America seems to be infatuated with makeovers. We follow the television shows as houses and people are given a whole new look. Most of the shows end with the viewers in awe over the change. I am not quite sure why we like seeing this so much since most Americans are routine freaks. To some, the deeper the rut the happier we are.
There is also the more practical approach when you do a little remodeling to include updating some areas, keeping the best of the old while sprinkling in a few new ideas. That’s the approach we have taken here at The Times. For the past week you might have noticed half-page ads every day since last Sunday and posters on the front of our paper racks giving our readers a little pre- notice that something new is coming.
Tomorrow is the big day, Monday, June 15. Our totally revamped newspaper will make its debut. We have spent several weeks in this process. Our primary goal was to present the VDT in a way to make its pages easier for the reader. You will NOT see a change in the size of the type in our stories. You will notice that your eye will be able to follow the words in the stories more easily.
For those readers who have called about having color ink blotches on one of two of funeral notices in the area where the newspaper folds, this has been fixed by moving the funeral – death notice page two pages over to page 5A. Here you will also find the notices to be squared-off over two columns. This will help readers who want to cut out a notice for family and friends to keep.
Another change to help the readers will be two new features “The Numbers” and “Quick Facts.” You will see these added to stories both in main news and sports where the editors will pull from the story pertinent information for a quick read about the story’s contents.
The type used for our headlines is changing. Each story’s headline is now centered over the story. A few weeks ago we began setting our story type in ‘ragged right.’ This means the columns of type in a story are no longer straight on the left and right. The column is now only straight on the left. The right side is ragged. This should be easier to read.
Of all the changes you will see tomorrow remember they are only skin deep. Our heart and soul is the same as always. A banner on our wall in the editorial department reminds our reporters and editors their job is to ‘surprise our readers every day with something new.’ That is our mission. It has not changed. We only tinkered a little with the package in which we wrap that surprise.
Happy reading!
What We Think
From the publisher: Our makeover is only skin deep
- What We Think
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
