The best thing about living in a small town is its innate sense of familiarity.
We’re all neighbors — practically kin.
So people feel free to speak their minds.
Such was the case earlier this week when a woman came into the newspaper and voiced her concern with our decision to outsource the printing of the paper.
“I hear a lot of people are going to lose their jobs over this,” she said.
And I know how sensitive an issue this is so close on the heels of Haldex Brake cutting 165 jobs with its closure.
And yes, the change means the loss of one full-time and two part-time positions. That’s not “a lot” of jobs, but I agree, one loss is too many. And for three people it means uncertainty where before they could wake up and pretty much know what their day had in store for them.
Sometimes progress re-quires more manpower; sometimes less.
Of course the goal is that by being able to print full-color photographs and advertisements the Register will become an even more successful venture and will be able to expand in other departments.
I knew I would never be able to afford the equipment nor the expertise to go full color on my own. If I held back from the move I felt I was putting the newspaper’s future in jeopardy. Today’s customers demand, and should be given, the best we can offer. To remain static sends the message that customers don’t deserve better.
THE RUMOR also has come back to me that with the change will come an increase in the price of the newspaper.
Not going to happen.
To have the World Company in Lawrence print the Register just means a reallocation of resources. It helps keep our focus on our product — reporting news and promoting local businesses and industries.
The next shoe to drop — people say — is the closing of Iola Register Printing.
Where do people hear these things?
No, Kevin Swepston is here to stay, printing ballots, programs, business cards, invitations, stationery and the like.
See what I mean? In one week’s time people have felt so familiar with the newspaper’s goings-on that they have predicted the demise of its printing department and accused management of being nothing short of a miserly money-grubber.
We’re burning the midnight oil here in preparation for the change. We’re excited about our Nov. 1 debut. And hope you are, too.
