Beginning my service in the publisher’s seat during Weston’s Fourth of July celebration feels especially meaningful. Independence Day is more than fireworks, flags and a parade. It is a reminder that self-government depends on citizens who are willing to participate, preserve their institutions and act on behalf of their communities.
Beth and Jim McPherson have done exactly that as the owners and operators of The Weston Chronicle for 42 years.
I have shadowed them for more than a year, and I remain amazed by their dedication to publishing the newspaper on time each week since purchasing it in 1984. I offer them my sincere thanks for the countless hours they have spent attending city, county, school district and chamber meetings — almost all of which began after they had already worked a full day in the Chronicle office.
Their work is a reminder that the institutions we rely on do not sustain themselves. They endure because people choose to serve them.
It can be easy to take our freedoms and community institutions for granted. Generations before us built the structures that keep our country and our communities functioning. Yet public trust in many of those institutions has declined, while uncertainty and social friction have increased.
I do not say that to evoke fear. In fact, I am extremely hopeful.
Some people say newspapers are dying. That is true in some communities, but not because residents no longer need reliable local information. In many cases, newspapers have struggled because they could not evolve quickly enough to meet changing habits, technologies and economic realities.
When I look around Weston, however, I see people committed to preserving and serving this community. I see professionals volunteering their time and expertise on community boards. I see establishments supported by dedicated employees. I see young people contributing through sports, academics, the arts and after-school programs.
I am proud to call these people my neighbors and friends since moving here in 2023. I firmly believe people make better decisions for themselves and their community when they have factual, timely and useful information.
That is why I have chosen to apply my experience and talents to stewarding The Weston Chronicle.
The Chronicle must enter a new era of communication without losing the sense of place that makes Weston special. Our history is rich. Our neighbors are friendly. As Lynn Searcy once put it, Weston is “well read and well fed.”
There is a reason so many people fall in love with this town. The newspaper should help preserve that identity by documenting not only major decisions and public controversies, but also the people, traditions and everyday acts of service that make Weston what it is.
Change, however, can be uncomfortable. I understand that because I do not particularly enjoy it, either.
My goal is to retain as much of your favorite hometown content as possible. I plan to lean further into personal stories, such as the feature on Page 8A, that help readers understand the people behind our local institutions.
Legal notices, local government coverage, community events, obituaries and milestones will remain important parts of the Chronicle. The printed newspaper will remain important, too.
At the same time, maintaining strong local journalism requires a financially sustainable operation. Subscription and advertising prices must reflect the cost of reporting, producing, printing and distributing the newspaper. I am committed to working with residents, organizations and businesses to identify affordable options whenever possible. Anyone concerned about the cost of subscribing or advertising is encouraged to schedule a conversation with me.
Readers may have already noticed some changes. Perhaps you felt a little discomfort when the briefs moved from Page 1 or when a familiar item appeared somewhere new.
My 20-year military career taught me that organizations become stronger when they are willing to adapt. That does not mean abandoning what works. It means continually maintaining and improving the things that make us strong.
My husband, computer scientist Andreas “Andi” Jantos, has already built a new Chronicle website. The site is designed to be user- and mobile-friendly, but transferring subscriber access will take time. All digital content will remain free for the first 30 days to help ensure a smooth transition. Subscribers can continue to access the e-Edition via the Newz Group website. Please contact us if you experience problems or have concerns.
The website is not intended to replace the printed newspaper. It is meant to extend the Chronicle’s reach and make local information easier to access.
We will also pursue partnerships with organizations such as the Weston Historical Museum and What’s Up in Weston to preserve and share our small town’s big story. One long-term goal is to create a comprehensive, digitally accessible archive that allows the public to explore generations of Weston history.
No matter what changes we make, journalistic standards and the needs of the community will remain at the forefront. As a longtime member of the National Press Club and a career communicator, I understand that trust must be earned through accuracy, fairness, transparency and consistent service.
We may not have written the Declaration of Independence, and many of us did not help create Weston’s strategic plan. But, like the citizens who came before us, we can choose to act on the issues facing our community.
My commitment is to give Weston the factual information, thoughtful storytelling and public record it needs to do so.
I look forward to earning your trust — one edition at a time.
