A local newspaper celebrates 150 years staying in business

The Okolona Messenger has been delivering the information for 15 a long time

OKOLONA, Miss out on. (WCBI)- Regional newspapers are the lifeblood of their communities the editors, reporters and printers are typically one particular and the similar.

A lot of community papers have fallen victim to the moments. Social media and a 24 hour news cycle have designed it hard to report the regional information, but, a person household has located a way to continue to keep their company afloat, carrying on a 150 year tradition.

The Okolona Messenger has been offering the information for 15 decades. In 1872 Frank Burkitt grew to become the editor and quickly soon after the owner of the Chickasaw Messenger. 22 decades later, he modified the name of the newspaper to the People’s Messenger then in 1900 Burkitt bought the paper to Steinberger and Sons who adjusted the title to the Okolona Messenger.

The newspaper modified hands three extra occasions about the decades in advance of landing in the lap of Sue Blankenship and her late partner Murry.

“New factors come and I am more mature and it assists to have young persons that can help out and have much better and additional latest concepts,” claimed Okolona Messenger editor Sue Blankenship.

Blankenship and her grandson Russ is the 4th era of Blankenship to get the job done at the paper, and he is learning the household organization.

“Just making an attempt to study seriously all that I can from it so if say she’s unwell or some thing then I’ll have the know how on how to operate it or to know it for long term jobs or if I plan to do this,” mentioned Blankenship.

Due to the fact taking around in 1983 Sue Blankenship reported there is been a large amount of variations.

“We have had to struggle coming from a handbook typewriter to an electric powered typewriter, to a laptop or computer. We have a new program to mail out the paper, the labels there is a great deal a lot more associated than you assume for having and incorporate,” explained Blankenship.

By way of all the problems, Blankenship reported it is been truly worth it. The news paper is sent weekly in Okolona, but that will not be it’s only prevent anymore.

“We are expanding into all of Chickasaw County mainly because we are the only newspaper in Chickasaw County now,” stated Blankenship.

Russ Blankenship is only 16, but explained he would love to retain his family’s tradition heading in the long term.