Today marks the 66th anniversary of your consistent standard for all things Graham County, The Graham Star.
When Gene Robinson’s brainchild first appeared on newsprint on June 24, 1955, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, the United States and Russia were heating up for a Cold War, and Graham County had only been dry of alcohol for seven years. Unfortunately, we have no record of archives from 1955-63, so if you have any copies from then my inbox is open.
I did not take the time to add up where I stand in the lineage of Graham Star editors, but change in the role has – at times – been more subject to turnover than others. In August, my stint will reach the two-year mark.
And, I dare say, the newspaper is improving every week.
That’s what we strive for. Adapting to an ever-changing marketplace certainly presents challenges. The quest to get “the scoop” out there before other legitimate (and, sadly, those illegitimate ones that attempt to root their way in) media outlets is also a constant battle, but we would not trade the competitiveness for anything. Newspapers thrive on news, after all, and sometimes it comes in quicker than anticipated or is as slow as molasses.
We have the most well-rounded staff at this publication in years. The quality of stories and photos will only improve with the team we have assembled.
Change will continue to be key to our survival, so as we enter our 66th trip around the sun, here are a few things in the works for the upcoming year:
* A new Graham Star advisory page on Facebook, where we will frequently post questions and gauge public feedback to make necessary changes to all elements of what we produce each week. The page will launch July 1.
* A revamped front page, which we sadly did not have time to roll out for our 66th anniversary celebration, but will hopefully provide a much-needed breath of fresh air for what first captures your attention each week.
* An improved social media presence. Yes, we have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube accounts, but we will start expanding what is offered on each. Remember, we already have an e-edition, delivered conveniently to your inbox each Wednesday by lunch, so you actually get to see the paper hours before it hits newsstands.
* Lastly, the continuation of unparalleled, hard-hitting, reliable news. We have raised the bar for future Graham Stars and show no signs of letting up.
Thank you, Graham County, for 65 great years thus far. We have endured a lot together. Your continued support of your local newspaper cannot be expressed in full here, but just know that we love doing what we do for you each week.
Kevin Hensley is the publisher/editor of The Graham Star. He can be reached via phone, 479-3383; email, editor@grahamstar.com; and on Twitter, @KevinHensleyCNI.