Merced County Times Newspaper
The Power of Positive Press


Author

John Derby 34 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.

Local News

Times Online Readership Nears Quarter Million Views

John Derby
For 55 years, the Times has been a hard copy, community newspaper, and only in recent years have we offered free local news content, and a digital version of the paper, online through our very own website. Times have changed, and we have reached out to new readership in new ways. Prior to the coronavirus, online readers viewed our…
Insights and Opinions

The War That Goes On Forever

John Derby
It was Nov. 11 in 1959 when the Army trained me to be a medic. I had no idea I would end up in Korea as all but 10 percent of my class was sent off to Germany. I planned on seeing Europe, and enjoying my next two years in the military. Wrong! There was a reason why, the top 10 percent were being held back. Our job would be to take an…
Around Town

Historic Society makes a hit with Western BBQ / Auction

John Derby
This was the 29th Annual Bill Kirby Western BBQ/Auction and for the Merced County Historical Society the biggest fundraiser of the year. This year the turnout was spectacular. Clearly Merced County loves its Historical Society and the job it is doing to preserve the history of the county. Each year the small staff led by Sarah Lim…
Insights and Opinions

Our Newsprint ‘Roll Ends’ Are Free For Teachers!

John Derby
For years we have sold the roll ends of newsprint left over when they get too small to run on our printing press. They are great for art and craft projects, among other uses. Since we are the only newspaper company in Merced County which actually still prints its own newspaper, the roll ends around these parts are rare, and can’t be found…

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