The new owners of the Trenton Republican-Times/Green Hills Weekly shopper presented the program at the Thursday, Sept. 16 meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club. Brian Upton presided at the meeting, Joe McDonald gave the prayer and Dave Bain was the sergeant at arms.
Jamey and D’Anna Honeycutt took ownership of the Republican-Times/Green Hills Weekly on Sept. 1. They also own the Clinton County Leader newspaper at Plattsburg. The Honeycutts have been in the newspaper business for around 20 years, with Jamey having served as publisher of the Cameron newspaper for 10 years. It was his time in Cameron which led the couple to find a newspaper to purchase in the northwest Missouri area. Jamey said that Wendell Lenhart, owner of the Republican-Times, and Steve Tinnen, owner of the Clinton County newspaper, had been welcoming to the couple when they came to the area and made the transition to new ownership “very easy.” He said that local ownership is important in keeping smaller newspapers vibrant, noting that many have gone out of business because of being purchased by large groups who do not understand “local news.” He said small communities still want to have a newspaper that is the community’s “one-stop shop” for information. He said readers trust locally-owned newspapers, knowing they have to be accountable because those who work there “are their friends and neighbors.” He said the couple’s goal is to provide the community with a good news source as well as providing a good advertising base and giving back to the community. He said Lenhart will be serving as “publisher emeritus” and will continue writing a column for the newspaper. The current staff will also be remaining in place, continuing to focus on local news coverage with emphasis on Trenton and Grundy County.
During the business meeting, final plans were made for the Sept. 18 drive-through fish fry at the FFA cookshack. An update was given on the Missouri Day Parade activities on Oct. 16, with letters being sent to previous flag sponsors. Persons wanting to sponsor a U.S. or Missouri flag to be flown during the parade can contact Chris Hoffman. The cost is $50 for a three-year sponsorship, with sponsors being able to designate the purchase in memory of or in honor of specific individuals.
There will be no noon meeting on Thursday, Sept. 23, with the meeting being at 6 p.m. at the home of Joe DeVorss. Members will tour DeVorss’ chestnut tree farm, then hold a hamburger/hot dog cookout. Those signing up to attend are asked to bring a side dish, their own drink and a lawn chair for seating.
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