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Another new chapter at the Minden Press-Herald

by David Specht

Say hello to your new “old” editor. After nearly two decades, I am now the editor of the Minden Press-Herald, again. My last stint in this position was back in 1998. So many things have changed since then.

Long-time Press-Herald team member and managing editor Bruce Franklin is leaving us to pursue another local opportunity. He will be missed for sure.

I met Bruce when he was interning at the Press-Herald for Minden High School. I was the editor and publisher of the Bossier Press-Tribune and covering the Haughton vs. Minden game for the paper.

A young man with a Pentax camera walked up to me and asked, “Are you David Specht?” Bruce introduced himself, and thus began a relationship that will continue long past this change of chapters in our history.

For those that work or worked at the Press-Herald, Bruce was known as the office hero. He could figure out and fix just about anything. Plus, he could write, take photos, and had a keen awareness of news. When he wasn’t reporting, he was running newsstand routes, or staving off the latest internet attack.

The “big cubicle” just won’t be the same without him in it.

My friend George French III said, “You’ve had some quality editors over the years.” He is right. Bruce joins the ranks of editors such as Bonnie Culverhouse, Josh Beavers, Tracy Campbell, Mike McNeill, Allen Smith, Pat Culverhouse, Marilyn Miller, Gene Clark, Dick Hill, and the list goes on. Each one brought their own flavor to the Press-Herald of their era, and I personally owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them.

Campbell said we might need to start a “Press-Herald Alumni” group. He may not be far off with the sentiment. There is a bit of camaraderie among those who work, or worked, here.

Moving forward, the Minden Press-Herald will continue to strive for excellence in community journalism. That is the heart and soul of this newspaper and will be as long I am associated with it.

Some folks think it is the beginning of the end for newspapers. I could not disagree more. If we put the “community” back in community newspapers, we won’t die. In fact, we may just thrive.

We should endeavor to record history—with each and every publication date. We know that we are not owed anything by those we serve. In fact we are indebted to them.

When we partner together, it is much more difficult for outside forces to bring about a market shift. While digital has certainly disrupted the market, it hasn’t destroyed it.

As Bruce moves on, and we move forward, I am personally asking our readers to help us be what you want us to be — your community newspaper.

Thank you for your service to the Press-Herald, Bruce.

Merry Christmas to our readers.

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