Your support is appreciated
As the result of a recent subscription promotion, The Gazette-Democrat welcomed more than 150 new subscribers during December, along with hundreds of renewals. This represents a tremendous increase in view of the newspaper's current saturation of the community.
While stories abound that the end is near for newspapers, it is obvious that Union County readers continue to enjoy their weekly newspaper.
Local, local, local is to community newspapers what location, location, location is to the real estate business. We strive to bring you the local news you want and need.
The history of this newspaper dates back more than 164 years. We plan to continue to serve the community for many, many more years to come.
The outstanding members of the staff at The Gazette-Democrat work hard each and every day on news, sports, classified advertising and display advertising, along with circulation.
The Gazette-Democrat is locally owned, which, unfortunately, is very rare in Southern Illinois and throughout the nation. Niche publications and printing services have helped Reppert Publications to remain as a major employer in Union County.
Long gone are the days of linotypes, Scanogravers, Compugraphics and other production tools which have been used in the newspaper business. Today, the newspaper is produced with state-of-the-art computers and technical equipment.
Our website at annanews.com posts news and obituaries which can be viewed at no cost. An e-edition soon will be available at a low cost.
Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate your readership. JLR
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<strong>Gratitude voiced</strong>
In late December, the Union County area experienced a blizzard and then another winter storm. The two winter storms dropped 16 inches of snow on some parts of the area.
The heavy snow led to long, hard hours for Union County Highway Department personnel, and for many others who worked to clear local roads, streets and highways.
Union County engineer Kevin Grammer is voicing his appreciation and thanks to the community. Grammer said he is grateful for those who helped out in any way – and for the patience that people in the community showed following the winter storms.
Grammer noted that people often helped one another as they dealt with the heavy snow. This spirit of neighbor helping neighbor is one of the many things which make Union County such a great place to live.
We appreciate all of the hard work which went into clearing our roads following the recent winter storms, and we praise the spirit of cooperation which was part of the effort.