May 1, 2004 By Amy Karpinsky 4 min read

When the Herald-Standard halted publication of the Saturday edition on Sept. 27, 1980, many readers were upset. Publisher Val J. Laub, a former circulation director, said by far the biggest complaint he heard over the years has been the lack of a Saturday edition. Laub said that when he was named publisher in 1996 one of his goals was to bring back the Saturday paper.

Today that goal has been reached as the Herald-Standard resumed its Saturday edition.

“These are exciting times. It’s a dream fulfilled,” Laub said.

Former publisher George Molesy recalled that plans were made on April 21, 1980, to eliminate the Saturday edition and introduce the Sunday edition and the changes were made in less than six months. This time around, planning has been in the works for 17 months.

Back then, Molesy said the reason was because a seven-day publication was impossible to have, it was just too expensive. On the heels of the decision, Molesy said there was a tremendous backlash.

“It was terrible. My telephone rang off the hook, I never went through a situation like that,” he said. Molesy said he even received complaints from members of the ministry who were against a Sunday paper.

Walter “Buzz” Storey, former executive editor, said he also remembered receiving many complaints when the Saturday edition was discontinued.

“Some people were upset about the idea of something different,” he said, referring to the addition of the Sunday paper. He said it made a vast change in the operation of the paper.

Laub said bringing back the Saturday paper is a continuation of the strategic plan that was done two years ago. He said once the decision was made, a task force composed of 24 members was assembled and planning, which included eight subcommittees, began.

And, with the work of the promotion committee in the past months, Laub said the new edition shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone in Fayette, Greene or Washington counties.

“I believe every member of the company supports it 100 percent,” he said. Laub added that he is really proud of the job the task force members did throughout the process.

Executive editor Mark O’Keefe said he has actually received applause when talking about the return of the Saturday edition to various civic organizations.

For the employees, Laub said the biggest impact of adding an edition will be felt in the circulation department, although he said all departments will be affected. He said vehicles travel 3,000 miles everyday to deliver the Herald-Standard.

Although the paper will have a slightly different look, it will still clearly be the Herald-Standard. “I wanted it to look unique and special, but didn’t want to lose the look and feel of a Saturday paper,” Laub said.

The paper will have a later press start to allow all the sports and news to get into the paper. Despite this time change, Laub said the goal is still to have the last customer receive their paper by 7 a.m.

Subscribers will not see an increase in rates. Laub noted that a weekly subscription will cost $3.35 compared to $4.45 for buying the paper daily at local newstands

Laub felt starting the edition was a gamble, but he thought the transition should be a smooth one. “We will do it and do it right,” he said. Laub predicted that the Saturday edition will be one of the strongest newspapers throughout the week.

O’Keefe said in addition to such staples as news, late-night sports and obituaries, the Saturday paper will have a number of features, including a teen forum, a serial story, a new outdoors column and a home and garden page. He added that columnists Jes Hutson and Glenn Tunney have been moved to the Saturday paper to give them more exposure.

O’Keefe said he thinks the new Front Porch page will also be very popular with readers.

Regarding the excitement surrounding the return of the Saturday paper, Molesy said he is one of the people who are enthused.

“You miss that newspaper,” he said. “I think people will love the newspaper, even if they are used to another paper.”

“The Herald Standard is well read in Fayette County, and I think people will buy it and will be very pleased it is back,” Molesy said. “I’m pleased there is going to be a Saturday publication and I wish everyone at the paper to be successful.”

Molesy said he was fortunate to have had the finest people working for the Herald-Standard during his tenure, many of whom have gone on to move into positions of mangers and executives.

Storey shared Molesy’s excitement regarding the return of the Saturday edition.

“With the return of the Saturday paper, the Herald-Standard will be able to supply important news and sports quicker and in a more opportune time,” he said. “I’m happy to see it come back.”