[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE ARGUS CHAMPION

 Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, Not too many businesses last a 
generation or two, much less for 175 years, but the Argus Champion 
seems to be Energizer Bunny of the newspaper business. This longevity, 
which is rare, is due primarily to its commitment to the local 
community. The Argus Champion has served its community well by 
providing local news and national news of interest. As a result, the 
Argus Champion has developed a loyal following in its hometown of 
Newport and the surrounding areas.
  Although the paper has had numerous owners, editors, reporters, and 
staff over the years, the Argus Champion has consistently published a 
high-quality newspaper that reflects New Hampshire's traditions and 
heritage. The paper also has changed with the times, switching to color 
formats in 1997 and expanding news coverage in surrounding areas in an 
effort to bring a better product to more Granite Staters.
  In many ways, our local newspaper is the chronicler of the times, 
printing important stories about the local community and the people who 
live in it. The Argus itself recognizes this special role, and each 
week offers to its readers a variety of local historical information 
through a feature column. We look forward to seeing pictures of our 
neighbors and their children volunteering to raise money for a 
worthwhile cause, or participating in the Boys and Girls Scouts and the 
Little League Baseball team. We also value our local paper for all of 
the announcements about milestones in our lives, including weddings, 
births, deaths, promotions, and others. We also appreciate the 
political coverage provided to the community as it helps the voters 
make informed decisions in the ballot booth and understand how the 
actions of their elected officials affect their everyday lives.
  The Argus Champion has brought the community together by focusing on 
local news and it is that tradition that we celebrate today on the 
175th Anniversary of the paper's beginning. A warm congratulations to 
all of those who have contributed to the success of the Argus Champion 
and best wishes for the future.

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