Volunteers from Cleveland Manor hand label and sort newspapers by zip code for delivery to the Post Office.
By Ashley David, Editor
This year marks the 50th volume of the Midland Prime Times newspaper, a rich legacy of keeping Midland County residents informed and connected! The publication began in September 1966 as a quarterly newsletter by the Midland County Council on Aging. In July 1975, it transformed into a monthly newspaper with a modest circulation of 1,133—a number that has since grown to an impressive 7,500!
Through the years, the newspaper has undergone several name changes, each reflecting the evolving mission and identity of the organization. In 1975, it debuted as Senior Power. In March 1989, it became Senior Independence News, and in July 2014, it adopted its current title, Midland Prime Times.
Did you know that the Senior Power era featured innovative measures to boost donations? A “label reminder” system let subscribers know when their last donation was due, and the names of donors were printed in the newspaper as a gesture of appreciation. These efforts resulted in a 42% increase in contributions!
In May 1987, Senior Power welcomed Dr. J. Christopher Hough, who began penning a monthly column, and by the end of that year, the publication made a leap in technology—switching to computer typing and expanding its standard size from 8 to 12 pages to include meal site menus.
The Senior Independence News era brought its own highlights. In March 1989, the newspaper introduced Judge Henry Hart’s monthly column, featuring excerpts from his book, At Least Partly True.
Cost-saving innovations also played a role in the paper’s journey. In 1997-98, new labeling software reduced monthly postage costs by $300, ensuring more resources could be directed toward serving the community.
Today, the Midland Prime Times stands as a testament to decades of growth, adaptation, and dedication. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the people and stories that have made this publication a cherished source of news and connection for Midland County. Here’s to 50 more volumes!
