Exciting Changes In Store For The Progress

Now that the Roxton Progress website is clicking on all cylinders, and we are slowly building both a print and online audience, we are excited to announce the next phase in our efforts to make the Progress the best newspaper it can be. Beginning with our next issue, May 6, you’ll see a new level of professionalism in the design of the Progress. “After much thought and discussion, we’ve decided to turn our layout and design process over to a professional,” said Karen Rutherford, co-owner of the Progress. “The designer has 35 years of newspaper graphics experience across the country and currently has contracts with several newspapers in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.” Deciding to contract the newspaper design was easy, Rutherford said. “We are in our seventh year of doing this every two weeks,” she said. “Essentially, we give up two weekends a month to simply get the newspaper ready for print. With two young grandchildren and full-time jobs outside of the Progress, we are hoping to free up more time for our family.” Not only will readers notice a professional newspaper layout, the time saved on design will allow us to focus more on editorial content, fewer proofreading errors, and better content focused on Roxton and the surrounding area. “We will actually have time to visit Roxton more often, especially at important events rather than being tied to the computer and missing all of the fun!”

“We want to continue with the original focus of the Roxton Progress — serving Lamar, Fannin, and Delta Counties,” Rutherford said. “In doing so, we want to become a bridge to the rural news, history, and heritage of the North Sulphur River Basin,” she said.

“While many newspapers are experiencing hard times,” Rutherford said, “the Progress has benefitted from a very loyal group of subscribers and advertisers. That doesn’t mean we haven’t struggled, but we hope the changes in the way we operate will be better for all involved. We are still a community newspaper and will continue to welcome any and all news from our readers. We really can’t do this without you! I will continue to troll your Facebook pages for news and interesting pictures along the way; feel free to tag me anytime!”

One important note for advertisers and those submitting news items to the Progress will be a “hard” deadline of the Friday prior to the publishing date for the next paper. “This has always been our deadline,” Rutherford said. “But we’ve been flexible. While there will still be flexibility for breaking news and obituaries, it’s very important that we receive content on time so our contractor can get the paper ready in time for printing.”