Merced County Times Newspaper
The Power of Positive Press


Author

John Derby 143 posts 0 comments

Currently retired and living on the shores of Mexico, John Derby is the founder of the Merced County Times and Mid-Valley Publications. He is currently enjoying his time away from the newsroom he developed in 1964 by sailing through the waters south of the border while continuing to write his weekly From Ship to Shore column and other articles of interest to the readers of Mid Valley Publications' newspapers.

Business

The Times celebrates 60 Years of ‘Positive Press’

John Derby
It was 1964, and I was employed as a reporter for the Merced Sun-Star. I made a fateful decision to quit and start my own newspaper. I was fed up with covering accidents on Highway 99. There had to be something better. Something more positive to write about. My co-workers thought I was crazy when I came up with the idea of having a…
Around Town

‘Save The Train’ begins for Kiddieland

John Derby
There’s some local news to share this summer that will surely disappoint many local youngsters — especially in a growing Merced, where more and more families are constantly looking for fun activities. Here it is: The beloved train at Kiddieland in Applegate Park has gone kaput. It’s not working. The ride is closed. While the…
Business

Local agent Padilla explains insurance industry problems

John Derby
When Pete Padilla showed up at a recent, noonday Merced Rotary Club meeting, everyone knew him as one of Merced's premier insurance agents. He has spent most his whole life in the business. He was invited to explain what is going on with the Insurance Industry in California, and why so many companies have stopped offering insurance in this…