| 8/1 | 2 YRS | Nieto, Sarah Peters | E Valley |
| 8/1 | 4 YRS | Akins, Deborah Perviss | Okeechobee News |
| 8/4 | 6 YRS | Perry, Sandra | N Valley |
| 8/8 | 3 YRS | Stockmar, Steven James | W Valley |
| 8/10 | 14 YRS | Crumbacker, Richard P | Crisfield Times |
| 8/12 | 24 YRS | Conyers, Dale Stacey | Caloosa Belle |
| 8/13 | 33 YRS | Dyer, Richard | E Valley |
| 8/14 | 3 YRS | Carlisle, Mark William | W Valley |
| 8/14 | 3 YRS | Ryan, David Patrick | Dorchester Banner |
| 8/15 | 15 YRS | Buzzard, Timothy | Delaware Printing |
| 8/17 | 22 YRS | Calfee, Barbara Ann | Caloosa Belle |
| 8/18 | 6 YRS | Bruns, Penny Ann | W Valley |
| 8/19 | 1 YR | Fields, Kevin M | Delaware Printing |
| 8/19 | 7 YRS | Akmentins, Karla | Delaware State News |
| 8/21 | 3 YRS | Marion, Richard Wade | Okeechobee Newsl |
| 8/21 | 9 YRS | Mitchell, Kelly J | Valley Printing |
| 8/23 | 21 YRS | Patti, Charlene | Az Regional |
| 8/25 | 4 YRS | Monk, Andre D | Delaware Printing |
| 8/26 | 8 YRS | Orozco Mateo, Juliana | Valley Printing |
| 8/27 | 5 YRS | Salvate, John Arthur | Valley Printing |
| 8/29 | 9 YRS | Anderson, Craig R | Delaware State News |
| 8/30 | 21 YRS | Tropio, Marc Joseph | Valley PrintinG |
Friday, July 24, 2020
August Anniversaries
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Are newspapers dying? Not ours!
Are newspapers dying? Not ours!
By Joe Smyth
INI Board Chair
An article in Sunday’s New York Times put yet
another nail in the coffin of local newspapers.
In speculating about what the future will be in 2022 (that’s
only two years from now), David Leonhardt writes:
“Local newspapers will be one
casualty. They were already struggling, because Google, Facebook and Craigslist
had taken away their main source of revenue: print advertising. Between 2008
and 2019, American newspapers eliminated about half of all newsroom jobs.
“The virus has led to further
declines in advertising and more job cuts — and could end up forcing
dozens more papers to fold or become tiny shells of their old selves. If that
happens, their cities will be left without perhaps the only major source of
information about local politics, business, education and the like.”
Well, he might be right about some newspapers, but not about
Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA.
We’re not only going to survive.
We’re going to thrive.
Here are ten reasons why:
- Our
people: Thanks to our incredibly dedicated people, our
little company has always been blessed with a resiliency that our
competitors can only envy. Our teams do whatever is necessary to
make sure their company remains successful. We are honored that so
many of them choose to spend their entire careers with us.
- Our
mission: Community journalism is at risk, but we cannot
-- and will not --- fail our communities. Our mission is journalism,
which means as many reporters as we can support. Yes, our industry
has been shrinking. But we are constantly searching for ways to
support more --- not fewer --- journalists, and that’s what we’re going to
do. As one example, we are already achieving success in attracting
philanthropic grants to support our journalism.
- Our communities:
We are deeply involved in our communities and have earned a great deal of
good will. Readers know that we care about the community and that they
can depend on us to report the news without fear or favor.
Advertisers know we care about them and that we are constantly looking for
ways to help them be successful.
- Our ownership:
For nearly 30 years, INI has been owned by a non-profit journalistic
trust. We created this ownership structure precisely for challenging
times like these. We don’t have stockholders, so we don’t have to
pay dividends. Because we don’t have to manage the company to please
stockholders, we are free to focus entirely on fulfilling our mission.
- Our leadership:
Unlike most of the big newspaper chains, we have never had a desire to own
every newspaper in the country. We have been very cautious about acquisitions.
As a result, we have almost no debt. We --- not the bankers and Wall
Street --- are in control of our destiny. And we can thrive on much
lower profit margins than our competitors.
- Our print products:
Many people love the printed newspaper. Our printers do a great job
for us, and our print products do a great job for our advertisers.
We’re going to keep giving them what they want.
- Our digital products:
We are creating terrific websites that can provide a front page for each
community’s hyperlocal digital newspaper, a replica of the print product,
and regional, state, national and world news. These websites also have
unlimited space for lighter fare, feature stories, entertainment, sports
and special sections. Because there are no printing or delivery
costs, we can reach many more readers than has ever before been possible,
and at affordable prices.
- Our
readers: People are starting to realize that “news” from
the internet and cable television often isn’t trustworthy, and that they
are going to have to help keep honest and nonpartisan local journalism
alive. It’s up to us to give them products that are worth paying
for. We have been asking readers to support local journalism with
digital subscriptions, and we have been gratified by the initial
responses. They really value what we do, and that feels good!
- Our embrace of change:
Because journalism is our mission, everything else we do is constantly
evolving to meet changing needs. We are always reinventing ourselves so we
can continue to serve our communities.
- Our importance to democracy: “The
health of our democracy is contingent on the health of journalism,” says
Josh Stearns of the Democracy Fund. “Local news, done right, helps build
community by reflecting the voices, concerns and stories of local people
in ways that build connection and empathy.”
Yes, that’s what we strive to do in our communities.
We provide independent journalism. We give people a platform for civil
discussions of public issues. This is important, it is our mission and it is
our sacred duty.
- - Not 30 -
Thornton featured on international TV station
A Canadian national nightly newscast hosted Terrance
Thornton to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak in Arizona after he wrote this article
at YourValley.net. Please check out the video clip here: www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1993620.
Great job representing our company, Terrance!
Place of honor
In
June 2019, Joe Smyth was surprised with a draft drawing of himself during his
visit to the Dover office. The drawing was done to recognize Joe’s
long-term commitment and leadership in growing the company. The portrait
is now done and hangs next to that of Jack Smyth, Independent’s founder. Employees
who have seen the portrait have all commented that the portrait “looks exactly
like Joe” or saying “wow, what a good likness of Joe”.
Friday, July 3, 2020
OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS JULY 14TH
OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS JULY 14TH
Independent’s Medical Plan is nearing its eleventh (11th) year as a fully insured medical plan; and,
the sixth year where we have provided two
EPO options (Low premium/Base Option and High premium/Buy-Up Option). The
plan continues to be fully compliant under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Industry standards have continued to show double digits for health care
costs. Last year, Independent’s Plan had a 6.11%
increase with a couple of changes to the High
Premium Option. This year, Highmark presented a renewal increase of 5.43%; but
offered a customer loyalty credit that resulted in no changes to active
employee premiums.
Independent’s medical plan expenses are expected to be $1246,595 for July 2020
year end. For the 2020-2021 Plan
Year, Independent will continue subsidizing the employee only premium at a 70%
level. The dependent premium will be paid entirely by the employee. The smoker
surcharge will continue and remains at 30%.
These plans offer In-Network coverage only. There are no
Out-of-Network benefits. EPO members can access In-Network PPO providers
anywhere in the nation. Both options carry the ACA total
out of pocket maximum of $8,150
(individual) and $16,300 (family).
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's website https://www.bcbs.com/ provides online
access to the most current listing of providers. EPO members can also find
network providers by calling a BlueCard customer service representative at
800-810-BLUE (2583).
Medical Premium :
1. Base Plan
(Low premium/High Deductible Option) is an EPO plan with a $3,000 employee
only deductible and a $6,000 family deductible. This plan’s design is to
foster better understanding of medical costs and the value of discounts prior
to making our health care choices. Preventive care will continue to be covered
at 100%, the deductible will not apply. The costs are:
*Regular per pay period premium for medical &
prescription coverage will be $94 for Employee only: $430 for Employee +
Child(ren); $766 for Employee + Spouse; and, $1,006 for Family.
*There is a 30% discount for non-tobacco users. Those per
pay period premiums will be $72 for Employee only; $331 for Employee +
Child(ren), $589 for Employee Spouse; and, $774 for Family.
2 Buy-Up Plan (High Premium/Low Deductible) : The Buy-Up Plan
is also an EPO which has a deductible of $750 for employee only coverage
and $2,250 for employees covering their dependents as well . Preventive care
will continue to be covered at 100%, the deductible will not apply. The costs
are:
*The regular per pay premium will be: $156 for Employee
only, $472 for Employee + Child (ren), $840 for Employee +spouse; $1,103 for
Family.
*There is a 30% discount for non-tobacco users.
Those per pay period will be: $120 for Employee only, $363 for Employee +
Child(ren), $646 for Employee + spouse, $849 for Family.
To help control your out-of-pocket costs, we encourage
employees and dependents to take advantage of the Plan’s preventive benefits.
Your annual physical, for example, is 100% covered --- with no co-pay or
deductible cost to you. Schedule your annual physical and follow the plan’s
guidelines for staying healthy. Please also note that if you purchase Voluntary
Accident Insurance, you will receive a reimbursement of $50 for seeing your
Physician for an Annual Physical!
Ancillary Benefits
Dental: The Blue Edge Dental Plan’s carrier is
United Concordia, a subsidiary of Highmark DE. This plan includes a
wellness benefit but also allows you to receive care from any licensed dentist
without being balanced billed. There are no changes to the bi-weekly
premiums.
$13 - Employee only
$25 - Employee child (ren)
$30 - Employee spouse
$40 - Family
Reliance Plans:
There are no premium rate changes for Life Insurance (based upon age),
Long Term Disability and Voluntary Accident. If you wish to sign up for
these benefits, please complete the Statement of Health. The form is
located on the 2020 Open Enrollment site
or can be found under the Benefit Information
on ADP's Home page
****** Benefit Resources
***
USI Benefit Resource
Center is your one-call benefits information hotline. The personal
benefit advocates will assist you and your family with benefit questions and
claims issues. Contact Information:
Hours: Monday –
Friday 8 am to 5 pm EST
Phone: 855-874-6699
(toll free)
Email: BRCEast@usi.com
*******
REMINDER --- You only need to
re-enroll if you wish to make a change to your current selections. If you
do not make changes during Open Enrollment, the only other time you may do so
is if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). A QLE includes:
Birth or Adoption of a child, Death, Divorce, Court ordered coverage, or
Marriage.
You will receive an email from donotreply@adp.com explaining the
enrollment site. The open enrollment period runs from July 14 through
July 27, 2020.
This Bud's For ............................
This Bud is for Barbara Calfee for helping with proofing
and catching those errors on the July 2 Caloosa Belle.
From Dale Conyers
This Bud's For ............................
This Bud is for Danika J. Fornear for stepping up and
turning in a record number of stories when I need them the most. We had one of
the largest papers we’ve ever had on July 2 because of a record number of legal
display ads and Danika was right there helping me fill up the paper with local
news!
From Dale Conyers
Florida Mission Stories for June
FWC
officer’s death
A
major story for the INI Florida papers in June was the death of FWC Officer
Julian Keen. Officer Keen was shot and killed in an altercation with a reckless
driver.
Black
Lives Matter protests
As in
communities all over the country, June brought demonstrations against police
violence. In Hendry County, alarmed about rumors of a protest at the Clewiston
Walmart, the sheriff imposed a controversial curfew for one night. A little
research revealed the protest ads were a hoax. The local Black Lives Matter
affiliate knew nothing about any protest plans for that night.
COVID-19
The
COVID-19 virus continues to be a major source of news in Florida. INI Florida
writers have found a variety of angles to tackle.
Cathy
Womble’s interview with a local couple who have suffered from the virus helped
readers understand how dangerous the virus can be.
Sometimes
a journalist winds up part of the story on purpose. When the mobile testing van
visited Okeechobee, Lake Okeechobee News editor Katrina Elsken decided to join
the queue for testing both to find out first-hand what the test was like and
out of curiosity since those without symptoms can be positive. She also found
out what it was like to be left waiting for test results for a week. (The test
was negative.)
Richard
Marion explored the high numbers of COVID-19 positive cases in juvenile
detention facilities run by TrueCore.
Delaware State News June Mission Story
Highlights
from the month for the Delaware State News
A Sunday,
June 7, story by Mike Finney personalized the plight of those whose loved ones
are living in nursing homes, where the virus is raging among senior citizens.
In Delaware, seniors in long-term care facilities account for roughly 64
percent of the state’s COVID-19 deaths. Kent County resident Gene Thornton
shared her frustrations with the state, and what she considers their delay in
acting quickly to contain the virus and create a safer situation that would
allow her and others to visit their loved ones. As of June she hadn’t seen her
husband in person since early March.
A pair of
enterprise stories mid-month by Brooke Schultz and Craig Anderson reported
different angles on the racial injustice issues that topped news nationally.
While we covered many protests and rallies throughout our coverage area with
stories and photos, Brooke’s June 12 story explained how educators were using
the current events to teach students about racism. Nearly 50 teachers from
throughout Delaware created a video designed to spark conversations about race
and support students of color. The story included resources for parents on how
to talk to their children and provide perspective, with a list of books, videos
and websites.
In
covering events, Craig quickly realized the diversity in age and race of those
participating. He pitched the story that published on the front page June 14
explaining the motivation of young people, such as Jalyn Powell of Milford, who
are inspired to organize and make their voices heard through peaceful protests
seeking civil reform.
A Sunday,
June 21, story by Executive Editor Andy West put a wealth of data collected by
the state in perspective for readers, presenting positive cases of COVID-19 by
ZIP code statewide. He interviewed Jennifer Horney, an epidemiologist with the
University of Delaware, who explained to readers how to track positive cases in
their neighborhoods to gauge transmission of the virus and make informed
decisions on sending children to daycare and playing youth sports. Providing
this information, though numbers change daily, and telling readers where to
find it, remains relevant as positive virus cases spike at the Delaware
beaches. Our story reported the first few cases that came from high school
seniors living together in Dewey for Senior Week and continued coverage has
shown how the state is tracking beach cases, which are now rising among 18 to
34 year olds and how state officials are changing regulations in an effort to
stem transmission.
Salisbury Independent June Mission Story
For June, the Salisbury Independent would like to offer up
the entire June 19 edition of the newspaper
-- https://salisburyindependent-md.newsmemory.com
-- which went to great lengths to reflect racial and diversity issues occurring
simultaneously in the city and county. The stories covered included:
--The removal of a marker recognizing a Confederate general
displayed for many years on a courthouse lawn. https://salisburyindependent.net/wicomico-news/confederate-gen-winder-marker-removed-from-wicomico-courthouse-yard/
--The court pleading of a man whose racist graffiti at the
local university resulted in the university closing for a day and seeing
minority enrollment rates greatly affected. https://salisburyindependent.net/cops-courts/man-sentenced-to-18-months-in-su-graffiti-incident/
(The newspaper followed the next week with an inside look on how the unique and
high-profile case was prosecuted. https://salisburyindependent.net/cops-courts/william-mcdermott-su-graffiti-investigation-prosecution-resulted-in-justice/)
--The county sheriff’s declaration that his deputies are
trained on proper conduct in performing arrest. https://salisburyindependent.net/publicforum/sheriff-mike-lewis-we-stand-by-our-core-values/
--An African American elected state leader offering insights
on what state officials and local citizens can do to promote a more-racially
tolerant community. https://salisburyindependent.net/publicforum/continuing-the-fight-for-rights-and-opportunities/
--A citizens effort to clean and repair an African American
graveyard in Salisbury. https://salisburyindependent.net/history/salisbury-graveyard-contains-history-and-mysteries/
--The painting of a city street to be renamed Black Lives
Boulevard, including reaction from local NAACP members regarding race issues. https://salisburyindependent.net/salisbury-news/blm-salisbury-will-be-on-the-right-side-of-history/
--The County Council’s decision not to act on a pro-Second
Amendment resolution because of the local sense of racial inequity. https://salisburyindependent.net/wicomico-news/wicomico-gun-rights-resolution-is-put-on-hold/
The community noticed the timely content and the feedback
was both positive and appreciative.
Mission story for the Crisfield-Somerset County Times
Elections have consequences and for Somerset County’s
county seat the municipal leader is now one with a checkered past.
See the Crisfield-Somerset County Times story at
PRINCESS ANNE — The
newly-elected Town Commissioners backed Lionel D. Frederick in his bid to be
president on a 3-2 vote. He replaces Garland Hayward who has chaired the board
for the last six years.
Mr. Frederick, the at-large
commissioner who is halfway through his second term, nominated himself during
the organizational meeting held June 16. He received support from District 2
Commissioner Marshal I. Corbin and then from District 1 Commissioner Orlondo J.
Taylor — both elected June 2 with 58 percent of the vote.
On the phone and not present in
the meeting room, Mr. Frederick said, “Yes, thank you so much” after hearing he
had won. After the meeting closed and before the phone was disconnected he wished
everyone farewell and congratulations, telling them he would see them “real
soon.”
Mr. Hayward, first elected in
1990 representing District 2, was nominated to continue as president by
District 1 Commissioner Joey Gardner, who has served since 2010. After that
failed, Mr. Corbin nominated Mr. Hayward for the position of vice president and
it was unanimous.
Mr. Hayward said of the change
that he’s still a commissioner, and “I’m still fighting for whatever’s best for
the town.”
Acting Town Manager Tracy
Grangier said she will be “updating the letterhead” and told the
newly-installed commissioners to call her if they need any information or have
questions.
In speaking with President
Frederick a few days later he said he did not want to take away from the moment
of the new commissioners taking their oath of office, but was able to give a
glimpse into what his goals and objectives might be.
One of them is reversing last
year’s deficit which required a significant part of the fund balance to be used
to break even. He wants to end the next fiscal year with a surplus “and be a
template...an example for the rest of the county to follow.”
He also wants to work with
District Court so youth required to do community service do it to benefit
Princess Anne. He’s communicated this to Judge Paula Price, he said, and
envisions kids that get in trouble especially at school assigned to a trash
detail or other service project in town.
“But the main thing is to get
the industrial park thriving again, get some big businesses in there and more
jobs for the people,” he said.
When he campaigned the first
time in 2014 Mr. Frederick opposed the establishment of an official historic
district, which did not pass. In 2015 following the death of eight members of
the Todd family from carbon monoxide poisoning he pushed for a town ordinance
requiring CO detectors but ultimately the General Assembly took this up and it
became a statewide mandate.
He also that year
enthusiastically favored adoption of a Code of Conduct which three years later
the commissioners used to reprimand him for conduct before and during the 2018
election.
After being re-elected that year
an assault charge against a girlfriend landed Mr. Frederick in jail without
bond for 168 days. For that he was sentenced to time served, with 10 years
suspended, and placed on three years of supervised probation.
A darker time more directly
related to town service was charges that he tried to tamper with the 2016
election by approaching Commissioner Dennis Williams with a scheme that for
$5,000 he could keep a challenger off the ballot. While he was found guilty in
Circuit Court of extortion and malfeasance that was overturned in October 2017
by the Maryland Court of Appeals.
For several months following the
indictment Mr. Frederick was barred from going into the town office and
conducting town business. Mr. Williams ran unopposed in 2016, but lost for
re-election to Mr. Corbin.
Mr. Frederick, running as a
Democrat, had his own loss in 2018 when he ran for Somerset County Clerk of
Court against Republican Charles Horner who took 74 percent of the vote. That
election is still unsettled for the 29-year- old Frederick as he is facing
fines and a possible civil penalty in Anne Arundel County District Court for four
campaign finance reports that were filed late. That case is now set for Sept.
19 in Annapolis.
Mr. Frederick’s anemic
attendance over the last few years, including absences from budget
deliberations and votes, was also addressed with the incoming president. He
said he missed meetings because “of a lot of fear and intimidation” projected
onto him by some of the commissioners. “But things have changed, we’ve drained
the swamp and we’ll get Princess Anne moving in the right direction.”
Mr. Frederick continues to take
pride in having perfect attendance during his second year in office, something
the others can’t say.
It was Clerk Charles Horner who
administered the oath to the new commissioners. They said afterward that they
were not aware of Mr. Frederick’s lapses in attendance. Mr. Taylor, who
defeated Commissioner Mike Hall in his bid for a third term, said, “Everybody
can change, that’s just the way the world is.”
Similarly, Mr. Corbin said,
“We’re starting off clean, might as well start off with a clean slate.” “Maybe
this will give [Mr. Frederick] a reason to do a little better.”
The next regular meeting is 6
p.m. Monday, July 6.
Banner June Mission Story
Has there ever been a more important time in our history for
a trusted news source and forum for public discussion? Maybe not, and that’s why
our work at our newspapers is all the more important nowadays.
True, with only a few exceptions, INI’s papers are small,
local publications. But that adds to their value, as our readers know us and
feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns and goals.
The Dorchester Banner’s Viewpoints Page is an example. In
our most recent edition, we feature a whopping 71 inches of letters to the
editor and a full column of local comments in Town Square. The comments and
letters address topics from a local campaign for mayor, to a good Samaritan
saving a neighbor, to the need for respect in race relations, to a strongly
worded submission from the Talbot County sheriff on calls for police reform.
We’re so pleased that we usually have to jump our opinions
to another page – there are that many folks who want to share their views, so
it’s a great way to use our ink and precious space. Very importantly, these
views do not all agree.
They are stated with civility, something we insist on, but
they represent a variety of perspectives. That’s something else we require, as
journalists who are playing it straight, just giving folks a chance to talk.
Our readers recognize that, and repay us with their trust.
They know they won’t be made to look foolish for their ideas, or subjected to
rude criticism – disagreements, sure, but nothing coarse or unfair.
In recent weeks, we have spoken in person to demonstrators
at civil rights protests, police officers, Dorchester’s state’s attorney,
artists, educators, activists young and old, all of whom greet us with a smile
and an elbow bump, the newly approved handshake in these pandemic days. That’s
confirmation that our task as humble servants of the public is acknowledged and
appreciated, something that means a lot to us here in Cambridge.
Links to the latest letters and Town Square column, posted
online June 30 are:
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