An update
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This edition completes 156 years of the North Missourian in continuous publication. With only one more deadline to meet before Liz and I retire, we probably owe you an update.
There are at least two conversations still alive which might yet lead to the new ownership of this newspaper and the Ad Zone shopper (if not for Gallatin Publishing Company). Realistically, the GPC press room will cease operation. But new owners could reorganize to staff and simply print the publications elsewhere.
Missouri law allows a 30-day grace period for legal newspapers in these circumstances whereby continuous publication can be temporarily disrupted and then resume publication without forfeiting legal status. This involves the paid publication of legal notices in the newspaper, such as courthouse declarations involving estates and the printing of sample election ballots.
Once past this grace period, however, the North Missourian would need to apply for legal status as if it never before existed. This is a 3-year application process (ugh!). Theoretically, the newspaper may temporarily miss four editions and then resume. The door is not yet slammed shut.
If no buyer steps forward and this newspaper discontinues, legal advertising will go to the only other subscriber newspaper existing in Daviess County, the Tri-County Weekly at Jamesport.
The fate of a shopper simply depends on what the market will bear. Anyone can start or stop publication of a shopper at any given time. Obviously, sporadic publication only gives stable competitors an edge. A competing shopper can come into “your” market at any time.
That happened to the Ad Zone. During our ownership, the Ad Zone withstood challenges from three different print competitors (besides other “neighbors” who claim circulation in our area but really don’t deliver to households in our market as they claim). Today as I write this, the Ad Zone is the only shopper serving the sizable market of Chillicothe, with distribution also centered on Hamilton and Gallatin.
Auctioneers depend on the Ad Zone. We couple auction print ads with online marketing for auctions on www.ShoMeMoreAuctions.com. This has proven to be popular and effective (profitable!) We intend to perpetuate the online website regardless of the future of the print Ad Zone shopper. Thus, you can view dozens of auctions online just as always on www.ShoMeMoreAuctions.com going forward.
Several purchase conversations since we announced our retirement have been fruitless. Conversations with different prospects are sometimes at cross purposes. Rather than describing these “what if” scenarios, we will make no further mention to avoid confusion. But perhaps it is appropriate to provide you with decisions that have been made to date:
www.ShoMeMoreRealEstate.com – purchased by our daughter, Jill Steward, who owns and operates her photography business, JPEG Studio; the monthly print edition is discontinued. An emphasis on webpage/video and social media marketing should carry this marketing tool forward.
Lake Viking News/www.LakeVikingMo.com – letter of intent signed by the board of the Lake Viking Association with plans to continue both print and online products.
Gallatin North Missourian / www.NorthMissourian.com – for sale.
Ad Zone / www.MyAdZone.com – for sale.
GPC Printing Plant – will close effective May 28.
Closing Out Sale – offers on items listed for sale will continue to be accepted through May 28 when this inventory sale closes. Buyers with highest offers will be notified, and items sold will be removed from the premises. Then we will decide what should be done with the items still left.
Our doors may close to the public come May 28 but we anticipate working on various needs after that date, perhaps even months. We may not “leave the lights on for you,” but we’ll answer a knock on the door or, what we prefer, meet with you by appointment.
On a personal note, Liz and I are humbled by the response we’ve received from some of you. We very much appreciate the words of encouragement during this stressful time and your prayers. That means a lot to us. Thank you.
Yes, I’m still crazy after all these years. Just this week a guy told me that if things get tough and you really think you’re going crazy, take heart. With all these changes taking place, insanity may be the only thing that’s familiar.