Published Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Thomassons love their community, their newspaper

Editorial

They love their community, and they love their newspaper. Billy and Marianne Thomasson, the president and vice president of The Times-Herald, were honored by the community Tuesday night during a dinner celebration at the Coweta County Fairgrounds.

Don Chapman, retired Delta pilot and part-time community organizer, spearheaded the salute to the Thomassons, as the community said thanks for their long-time community service.

Throughout history, journalism's finest tradition has been newspapers that were locally owned and locally operated. Through the years that tradition has vanished in many communities as huge newspaper corporations have bought the family-owned, locally-operated publications.

Newnan and Coweta County are fortunate the Thomasson family for 73 years has carried on the grand tradition of a local, family-owned newspaper and publishing company. With their continuing commitment to community journalism, Billy and Marianne Thomasson have served their community in a way that has helped Newnan and Coweta County enjoy tremendous growth and economic prosperity.

Their commitment to journalism and love for this community is unparalleled.