Claresholm Local Press celebrates 100th anniversary

By Rob Vogt
It was a chance to look back at 100 years of informing and promoting the community, and literally dig into the past.
The Claresholm Local Press celebrated its 100th anniversary on Wednesday, Oct. 7, with a special 24-page commemorative special section, open house, and community celebration.
In the afternoon, Local Press Publisher Amanda Zimmer also opened a time capsule buried in the front wall of the building in 1973, when the current building was opened.
The time capsule revealed a window on the past.
It included 1973 issues of the Local Press covering the building’s opening ceremonies, staff complements, and a history of the Local Press service to the community and district since 1926.
There were items listing the building’s tenants, including an ad announcing the opening of Sundog Cycle and Sports Ltd.
There were also minutes; proceedings; and lists of staffs and crews of the Town of Claresholm; Municipal District of Willow Creek; Willow Creek School Division; Claresholm General Hospital; and Willow Creek Auxiliary Hospital and Nursing Home.
The evening featured a celebration at the Claresholm Community Centre.
Zimmer expressed her appreciation to all those in attendance for coming including former staff, members of the newspaper community and the public.
She also thanked her staff who put in a lot of hours to put on the event and the special section.
“It is an exceptional honour to lead this newspaper during our momentous 100th anniversary. Looking back on a tradition that dates to 1926, I am filled with gratitude for my predecessors. Working alongside half of them gave me an incredible foundation,” Zimmer said.
“Community newspapers are alive and well. We are survivors – navigating World Wars, the Great Depression, recessions, and a global pandemic. Today, our paper reaches more people in the trading area than any other news outlet.” Continued on Page 2