New chapter in publication’s history
The Farmington Press opens the doors to a new chapter on Thursday with the opening of the offices at 227 E. Columbia St. in downtown Farmington.
A ribbon cutting with the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday.
“This opening of the new Farmington building marks an important step in our newspaper’s future,” explained Daily Journal Publisher Eugene Jackson, who also serves as publisher of the Farmington Press and Democrat News. “We are focused and committed to beautifying our communities we serve as well as making our employees’ daily work environment world-class.
“We are a media company now, not just a newspaper. That being said, the newspaper in Farmington has a long history in the community and will continue to have a strong presence in Farmington for many years to come. This move makes that happen.
“We moved into a more modern-feeling environment for our readers, customers and employees. Thank you, Farmington, for letting us be a part of your daily and weekly life.”
Daily Journal Managing Editor Doug Smith said the new location helps staff continue to tell the stories of Farmington.
“We always want to maintain a news presence in Farmington,” he said. “Even though we’ve been transitioning between offices there, Editor Shawnna Robinson and reporter Craig Vaughn have remained very much attuned to what was happening day to day. It will be much easier for them to do their respective jobs now that they’re back in place in an office right in the heart of the community.”
The move for the office is blocks down from where the Roberts brothers started the paper in 1928.
The new space brings a bit of Farmington Press history into the 21st century. There are framed front pages from newspapers past hanging in a comfortable seating area for visitors.
Parking for the new location is conveniently located across the street near the Farmington Fire Department and steps away from additional downtown parking areas.
For sale signs were hung on the former Daily Journal/Farmington Press building at 218 N. Washington St. in November of last year.
After years of considering the idea, the decision was made to sell the large, under-utilized space and relocate the editorial and customer service staff to a more fitting, updated location.
The Daily Journal has its main operations at 1513 St. Joe Drive in Park Hills, but has staff in place at both the Farmington and Fredericktown offices to handle any customer needs regarding any of the three different newspapers, as well as a weekly real estate guide, free weekly shopper and other niche publications.
“We are also currently remodeling our Park Hills Daily Journal building from the inside out to again help beautify our communities we serve,” Jackson said.
For several years the former Farmington Press/Daily Journal building at 218 N. Washington St. was an improper fit for the services being provided there. The actual printing of both papers, as well as the Democrat News and non-company owned papers in Ironton and Ste. Genevieve and other periodicals and sales inserts ceased and those operations were moved to other locations.
Even the office space at the Farmington location was far more area to heat and cool than was being utilized. Such was also the case for a large parking lot which for the most part sat empty but still required upkeep. For a time the Farmington Chamber of Commerce leased office space in the building while building a new office next door.
At the new location, customers will be able to purchase the latest issue or back copies of all of the company’s papers, as well as place classifieds, drop off community calendar items or other notices, and handle any other services for the three papers.
“After months of anticipation, the day has arrived for the latest chapter in the story of the Farmington Press to be written,” said Robinson. “We’ve played a vital role in the community since the founding of the Farmington Press by Cecil W. and John Roberts in 1928. I look forward to our readers visiting us in our new location, reliving the history and celebrating what lies ahead.”
“We thank you so much for your support and patience through the exciting changes. This will align us to be in Farmington for many years to come.”
Customers wishing to reach the office by phone or email for editorial, circulation or advertising issues can use the same phone numbers and email addresses as always. The main number is 573-756-8927 and the email addresses are srobinson@farmingtonpressonline.com and cvaughn@farmingtonpressonline.com. Additional contact email addresses included receptionist Marsha Nicholson at mnicholson@farmingtonpressonline.com, Classified Advertising and Employment Specialist Sarah Jones at sjones@dailyjournalonline.com and Account Manager/Digital Media Specialist Ashlee Fears at afears@dailyjournalonline.com.
The new office of the Farmington Press opens at 8 a.m. on Thursday. The office is located at 227 E. Columbia St., directly across from the Farmington Fire Department. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday as well.
This is the former Farmington Press building on Washington Street.
