drop the “shopper” designation and eventually received the status of “newspaper of record.” The Early Bird’s distribution currently exceeds 28,000 homes and businesses. One person that saw what Ball went through to make The Early Bird successful was his son, Al Ball. Al stated the paper “became his whole life.” He remembered the long hours his dad put in trying to get a newspaper printed. On bigger papers, John would be at the press for days at a time.

The current employees and freelancers include (from left) Ryan Berry, Paul Ackley, Amy Addis, Becky Snyder, Jessica Wynn, Jane Kaiser, Denise Good, Susan Hartley, Keith Foutz, Linda Moody, Angie Crisp, Clinton Randall, Amber Godwin, Louanna Gwinn, Gaylen Blosser, Shannie Denney, Annette Sanders, and Johnathon Denney.

Al recalled the many times he would get the large paper roll threaded and ready to go. After it was going for a while they would hear the loud bang of the paper ripping. John was persistent and would start over. According to a recent audit, readership of The Early Bird remains high and the company has adapted to changing times with its website, Bluebag Media, and a strong social

media presence, which has allowed them to become the county’s first choice for daily news. The Ohio Senate recently honored The Early Bird and Bluebag Media with a proclamation signed by 12th District Senator Matt Huffman and Senate President Larry Obhof in recognition of its 50th anniversary. The proclamation states, “Recognition of this prestigious milestone is a fitting tribute

to The Early Bird Newspaper and Bluebag Media, for since its inception in 1968, it has provided Darke County residents with praiseworthy coverage of current events and of important issues that affect the community. Both entertaining and thought provoking, the periodical has earned the loyalty of a devoted readership and has certainly distinguished itself as a fine Ohio news publication.”

Work continues on park - sponsors needed RYAN BERRY

MANAGING EDITOR editor@earlybirdpaper.com

Gaylen Blosser was recently sworn in as a member of the Darke County Veterans Services Commission by Judge Jonathan P. Hein.

Blosser appointed to DC Veterans Services Commission SUSAN HARTLEY

STAFF WRITER shartley@earlybirdpaper.com

DARKE COUNTY – The Early Bird’s Gaylen Blosser was recently sworn in as the newest member of the Darke County Veterans Services Commission. Members of the board are appointed by Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan P. Hein and serve a total of five years, with one new member being appointed every year as one member leaves. Blosser, who resides in Greenville with his wife Becky, served with the U.S. Army’s 196th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam from 1969-70 and is a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, and the Disabled American Veterans. “It is my honor to serve on The Darke County Veterans Service Commission and represent all Darke

County veterans and their families,” Blosser said. The Darke County Veterans Services Commission oversees the operation of the Darke County Veterans Service Office and is responsible to ensure veterans and their eligible family members receive all benefits, including federal, state and local, for which they may be entitled. “Darke County is very blessed to have one of the finest Veterans Services Commisions in the state under the guidance of the current board and leadership of Thomas Pitman, Department Head/CVSO and his staff,” Blosser said. “I am honored to be selected to serve with this great organization representing our veterans.” Other members of the commission in Darke County include Jim Stamcoff, James Kemmer, Philip Rehmert, and Jack Sloat.

GREENVILLE – Work on the new YOLO Urban Park at the corner of South Broadway and Martin Street will continue into the new year with a grand opening expected this spring. Over the past couple months, workers have been giving shape to the park by installing the walls, steel work for the pavilion and work on the fountain has begun. While many continue to believe this park will have a kid-themed splash pad, the YOLO committee has been insistent that this is not that kind of park. “Our vision for the urban park has always been to create a space for friends and families to spend time together and enjoy our historic downtown, and to support our local businesses by attracting visitors and new residents,” said Phillip Pierri, founder of YOLO of Darke County. YOLO of Darke County is incredibly grateful for every business, organization, and individual who has already donated to this project. Through these donations and fundraisers, the organization has received approximately 80 percent of the funding

needed. The total project cost is $800,000. They are hoping to raise at least an additional $157,000. One of the biggest needs continues to be funds for landscaping. The YOLO committee is seeking at least 32 donors willing to donate $1,000 each to reach their goal of $32,000. These donations can be made in a lump sum or over a 10month period. They are also looking for two sponsors to donate $25,000 each to be wall sponsors. Donations for trees, tree grates and lighting ($3,000), tables and chairs ($2,500), and water feature ($25,000) are still being accepted. If these sponsorships don’t fit your budget, don’t worry. The YOLO committee is accepting community donations of any size and has already raised approximately $38,500 from individual and business donations. In addition to sponsorships, the committee has also held fundraising events, including the inaugural YOLO Holiday Bazaar during the annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade in downtown Greenville. They raised over $7,000 to benefit the park by selling crafts, hot cocoa, caramel pretzels, and popcorn. They also held a cookie tray raffle during the holidays. This year’s YOLO Festival

The wall around the park has been erected and steel is up for the pavilion. Workers have also been working on the new fountain.

of Races, which has been a huge donor to the park, will be held Saturday, May 18, 2019. This date has changed from previous years when it was held on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

Pierri added, “We are extremely excited to see this project come to completion and look forward to seeing it benefit our community.” For more information on the park or to donate, call (937) 371-9088.

STEGALL SWORN IN

DARKE COUNTY – Darke County Commissioner Mike Stegall was sworn in for his third four-year term on Wednesday by Judge Jonathan P. Hein. Stegall won his bid for re-election in November after winning the May primary when he ran against newcomer John Kennedy. Commission seats held by Mike Rhoades and Matt Aultman are up for election in 2020.


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