by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur Kiwanis Club President Charity Zawatski on Tuesday, April 14 presented an appreciation plaque to the Gouverneur Tribune Press staff in front of the Gouverneur Tribune Press office, 74 Trinity Ave., Gouverneur.

The plaque was accompanied by the following letter from the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club: “Dear Editor, In this week’s edition of the Tribune, you will notice there is a picture of the Gouverneur Kiwanis President presenting a plaque of recognition to representatives of the local paper. The plaque reads: In recognition of your continued support of Kiwanis and the greater Gouverneur Community.

“The Tribune Press has been a supporter and promoter of Gouverneur since 1882 according to their logo. We all know what has happened to many national and local printed papers in the last decade or so. We are in the digital, computer era where news and information is as readily as our cell phones. Grandma wouldn’t have had a clue what a cell phone is. Now we send pictures, livestream the grandkids via Skype, and get live updates on the latest weather and calamities from all over the world.

“In spite of this, our local paper is not only holding on, but continuing to serve the community in all kinds of positive ways. They generously and enthusiastically support not only the Kiwanis Club but all the other service clubs and charitable organizations in town. The school system and our children get positive coverage for their accomplishments in academics, sports, and school organizations.

“There is an old song called: Home on the Range probably sung by Gene Autry. In that song there is a line: “Never is heard a discouraging word” etc. This kind of exemplifies the Tribune. They are always positive, promoting, and like the song, never a discouraging word.

“The Gouverneur Kiwanis Club appreciates all they do for our community. In order to see that they continue their mission, we encourage everyone to buy and read the best of the local news. Consider taking out ads if you are a business or organization like ours, send in pictures and articles so that they keep going for years to come.”

Much gratitude was extended to the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club for the recognition.

The Gouverneur Tribune Press – taking on journalistic heritage that spans over 130 years in Gouverneur from multiple publications – still prides itself on being “The One And Only” Hometown Newspaper covering “The One And Only Gouverneur.” This year, on November 25, 2020, the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recognize its 85th year being the sole hometown newspaper in circulation in Gouverneur.

In 1882, The Gouverneur Herald Times had some competition as The Northern Tribune appeared on the scene, published by M. R Sackett. Even though the Herald-Times reached a circulation of 10,000 each week, they sold their business to Mr. Sackett and Mr. Parker of the Free Press. In little time, the North Tribune sold its company to the Free Press. On April 17, 1929 the Free Press was taken over the by the York Press Corporation and merged with the Northern Tribune. On February 11, 1927, B.G. Parker, publisher of the Free Press passed away. That newspaper carried on until October 10, 1927 when Charles McFarlane established the McFarlane Press. Soon after, the Free Press dismantled. For almost eight year, the Tribune Press was the only newspaper in town. Then Hossie R. Kinney published the newspaper, Independent. That press caught fire on November 25, 1935 and all the subscriptions were transferred to the Tribune Press. Since that time, the Tribune Press has been the only newspaper in circulation in Gouverneur.

Dan McClelland, current owner and publisher of the Gouverneur Tribune Press, purchased the weekly newspaper, all publishing rights, subscriptions lists and files on November 1, 1990, and now boasts more than 35 years in the journalism industry. He has been the managing editor of the Tupper Lake newspaper since 1977 and president of the company which publishes it since 1968. At the time of the sale, the Tribune operated from the building at 42 Clinton St., Gouverneur. On October 9, 1991, the Tribune office relocated to its current address at 74 Trinity Ave, Gouverneur, NY, 13642.

The Gouverneur Tribune Press jumped, feet first, into the 21st Century on June 28, 2007 when it started using computer software to layout and design the newspaper pages. In the past, Tribune employees worked feverishly on Wednesdays laying out pages of the paper. Everything you read or saw – from obits to sports, editorials to ads – was placed on big pieces of paper, pasted in place, and then pressed down so, hopefully it would stick… and sent to the press. Now, using the best technology at the Tribune’s fingertips, we can produce a product that includes full color, spot color… all at a fraction of the previous cost.

The Gouverneur Tribune Press is proud of its enduring legacy of journalistic integrity, and all are welcome to submit contributions to its weekly editions. The Tribune looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, Inc., and other charitable organizations in Gouverneur long into the future!

The Tribune office in Gouverneur is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, but all questions can be directed through the business office at (518) 359-2166. All news tips and submissions can be sent to gouvtribunepress@gmail.com.