News is a fickle beast that few dare to take on.
That may sound ominous because it is. Journalism has been eroded in various ways over the last century.
Not long after people settled here in Lloydminster, a newspaper was in the works.
People needed to know what was going on and it would be Joseph George Willard, later known as J.G., who would bring 30 years of experience to The Times.
He was the first editor and publisher of the newspaper and brought experience, having been a craftsman printer and publisher of the Kent and Sussex Post in England.
In 1909, J.G., along with his partner J.A. Jacobs, bought the paper and made the move to replace the Pedal Newspaper Press with a gas-powered Wharfdale Press. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a gas engine big enough to run it so they had to operate it by turning the flywheel by hand.
J.G. left for Edmonton in 1912 but eventually returned to Lloydminster in 1916. He remained the sole editor, publisher, and owner after buying out his partner’s interest in 1920. J.G. died in 1938.
He was involved in all aspects of public life in the community. He was a respected civic leader, justice of the peace and founding member of the First Baptist Church.
One of the most difficult things about being a journalist is finding a place in a community. It’s hard to serve the public’s best interest without being a part of the community you’re trying to serve.
To see the story of a hard-working journalist who served his community’s interests in more ways than one is quite refreshing. He wasn’t trying to be the next big thing, he simply wanted to produce a good quality newspaper. Something he poured his life into and would do until the day of his death.
I resonate with a story like this. I never thought of myself as the next big thing in the news landing on televisions around the world. Instead, I look to keep people informed of what’s happening in their backyards, with their neighbours and friends.
I hope to keep people informed for decades to come, hopefully not losing sight of what made me excited to be a journalist some six years ago.
Read more: Column: Don’t just stand there, do something
Locally owned and community driven, the Lloydminster Meridian Source is the online news source in the Border City. Whether it’s breaking news, features or sports, if you have questions about what’s going on around town, Source it with us.
Since online platforms no longer support the sharing of news, we encourage you to bookmark meridiansource.ca. Whether you’re having a coffee or enjoying a meal, check in any time for the most up-to-date news in Lloydminster.
