Revitalization of the former Sheets building, located at 20 E. William St. in downtown Delaware, is officially a go as Main Street Delaware (MSD) held a ceremony at the building Thursday to kick off its fundraising campaign and the start of renovations.

Delaware City Council approved a lease agreement with MSD in August that will allow MSD to move its offices from East Winter Street to the new building, as well as to establish a Delaware Welcome Center.

The initial lease will span 10 years, with a renewal option, at a cost of $1 per year to be paid to the city by MSD.

Since 2011, we have had our offices in the Strand building on East Winter Street thanks to the generosity of the Strand Theatre and Cultural Arts Association, MSD Executive Director Susie Bibler said Thursday. But its time to return that space to the Strand and support its mission, and its time for Main Street Delaware to expand to support our community and downtown with a new welcome center.

We have collaborated with the city to lease this historic building to create an office space, meeting space, community restrooms, which are much needed, and, of course, a very welcoming welcome center. We are also launching a Front Porch Campaign Main Street Delawares first capital campaign to raise $210,000 to renovate this building to make our welcome center vision a reality, she added.

Bibler, who was named the Main Street Executive of the Year by Heritage Ohio on Thursday, said the Front Porch Campaign concept was chosen to recognize the distinctive architecture of the Sheets building, as well as Ohio and the city of Delawares legacies as the mother of presidents.

With continuing support from the community, we will restore this beautiful front porch and building to enhance the experience for everyone who stops by to learn more about the city and community we love, Bibler said.

MSD Board President Zach Price said the hope for the buildings restoration is to provide modern amenities and memorable experiences for residents and visitors. He added the building needs a lot of work, which includes updated finishes, new mechanical equipment, masonry restoration, and repair to the great porches. In addition to those repairs, Price said a handicap-accessible ramp will also be installed to ensure the building is truly open to everyone.

Mayor Carolyn Riggle said during the ceremony, When I look at this building, this crowd, and this city, I see purpose and potential. I am grateful for everyone who works with us to help Delaware thrive and grow every day I commend Susie, Zach, and all of the Main Street Delaware Board for its vision to renovate this building, preserving its history, and beginning a new chapter as a welcome center.

I am looking forward to seeing their renovated center, but even more importantly, seeing the impact it has on the city and county as it helps to share more information on the vibrant destination that Delaware has become, she added. It is this type of entrepreneurial spirit and forward thinking that has made Main Street Delaware so valuable in our community

City Manager Tom Homan called MSDs renovation plans a rebirth of the building, adding that it makes sense to expand MSDs footprint closer to the citys main street and increase the organizations presence in the community.

While the project is officially underway, much work still remains for MSD as it attempts to raise the necessary funds to complete it. Bibler announced the fundraising campaign would be kicking off with $28,240 already having been raised through various matching grants from local investors.

As you can see, we have a lot of fundraising to do, and we hope that you will all consider making the tax-deductible gift for the porch, Bibler told those in attendance. Working together, we know that we will succeed. We have so much faith in you and all of Delaware

Those interested in learning more about the Front Porch Campaign, or donating to the effort, can do so by visiting http://www.mainstreetdelaware.com.

During Thursdays ceremony, Main Street Delaware Executive Director Susie Bibler and MSD Board President Zach Price held up a banner showing how much money MSDs Front Porch Campaign has raised to date to help renovate 20 E. William St. into a welcome center with public restrooms and a literal front porch for the community.

Delaware City Manager Tom Homan speaks during Thursdays ceremony, while Mayor Carolyn Riggle, middle, and Main Street Delaware Eecutive Director Susie Bibler, right, look on.

Main Street Delaware Executive Director Susie Bibler speaks to the crowd that gathered Thursday afternoon for a renovation groundbreaking ceremony at 20 E. William St. in downtown Delaware. MSD, which is leasing the building from the city, plans to relocate its office to the historic building and transform it into a welcome center.

Reach Dillon Davis at 740-413-0904. Follow him on Twitter @DillonDavis56.

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MSD aims to revive old building - Delaware Gazette

Deputies apprehended an Eagle Mountain woman for her alleged involvement in the theft of at least three packages.

Deputies with the Utah County Sheriffs Office made contact with 32-year-old Michelle Marie Poll of Eagle Mountain as she was parked in her vehicle in a church parking lot. Poll had allegedly been named as a suspect in at least three package thefts between Tuesday and Thursday, according to the probable cause statement filed in support of the arrest.

While speaking with Poll, police reported that she allegedly confirmed she had been in the location of at least one of the thefts.

Poll allegedly gave officials permission to search her vehicle, and while conducting that search, deputies reportedly located three opened envelopes belonging to two of the homeowners who reported package thefts, according to arrest documents.

Police also discovered a red Xbox controller and a galaxy Xbox controller face plate, which had allegedly been reported stolen by a homeowner, as well as two LifeStraw water filters that had also been reported stolen.

After being read her Miranda Rights, Poll allegedly said she had stolen two packages containing the Xbox accessories from a neighbor but reportedly told police she didnt remember taking the package containing the LifeStraw water filters. However, Poll allegedly said she did remember opening the package in her car and throwing the water filters into the backseat.

One of the opened package envelopes discovered in the vehicle had originally contained dice. Poll reportedly said she didnt remember taking the package but had opened the package and threw the dice in the back seat of the vehicle, according to the probable cause affidavit. The dice were not located.

Officials took Poll into custody under the suspicion of three third-degree felony counts of mail theft.

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Authorities apprehend alleged Eagle Mountain porch pirate - Daily Herald

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) Consumers at home arent the only ones taking advantage of online shopping deals ahead of the holiday season. Package theft by porch pirates is an issue that has plagued the City of Richmond in the past, and now, officials say, theyre tracking a spike.

Package thefts in the City of Richmond is not something new; we had a number of them last year. What were seeing this year is an uptick, Richmond Police Department Lt. David Naoroz said. I think some of that has to do with the fact that so many people are home because of the COVID lockdown.

With more Richmond residents relying on online shopping to avoid in-person interaction and minimize the spread of the virus, Lt. Naoroz says the department is seeing an increase in package thefts earlier than in years past. Other than in July, officials say the number of reported package thefts has been above average since March. The spike coincides with Governor Ralph Northams Executive Orders closing schools and non-essential businesses statewide and banning public gatherings over a certain size.

A number of retail organizations have boosted and advertised some of the package delivery starting this month, and it goes into the holiday seasons, Lt. Naoroz said. Thats typically where we see our uptick. We have had that uptick already happen, though.

Richmond Police are concerned that as the holiday season approaches, an already above-average number of reported package thefts will continue to rise at a rate higher than in previous years.

I think it is often an opportunity where somebody may be walking by and see it sitting there and maybe check their surroundings to see if somebodys watching, Lt. Naoroz said. Its everywhere.

From residential areas around Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), through The Fan District and to the West End, authorities say porch pirates can target anyone. But there are ways for residents to protect themselves from this theft.

What were hoping is that neighbors talk to their neighbors and community groups and get out the word to people, Lt. Naoroz said. If you can have your packages delivered to a lock box some of the delivery services offer lock box services.

Doorbell cameras are also an option.

That will certainly notify you if somebodys up on the porch, but then it doesnt necessarily secure your package, Lt. Naoroz said. If any of that stuff is kind of witnessed or people see any of those suspicious activities, we really ask them to give us a call.

Richmond Police can be reached at 804-646-6842.

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Richmond Police issue warning against porch pirates as package thefts rise - 8News

When Walter Eisenhardt first saw the old Victorian-style home with a wraparound front porch on Martin Avenue in Bellmore, he knew he had to have it.

"Im a hobby-level architectural historian, antique collector, and lover of old Victorian homes," said the 59-year-old retiree. "Instantly, I recognized it as an original Charles A. Frisch house, potentially a historic landmark for this area which, when the structure was built in 1910, was known as Smithville South."

But the porchs true value became apparent after pandemic restrictions were imposed in March, offering Eisenhardt a way to interact with friends and neighbors at a safe distance in a world reeling from COVID-19.

Cruise just about any Long Island neighborhood and you are likely to spot a few porches standing proud, looking out toward the street, and providing a gentle buffer between the privacy of the homes and the world outside.

Originally designed to allow escape from hot, humid weather in the days before air conditioning, porches have taken on an increasingly social function in modern times.

"Its easy to take them for granted," said Nancy Solomon, director of Long Island Traditions, a regional folk arts and preservation organization. "But porches in America have a long history of both serving purposefully and making a statement."

"They allow people to keep an eye on the neighborhood or say hello without getting too close," Solomon explained. "They are perfect for dining, entertaining or relaxing outdoors while enjoying a cool evening breeze. They also serve as a transition space between indoors and out. If, for example, you arent acquainted with a visitor, you might hold a conversation on the porch rather than in your home."

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Indeed, porches have been a staple on the American homestead for well over a century. Whether designed for status or functionality, or both, they do make a statement while adding an elegant touch to a beautiful home.

Eisenhardts porch was one such appendage designed by Frisch, a popular builder on Long Islands west end back in the early 1900s. In fact, Eisenhardt said, Frisch constructed a number of these builds right on High Hill Beach now Jones Beach before it became a state park.

When he bought it in 2007, though, the house was really run down, Eisenhardt said. He had it declared a landmark home in 2016.

"It was a shambles," he said, "but it had so much potential as a restoration project. Its a classic with high peaks, a stairway inside the front door, a big ball post at the base of the banister and that wonderful porch. Nothing says American home architecture like a beautiful front or wraparound porch."

Although examples date to ancient Greece and Rome, front porches on Long Island trace their roots to trans-Atlantic traders, Solomon notes.

"Many European settlers that came to the New World stopped first in the Caribbean and West Indies where they viewed front porches on typical homes," she said. "By the 1800s, porches had made their way up the Georgia coast, into South Carolina, and over to New Orleans. Following the Civil War, as we entered the Victorian Age, wraparounds grew prevalent throughout the country. Long Island proved to be a particular hot spot."

With Victorian architecture, especially, most front porches wrapped around to the side and connected to the dining room. "People would finish their meals and exit from the dining room to the porch to relax in the cool evening breeze after eating," Eisenhardt explained. "The porch was an extension of the living space of the home. People probably spent more time on the porch than inside when the weather was enjoyable."

Not surprisingly, some of the social importance of porches has faded in recent years with the advent of cellphones and the internet making daily person-to-person communication less vital. Still practicalities and niceties remain.

Eisenhardt waters his front lawn from the porch as he gets a great perspective looking out into the yard. He also enjoys chatting up neighbors and passersby. "You can do that while still social distancing," he noted. "Thats a real plus these days."

Depending on the type of porch, some consider it an attraction. "Nothing says relax more than a beautiful front porch," said Scott Bennett of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Cutchogue. "They make you feel like this is a great place to enjoy watching the time go by."

The size, style and functionality of any porch helps determine how much value it adds to your home, Bennett said. "Its hard to pin an exact dollar amount on any porch, but if in good shape, most prospective buyers should see it as a plus. Adding recessed lighting or even ceiling fans can be a nice touch if done tastefully," he said.

Those whove lived in houses with porches are nostalgic about them.

A single parent, Eisenhardt says his 13-year-old son, Harrison, practically grew up on the porch. "He spent time on our porch in his playpen and highchair," Eisenhardt said. "Now he reads, hangs out and shares dinner or lunch here. Its part of our everyday life, as is my having an occasional espresso on the porch in the morning, or glass of wine in the evening."

Richard and Mary Clark, of Rockville Centre, like to entertain on their front porch.

"We have a big wraparound and we serve a lot of meals on it," Mary said. "We hosted 40 friends and family for Thanksgiving last year. We put out drinks and adults enjoyed each others company while the kids played in the front yard where we all kept an eye on them. We have a couple of small tables where my son, Owen, age 22, enjoys having breakfast. We also have a big hydrangea bush growing along one side of the front railing. If I just need some quiet and want to be outside without being disturbed, I can enjoy a few peaceful minutes there."

While porches made of composite materials tend to be nearly maintenance-free, it can be a labor of love to maintain a wooden porch. Still, when everything comes together, both homes and owners shine with pride.

"I had an elderly woman walk past my house a few days ago," Eisenhardt said. "I was on the porch when she looked up: This is one of the nicest homes Ive ever seen in this neighborhood, she said."

"I dont think its a coincidence that my porch restoration had just been completed."

Heres a listing of homes with porches on Long Island:

Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3,000 square feet

Style: Victorian

Built: 1887

Annual taxes: $17,101

Description: This house with a wraparound porch sits on a half-acre of flat, private, manicured grounds in the heart of historic Sea Cliff and comes with a chef's kitchen and a renovated one-bedroom cottage and beach rights.

Listing agents: Eileen Heimer and Robert Cullen, Daniel Gale Real Estate, 516-674-2000.

Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, about 1,700 square feet

Style: Cottage

Built: 1931

Annual taxes: $3,657

Description: This home with a front porch is close to Main Street shopping and dining, the LIRR station and famous beaches. The back and side gardens are beautifully landscaped with evergreens for privacy and feature a brick patio and an outdoor shower.

Listing agent: Pat Garrity, The Corcoran Group, 631-903-5900

Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,700 square feet

Style: Cape

Built: 1998

Annual taxes: $10,488

Description: This spacious house with a porch comes with landscaped grounds, an in-ground pool, lots of privacy and is close to downtown Cutchogue, wineries and markets, and access to kayaking at the end of the lane.

Listing agent: Scott Bennett, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 631-354-8100

Size: 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, 1,560 square feet

Style: Ranch

Built: 2006

Annual taxes: $9,352

Description: Off the beaten path but close to the beach, stores and restaurants, this house with a porch has a great room with dual fireplaces and is in move-in condition.

Listing agent: Jolene DeCecco, Landmark Realty of L I Inc., 631-929-3600

Porches can be in the front or back of the home and sometimes wrap around the side of the house. When located in the rear of the house, they are typically raised to the first or second level of the home. Front porches and side porches are generally covered. Many confuse them with decks, which are an extension of the home, usually uncovered and at the back of the house.

Materials matter when it comes to porch maintenance, says Lou Pagnotti of Decks Unique in Commack, who performed most of the restoration for Eisenhardts Bellmore home and wraparound porch.

Pressure-treated wood is least expensive," Pagnotti said. "Special woods like mahogany cost more, look terrific but hold up about the same in the long run. Both should last 20 to 30 years neither is likely to look new toward the end. Composite boards and spindles are more expensive than pressure treated but are very low maintenance and generally come with a significant warranty, often 25 years.

For maintenance, experts suggest sweeping your porch clean as needed and waterproofing wood porches yearly. Avoid using a hose to clean unless overly dirty as moisture promotes rot. A full porch restoration is a big job that often entails bringing construction up to code. If you need to replace more than a few boards, it might be a good idea to consult a professional.

Number of homes with porches that were sold in Suffolk County in the first nine months of this year, compared with 4,245 in all of 2019, and 4,127 in all of 2018.

Number of homes with porches that were sold in Nassau County in the first nine months of this year, compared with 3,643 in all of 2019 and 4.625 in all of 2018.

Source: OneKey MLS

By Tom Schlichter Special to Newsday

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Porches in the pandemic: Social distancing with style - Newsday

Porch CEO Matt Ehrlichman (iStock; Porch)

In Porch.coms IPO filing, the home-services startup touts one of its core values: No Jerks/No Egos.

But the nice guy approach has brought the firm to the brink of financial ruin, the filing shows. Unless its able to raise additional capital, the company will not have sufficient cash flows and liquidity to fund its planned business for the next 12 months.

The disclosure, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday, was made ahead of Porchs merger with a blank-check company led by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority veterans Thomas Hennessy and Joseph Beck. The deal, announced in July, values Porch at $523 million. According to the IPO filing, Porch generated $77.6 million in revenue last year, up from $54.1 million in 2018.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority veterans Thomas Hennessey and Joseph Beck

Founded in 2011, Porch sells software to home-services companies in exchange for data on homebuyers. It then sells additional home services, such as contractor services and TV and internet, to those clients.

But the companys accountants have raised substantial doubt about the cash-strapped companys ability to stay in business, the filing shows. The Real Deal took a closer look at the 581-page prospectus to learn more; heres what we found:

Accounting woes. Porch is not yet profitable. As of June 30, its balance sheet listed $3.9 million in cash, plus $46.4 million in assets and $63.2 million in debt. The company also had a total deficit of $263.5 million.

Alarmingly, Porch also said that in preparing its 2019 financials, it identified a material weakness in its financial reporting. In particular, it lacked qualified personnel to prepare and review complex technical accounting issues. To remedy the situation, it hired a CFO in June and controller in July and is working with outside consultants.

(More) about those losses. Porch sells software to 11,000 home-services companies. On average, it generated $556 per account during 2020s second quarter. In the first half of this year, Porchs revenue dropped 14.3 percent to $32.2 million. Its losses narrowed to $24.6 million, compared to $67.9 million during the first half of 2019.

Whos in control. CEO Matt Ehrlichman will hold a 24.9 percent stake in the company after the deal closes, according to the filing. Hennessy, Beck and their partners will hold a combined 18.3 percent stake.

Payday for Porch execs. Until February 2020, Ehrlichmans annual base pay was $1, but this year, it was bumped up to $420,000. In connection with the merger, he and Matthew Neagle, Porchs chief revenue officer, will also get one-time bonuses, ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 for Neagle and $500,000 to $1.5 million for Ehrlichman. Ehrlichman will also get one million shares of company stock that will vest based on those shares hitting certain price targets.

Sweetening the deal. To get the merger done, Ehrlichman struck a deal with investor Valor Equity Capital, which agreed to approve the arrangement in exchange for $9.5 million in shares. Valor also demanded a caveat: Post-merger, if its stake is valued at less than $44.2 million, Ehrlichman will transfer additional shares to make up the difference. At closing, Ehrlichman agreed to pay Valor $4 million in cash.

Selling Lowes. Home-improvement giant Lowes led Porchs $27.6 million Series A in 2014. But in May 2019, the retailer sold 16.1 million shares back to Ehrlichman for $0.25 a share, or just over $4 million.

The IPO filing notes the price was below fair market value, and a check with Pitchbook shows that Porch shares had been priced at $8.66 in a 2018 funding round. For accounting reasons, the company was required to recognize the Lowes stock deal as a compensation expense of $33.2 million. According to Pitchbook, Porchs share price dropped after the Lowes deal. It closed a $20.62 million round in January that priced shares at $3.50.

One more small problem. In the IPO filing, Porch said it plans to expand into insurance, as well as new home products and new locations, as part of its growth plan. Currently, Porch sells products and services in all 50 states. However, it is qualified to do business only in Washington, Texas and Delaware, the IPO filing said. Failure to get licensed could lead to fines, plus the company could be subject to back taxes and contract disputes in non-licensed jurisdictions.

Contact E.B. Solomont

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Porch is running out of cash: IPO filing - The Real Deal

ARLINGTON -- All the worlds a stage, including a porch in rural Reno County.

This particular front porch stage belongs to Delmar and Suzanne Miller, and its where theyll be hosting performances of "Romeo and Juliet" this weekend.

Shakespeare on the Porch will present the play at 7 p.m. Oct. 16-18 at 19308 W. Castleton Road, Arlington.

This free, outdoor, family-friendly performance will be staged with plenty of room for social distancing. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and plan to stay for popcorn and fellowship after the show.

A cultural moment

"Romeo and Juliet" was one of the first plays the group produced, precisely because it is one most children understand, Miller said.

Its also particularly important during this cultural moment, she explained.

"Were doing it now because theres two groups of people who are 100% identical in social standing, upbringing, every way, and theyve decided to hate each other," Miller said. "It brings destruction on their entire families."

"Theres a kind of deep discourtesy thats a poison and it needs to stop," she said.

The text of "Romeo and Juliet" is kept the same - no edits to take it easy on young actors - but there are a few abbreviations to keep the plays run time around 100 minutes.

The cast includes 25 children raging from preschool to high school students - some home schooled, others from area schools.

Socially distanced

Theres 18 mph breezes forecast for performance nights, which is good for carrying away any aspirators, Miller said.

"There will be plenty of fresh air," she said. Audience members are encouraged to follow Reno County protocol of wearing masks. Actors will not be masked.

New this year is the option to view the live stream of the production, rather than attend in person. The stream will be available on the Arlington Classical Theater YouTube channel.

14 years on the porch

The annual fall production of "Shakespeare on the Porch" began in 2006. Theyve produced a classic play each fall ever since.

The idea stemmed from tragedy -- after Millers daughter passed away, the family sat with grief for a while. But wanting to do something to liven their world, she thought her home-schooled children and friends should do a production of Shakespeares "Julius Caesar."

The first performance took place on the familys large front porch. Little children wore pillow cases for costumes.

At the time, the Millers had three children - Katie, Betsy, and Charlie.

Since then, their cast of children has grown to include Lucy Rose, Kip, and Jack. All but the oldest have roles in this years production -- Katie is off at college.

Coming together

Children practiced their sword fighting outside the family home on an idyllic fall day for other cast members to arrive for a dress rehearsal.

They appear to work hard honing their skills - memorizing lines, practicing inflection.

"The most common compliment I hear is that the kids sounds like they know what theyre saying," Miller laughed.

Shakespeares plays were intended to be watched, not read - and they're much more interesting live onstage.

Painted sheets hang on the porch to simulate a brick wall. Quilts hung along the side create a back stage area. Brooder lights from a chicken house are used instead of a spotlight.

Parents are in charge of their childs costume, and families chip in to complete set pieces.

"It means a lot of talents can come together," Miller said.

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Shakespeare on the Porch brings the Bard to life Oct. 16-18 - The Hutchinson News

A Lincoln Park woman notified police after the packages she had delivered to her house arrived, and then disappeared when she let them on the porch as part of a sanitizing process she does in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a police report, the woman ordered a pair of kids Converse shoes, Nike shoes and three plushy stuffed animals.

All three packages arrived at her house on Mill Street, but the woman told police she usually leaves packages sitting on her porch for a couple of days because of the virus, and then she sanitizes them when she believes it is safe.

She last saw the packages on the porch on Sept. 18, but they were gone by about 10 a.m. the following day.

The woman told police she does not have cameras at her house.

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Lincoln Park woman leaves packages on porch as part of COVID-19 sanitizing; all are stolen - Southgate News Herald

Package theft is a big issue that has affected 30 percent of Americans. Here are some tips to get your items safely delivered in time for the holidays 10Best.com

MIDDLETOWN - An unidentified woman in an orthopedic walking boot on her left foot and clutching a cigarette in her left hand is wanted for porch piracy in the Oak Hill section of the township, according to police on Thursday.

The incident occurred on an early morning hour several weeks ago and was caught on a home surveillance video camera, police said.

Undelivered: Amazon delivery contractor stole Keansburg, Metuchen packages: Cops

The trusted place to find the best home service providers. Find local pros.

The video shows a woman coming up to the porch of the house in the rather unusual state for a thief, police observed.

Also in the county: Rumson jewelry store owner faces additional charges of theft, 11 more victims step forward

Do you know this woman? The Middletown Township Police Department needs your help in identifying her.(Photo: Courtesy of Middletown Township Police Department)

Anyone with information pertaining to the identity of this woman is asked to contact Middletown Township Police Officer John Walsifer at 732-615-2120.

Additionally, with increased online shopping ahead of the holidays, and an anticipated increase in deliveries, the Middletown Police reminds the community that it is important to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their homes, vehicles, and packages, said Deputy Police Chief Paul J. Bailey, a department spokesman.

Residents should ensure their homes are secured, Bailey said. This can be done by closing garage doors, making sure all exterior doors are locked. The use of home alarm systems and motion-sensing lighting are also effective crime prevention measures. People are urged to lock their vehicles when not in use and remove the keys or key fobs. When items are being delivered to the home, please bring them in as soon as possible or ask a neighbor to bring them in if you are away. Last, the public is asked to be alert and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.

Erik Larsen: 732-682-9359 or elarsen@gannettnj.com

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Middletown: Porch pirate in orthopedic walking boot sought in package theft - Asbury Park Press

If you think low premiums and high payouts are the only two things to consider when shopping for insurance coverage for your family, there's a lot you should know about Farmers Union Insurance. That's why Stacy Mongar, a Financial and Insurance Resource Specialist and Cam Lux, an agent with Farmers Union Insurance are here to tell you about the advantages of Farmers Union Insurance coverage and the difference it can make for you and your family when you need it most.

You can find out more about how Farmers Union Insurance can help you by visiting their website at FUIagency.com. Or call 605-212-1581. All Farmers Union Agent Offices are open across the state, but please call ahead to schedule your appointment. You can also reach a Farmers Union agent by email. Farmers Union wants you to know that they are still continuing to service customers as needed in person, by phone, or online.

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Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues goes back to their roots with Front Porch Concerts - KELOLAND.com

If youve read the front page of this weeks edition, you know that we have released my first book, On the Porch, a collection of the best columns that have appeared in this space over the years. If youre worried about another toilet paper shortage, do we have a deal for you!

Contributing writer Steve Reece of Smarr played a big part in making the book happen. I had narrowed the 1,800 columns I had written over the past 20 years down to about 200. But I sometimes have a hard time making those tough final cuts. Steve had no such qualms. He eliminated mediocre columns like a machete man, and got it down to a manageable number that wouldnt require my publisher, Amazon, to cut down the Amazon forest to print the thing. During the publishing process, Steve had some questions about the book. I thought I might share them and my answers.

Q. Youve written a weekly column for like 20 years. Why did you wait until now to publish a book?

A. Are you calling me lazy Steve? Youre fired. No seriously, I have wanted to publish a book of my columns for some time. I finally got the ball rolling last summer when our intern, Bailey Storey, began taking them off the newspaper pages in our computer server and copying them into a folder. That meant the editing process could begin. But of course it didnt. Then you (Steve) started working for us in March and helped select the best columns. Then COVID-19 struck. We never missed a day of work during the shutdown, but we did have some down time. That allowed me to work on it. Former Macon Telegraph columnist Ed Grisamore and Macon author Rick Maier, both veterans of the book publishing process, were indispensable in giving advice. My dear mother, as only mothers do, had saved a few of her favorite columns from previous newspaper stints where I had served. Further, unlike you, it takes me 20 years to come up with enough good material to publish a book. Im sure itll only take you about 19 years.

Q. Whats your favorite column that youve written?

A. Well I always enjoy taking local politicians to task. When I was publisher of the Sylvania Telephone, the county commissioners threatened to pull all the legal ads out of the newspaper if I didnt toe the line and make them look better. I was 25 years old and a little rattled. But my first newspaper boss, Dink NeSmith, backed me all the way. He encouraged me to write a front-page column in response. So I did. I wrote that if we had to choose between our integrity and the revenue from their handful of legal ads, we would select our integrity every time. The response from our readers was incredible. We were overrun with letters to the editor slamming commissioners for trying to bully the press.

Alas, my wife, wisely, notes that people enjoy humorous columns more than political ones. So I have tried to steer away from politics in recent years. One of my columns that got the biggest response recently told a story many can relate to: Getting my Corona haircut from my father in law. He butchered me with delight. I got a lot of response, and thats what makes it fun, when people enjoy a column and can relate to it. I wrote one three years ago about when goats took over our office that people still ask me about. And yes, all of these are in the book.

Q. How do you go about writing a column?

A. Desperately and with great panic. Newspaper people are terrific procrastinators and I am one of the best. So I usually put it off until were going to press at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Its the last white space we fill in the Reporter every week. Now some weeks, if I am being a good boy, Ill write it on Monday night. I always enjoy life more when I do that. But of course thats rare.

Finally, Steve, I want to say how overwhelmed I am by the readers of the Reporter. Due to their support, the Reporters newspaper subscriptions are up 20 percent this year. Theres probably not a newspaper in America that can say that. Theres a special bond between this newspaper and our readers. I treasure it, and this book is an outgrowth of that. Whether you enjoy reading or are struggling with insomnia, I hope many of you will get a copy of On the Porch.

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ON THE PORCH: Doing it by the book - Monroe County Reporter