PUBLISHER’S COLUMN We?re back! by Richard Lamb

We?re back, but we really never left. If plans work out as we hope, by Monday, December 18, the Advance staff will be operating out of its new office on the corner of Third and Erie Streets.

We had to leave our old location due to a fire, but the publication of the newspaper didn?t miss a beat or an issue. We are going back to the site, which housed the newspaper operation since 1960 when Hal and Harry Whiteley renovated the old department store for the newspaper. It is the same site, but vastly different building. General contractor Jerry Fleming has shepherded the sub-contractors to the point where we can move into the building. As one can see from the outside, the stonework is still incomplete, but enough is done on the inside to let us make the move. Once the Onaway Outlook is completed Thursday, we will load up computers, chairs and file cabinets and haul them across the street. We don?t have too much to move, so we are looking for a quick turnaround. We will be closed all day Friday but hope to reopen Monday at 9 a.m. in the new place.

THE FEBRUARY 12 fire, which destroyed the home of Presque Isle Newspapers and Bid D?s Pizza, forced the newspaper to find a temporary home in the photo studio of Jeff Hopp, next to J and L Camera and Electronics. Big D?s eventually sold the lot and moved to the corner of Third and Michigan. Darrin and Milanne and their staff have worked many hours to make their new place a showpiece. They opened up this summer and are doing great, even adding a new line of food to their fine menu. Even as the fire was burning that cold February Sunday morning, Bill Friedoff, manager of J and L. and Jeff Hopp, owner of the building, had plans for saving us. Due to their help and generosity, we moved into the studio office the next day and put out a newspaper the day after that. Some called what we did a miracle. I called it a blessing.

So many people came forward with computers, desks, chairs, office supplies, food, and money to get us going that first week. After the first week, the food and offers continued. A table in our crowed work area constantly had fruit, pastries, cakes, and pizza from people wishing to push us on with goodwill.

IN MY MIND there was no doubt we could put out a newspaper, if only a four-pager. My staff convinced me we could do 12 pages?and we did. What a great group of people to work with! The first few weeks were under difficult conditions as we adjusted to the much smaller confines, borrowed computers and desks, and the shock of the fire. After that, we got settled in. Where once my office was vast enough to play floor hockey with my daughters, I now shared a common space with three, sometimes four others. The closeness has been a bit of a

therapy for all of us, I think. The hospitality of our landlords has been great, but, after 43 weeks as guests, we are anxious to have a place of our own.

IF EVER there is a reason for living in a small town, this was it. The list of those who helped us out is very long. Support for our business has been overwhelmingly positive. We could not have made it without your support. Our new office will be very comfortable for the workers and inviting to our guests. We were able to use much of the old foundation, and the building is constructed in the exact footprint of the old building, which was built in the 1870s.

THE NIGHT of the fire, after I returned home from watching the place burn all day, I sketched out a plan for the new place. Onward and upward, as Harry Whiteley always says. It is great to see those plans nearing completion. Look for all of us-Beth, Shari, Cella, Pete, Mandy, Tina, Ann, Peggy and Riconda in the new, old, spot come Monday. And?thanks for your support. by Richard Lamb, Publisher

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