A new chapter for The Journal

Today starts a new chapter in the chronicles of this newspaper. This issue of your New London Journal is the first under the new ownership of the Southeast Iowa Union.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Southeast Iowa Union is in fact a union between the Fairfield, Washington and Mt Pleasant newspapers. For over a century the Union papers and the New London Journal, in all of the various iterations, have occupied some of the same territory. Over the years there has been some collaboration from time to time, but mostly we each stayed in our lane in an effort to best serve our respective readers. By officially joining in the Union team, along with the Clarion – Plainsman in the Brighton, Richland and Packwood area which came on board last May, and the also newly acquired Winfield Beacon – Wayland News, we think our resources can be pooled to do some pretty amazing things.

The newspaper business is a family affair to me. I grew up in my grandfather’s newspaper office, in a newspaper business that he purchased from his father. My mom and dad hauled me around for my first paper route when I was five and I started to work for my dad selling advertising when I was 23. This business is very personal to me. I think, in ways you may not even think about, it is very personal to you as well. The stories we share on our pages are about you and your family. Accomplishments, accolades, warts and wrinkles, every family has them, and I am excited to experience them together with you.

We are committed to making your Journal thrive, not only as part of the bigger Union team, but also on its own merits.

That starts with continuing to use the voices you are accustomed to. I have spoken with both Gina Anderson and Virginia Ekstrand, and we are fortunate that they have both agreed to continue covering the community they are so passionate about.

While they will certainly take the lead, our Union reporters are also in the area so there will be even more original news reporting that focuses on the New London area. Our sports reporters are covering New London so we will be able to supplement the dedicated sports coverage. Our advertising representatives are serving the area so local businesses will have the opportunity to share their messages with all of you.

Add all of this to the resources available through The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, our parent company, and the pieces are in place to carry on positive traditions and implement positive changes.

Change may not sit well with everyone, but, rest assured, most of the things you enjoy and count on in your local paper will still be here. Our hope is that the changes that are made, you will find to be improvements. That is the intention.

Speaking of intention, and this is a big one, the New London Journal was not brought into the mix just so it could merge into the Southeast Iowa Union. I can’t predict the future, but I can tell you that merging is not on the to-do list. The intention is to continue publishing this paper in its current form and publication day, with extra support and resources.

Moving forward with this exciting new venture, I do need to ask for a little help. The simple fact is that we can’t do it without you. Small communities are struggling to maintain their newspapers. We know that this newspaper can stay an important part of your life and community, but it will take all of us contributing to the overall success. I ask that you continue to subscribe, and talk to your friends and neighbors about starting their own subscription. If you have a business, reach out and let us help you with an affordable ad that will draw customers to your store. Tell your friends that good things are happening at the paper and suggest that they pick up a copy at Casey’s or Jet Stop.

Beyond just purchasing something, let us know about the cool, fun things happening in your community, your neighborhood and your family. I also encourage you to share your ideas on how to make the paper better! When we all work together we can make good things happen.

Please feel free to reach out at matt.bryant@southeastiowaunion.com or call me at 319-653-2191.