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Graphics Editor/Sports Editor | Classified Advertising

OUR HISTORY

(Established 1925)

The Coal Valley News has been providing the residents of Boone County and surrounding areas with the best in local news coverage for the past 83 years. It has always been, and continues to be, a newspaper that is focused on the community, an award-winning publication that delivers 'hometown news' to every part of the county and to parts of several surrounding counties.

The Coal Valley News staff and management are proud of our heritage, and especially proud of the contributions we have made to the county for more than seven decades.

The Coal Valley News was established in 1925 by M. L. Jones who was also the newspaper's editor and publisher. He was assisted by his son, Luther R. Jones, along and Elmer A. Jones. After his father's death, Luther served as publisher and editor for many years, and following Luther's retirement in the late 1960's, his son, Ferris, took over as publisher.

Luther's editorial input in the newspaper was invaluable and readers looked forward to his weekly column, entitled, "What Do You Think About It?," which was always positioned on the left column of the front page, and always presented something for the readers to ponder, whether it be of local, state, or national interest. Luther was very active in community affairs, and for a period of time served as a state senator, representing Boone County.

The newspaper was printed at the Madison office, located on Avenue C, until the mid-'60's when new technology took over and the first computer programs for newspapers emerged. The old press was dismantled, however, page composition was still done by the newspaper staff, with the printing of the newspaper provided at another location.

In 1975, after the death of his wife, Ferris Jones made the decision to sell the Coal Valley News to Smith Newspapers, Inc., an Alabama-based newspaper group. Raamie Barker was hired as publisher, and Janet Yeager remained as business manager and society editor. Arthur Bias continued in advertising sales.

In 1977, the Coal Valley News office was moved to Danville where a building was purchased and remodeled to accommodate a growing staff and a progressive newspaper.

Soon after the move to Danville, the Coal Valley News began publishing a TMC (total market coverage) product, the ADvantage, which continues to be mailed or delivered to every address in the county, as well as to some homes in surrounding counties.

In 1997, the business office was moved once again to Madison when the Coal Valley News merged with the Hometown News, another newspaper that had been established here in 1986. All employees from both newspapers were retained and have joined together to produce a larger, improved, community newspaper.

In 1998, the Coal Valley News was purchased from the Smith company by another Alabama-based group, Community Newspapers Holdings, Inc. (CNHI), and following that was purchased by Heartland Publications in 2006.

The Coal Valley News staff strives constantly to put forth our best effort for the benefit of our readers and advertisers by serving them ably and professionally and in a friendly and courteous manner. We feel our best years are ahead as we continue to grow, and look forward to a new millennium and serving the Boone County area for another 100 years and beyond.

MEET OUR STAFF

Back to TopGENERAL MANAGER

Angela Alexander is the General Manager of the Coal Valley News.

Angie is responsible for daily operations management of the Coal Valley News. She has a wealth of experience in business and accounting, coming to the newspaper after working for years as an accountant for a large southern West Virginia coal company, as well as several years as an accountant for a distributing company.

Back to TopADVERTISING

BJ Tompkins

BJ comes to us with many years of sales experience and is eager and ready to assist you with any advertising need you may have. Give BJ a call at (304) 369-1165.

Back to TopLinda Lacy

Linda is our newest sales representative. You might recognize her name, as she previously worked in Classified Sales, Legal Advertisements and as our switchboard operator. Contact Linda at (304) 369-1165 or at llacy@coalvalleynews.com for your advertising needs.

Back to TopEDITORIAL

Joanie Newman is the Editor of the Coal Valley News. She brings with her many years of experience in the newspaper industry. She is a welcome addition to our staff. Contact Joanie for story ideas at (304) 369-1165.

Back to TopGRAPHICS EDITOR/SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER

Jay Fankhauser comes back home to the Coal Valley News after working the past year at the Charleston Newspapers. Jay will design the look of the paper as well as cover sporting events throughout the county.

Back to TopCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Michelle Thompson is the first face you see when you enter the Coal Valley News. She also is responsible for all legal advertisements in the CVN.