Democrat Argus merges with Steele Enterprise

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 ~ Updated 7:19 AM

On February 6, 1869, history was made as “The Democrat” opened their doors to release their first printed edition. Since then, the local newspaper has undergone numerous changes and today, history is being made again as the 148 year old paper merges with The Steele Enterprise to become the Pemiscot Press.

When that first page was printed in 1869, it was a weekly offering until 1900 when it became the “Twice-A-Week Democrat”. In 1921, the paper merged with the Pemiscot Argus to become what is now known as the Democrat Argus. The paper continued to run twice a week until 1942, when World War II made receiving news almost impossible and the publisher made the decision to go to a once a week printing.

In 1969, the paper was being printed on the only newspaper press in Pemiscot County using the offset process which used negatives and large metal plates instead of the lead typeset used in days gone by.

On February 6, 1969, the paper celebrated its 100 year anniversary with the motto “Bridging the Future with Progress in Business, Agriculture and Industry” proudly displayed across the front page banner. In that edition, a 100 year pledge was made promising to continue to “use every ounce of power held by the paper to help the community and county grow to a place of stature and prestige in the state of Missouri and the mid-south.”

“Young people will be praised in the Democrat Argus when they need praising, and taken to task when the occasion calls for it. The same applies to all citizens, whether they come from the poorest of families or the wealthiest,” reads the 1969 edition.

100 years ago the paper made a pledge to assist local and county officials, school districts, law enforcement officers, businesses and citizens alike in making the area a better place to live and work, while providing readers with news, information and reports.

Today, that pledge continues, as we join with The Steele Enterprise to bring the readers more news and information. Offices will remain open in Caruthersville and Steele as staff work to bring readers the latest new releases and area information. By merging the papers it is our goal to merge north and south county to provide citizens with more information on upcoming events and festivals, sharing more police news, more great pictures of area students at work and play, more community news and more coverage of all the many local sports offered in the area.

Heather Little, General Manager of the Steele branch looks forward to continuing to serve those in the area at her office located at 110 East Main in Steele. Christina Williams, Editor, will continue her work at the Caruthersville office located at 1011 Truman Blvd., alongside Receptionist Hannah Whitley.

“We are very excited to be a part of history in merging our two papers to create a great weekly product for our readers. With at least 20 pages each week, packed with more news, more community events, and more pictures of our kids at work and play, we are sure readers will enjoy being in the know about everything from the top of the county to the bottom,” says Williams.

Current subscribers need not do anything to continue receiving their newspaper. Those who have subscriptions to both the Democrat Argus and Steele Enterprise will have their subscriptions extended. New subscribers wishing to receive the Pemiscot Press may contact either office to set up their subscription with rates remaining at $30 annually for county residents and $58 for those outside the county. Newspapers are also available at our many locally placed racks.

To send information on your upcoming weddings, engagements, celebrations, births or news, contact us at cwilliams@pemiscotpress.com or call (573) 333-4336.