T-H marks 151 years of publishing in SFC

The Times-Herald today begins its 151st year in St. Francis County.

Published each weekday, the Times-Herald is the only Monday through Friday afternoon newspaper still being printed in the state.

The Times-Herald was established in 1871 and is tied with six other companies as the 20th oldest business in Arkansas.

Owned by Argent Arkansas News Media, the Times-Herald is published at its headquarters on North Izard Street in Forrest City. In addition to the printed edition, the online version of the newspaper can be found at www.thnews.com. The TimesHerald is also on Facebook.

“Today’s first edition of our 151st year is an important milestone not only for the history of this newspaper, but for our community,” said Publisher Tamara Johnson. “Unfortunately, many communities throughout the nation no longer have a local, hometown newspaper. Although the Times-Herald has faced, and continues to face hardships as advertising revenue declines, our commitment to the community remains strong.

“As with any small business, the newspaper depends on the support of our customers to continue producing a quality newspaper that our readers know and trust,” continued Johnson. “We will continue to build on our reputation as a reliable source of news for our community.”

One of several things unique about the Times-Herald is that our press crew is all women. Each day’s newspaper is printed by Teresa McCrary, Dusty McCollum and Alice McCollum.

“Very few newspapers have presses anymore, and I seriously doubt those that do have an all-female press crew,” said Johnson. “Press operators are highly-skilled and hard to come by, and we are very fortunate to have these women who pride themselves on making sure our newspaper looks the best it can for our readers, and we appreciate their work.

“I am also fortunate to have a staff that has been with this newspaper for a long time,” said Johnson. “Mae Watson works in the composing department and circulation. Bill McLoud handles the advertising, and the newsroom is staffed by Katie West and Brodie Johnson. Teresa Wall is the bookkeeper, and Bobby Teal manages circulation.”

The Times-Herald is open Monday through Friday at its headquarters on Izard Street.

“Stop by and visit us,” said Johnson. “There is nothing like the smell of ink and the sound of a press running that entices you more to pick up a copy of a newspaper.”