Ole Pappy

Have you discovered the double-edged sword of the Minneota Mascot? If not, perhaps it’s time you understand a quick and in-depth way to get the news, features, columns, photos and timely advertising right here in small-town Minneota.

Because the times have dictated a new era in news, The Minneota Mascot no longer has a NEWS ROOM. It is, instead, AN INFORMATION ROOM. Let’s explain.

There are two sources of getting the news, as quick as possible on the Minneota Mascot Website (www.theminneotamascot.com) and more in depth in the Thursday morning publication of the hard-copy Mascot. This one-two punch provides all readers with an ability to access information in whatever form they desire.

“We try to get news on the website just as fast as we possibly can. That includes news stories and photos, sports stories, statistics and photos and happenings in the community.”

This source may not provide all the information but it will give readers a source of quick information. By the time the hard-copy Mascot is delivered to your door, we’ve often had more time and more sources so we can bring you a more detailed version of the website news.

The Mascot Staff includes Publisher Byron Higgin, who writes news and provides photos while also acting as the Sports Information Director. Editor Brittany Moorse is also constantly updating the website and she keeps readers informed about breaking weather changes and emergencies.

Providing photos to the Mascot website are Brian Jeremiason, Sue Jacobson and Laura Buysse. All three provide timely sports and news photos to both the Mascot and the website. All three are independent contractors who have helped the Mascot maintain a level of superior photography.

Jeremiason and Jacobson have earned photography honors from the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Staff Writer Scott Thoma provides both news, sports and photography to the website and the newspaper as well. His timely stories and photos have also earned him state-win recognition from the newspaper association. Another contributor of both news and photography has been Ruth Bot. A teacher for the Minneota Public School System, Bot has been a valuable resources of information for both the newspaper and the website.

In addition, The Mascot Information Staff develops leads and writes feature stories of a more in-depth nature. These stories and photos will reach the website but not until they are finished. The Mascot itself has always been a highly accepted newspaper in the area and many people still enjoy having the “hard copy” of the Mascot to keep and refer to in the future. An advertising plus as well The Mascot has created an innovative way for advertisers to have their message read at a minimal cost.Handling correspondence from readers, advertising and subscriptions is Office Manager Cherri Schmig.

Recently we enacted a slight raise in advertising rates. Written into that raise was the ability for advertisers to get a whole lot more “bang for their buck.” Schmig coordinates all areas of the Information Room for her office. Ads placed with the Mascot go BOTH into the Mascot AND on the Mascot Website — for no additional cost.

This way those logging on to the Mascot Website are seeing the ads they will also see in the hard copy edition of the Mascot. The Mascot Website also has a couple of other features. First, advertisers who want folks to access their website, can do so with a button on the website. For instance, Countryside Auto’s car listings can be quickly accessed simply by clicking the ad at the top of the page. And second, quick access to website such as the City of Minneota or Vietnam Museum are available.

Subscriptions available two ways

Those who want to get the Mascot and have access to all the news on the website may simply subscribe. One subscription, $42 in state for $44.50 out of state give readers the opportunity to get both services. Or, if you don’t want delivery but only want the online version, that too is available. Instructions are on the Mascot website.

Since the subscription prices are going up January 15, the Mascot is offering the current prices — $41 instate and $43.50 out-of-state to current customers and new subscribers. But the offer is only good through January 15, 2019. The Mascot also offers the service of printing hard-copy photos upon request. The cost is $4 per re-print.

The goal of the Minneota Mascot is to provide news, information and entertainment as quickly and in as much depth as possible. As a result, the Information Room will continue to meet the needs of the public far into the future. Newspapers have had to meet a variety of challenges with the Social Media finding its way into the lives of people through the use of the internet. While many people today say they prefer to hold and read their newspaper rather than use a computer, the day will come when those people are gone and are replaced by technology-savvy people. But those challenges are ahead of us. Today, we still have our newspapers!

LAUGH A LITTLE: Open 24 hours Man goes up to the door of the store and finds the owner is hanging a “closed sign” on the door. “Hey, your sign says you’re open 24 hours,” says the patron. “We are,” said the store owner. “Then why are you closing?” the patron asks. “The 24 hours are not all in a row,” the store owner replies.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: As my Ole Pappy used to say, “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” I remember in the movie, “Shawshank Redemption,” the lead character tells the other inmates, “Hope is a great thing, maybe the greatest of things.” If you keep hope alive in your soul, it’s the one thing others can’t reach. Thanks Ole Pappy!