Writer Randy Pierce Speaks on his Time at Herald Publications So Far

by Randy Pierce

My memories of The Herald don’t go back much farther than a few years after the start of this century/millenium.  I was fortunate enough to hook up with the company as a part-time reporter then a few years later I went full time. While most of my contributions have been related to Fairview Heights and The Tribune paper, I have had a few opportunities to interact with people in Mascoutah as it relates to the Herald.

The loyalty of the people in the community to the Herald has always impressed me, going back to those days when the company headquarters was situated in a dilapidated old building that has since been taken down due to its deterioration from age.

I recall my days of seeing the current mayor at the post office once a week when it came time to make sure the papers got mailed to subscribers. His attitude toward running an efficient operation yet displaying compassion for his customers led me to feel no surprise when he got elected to hold the city’s highest office.

My various opportunities to enjoy the outgoing friendliness of former Mayor Jerry Daugherty are strong in my mind also as he was always cordial even though we only saw each other and communicated a few times each year. I am missing co-workers like Gene Isbell, Keith Gillette and others who I got to know as part of my work at the Herald. And, of course, the late Greg Hoskins was inspiring because of his diligent devotion to community journalism – he served as a great influence in my approach to my work.

In more recent times, I am honored to have made acquaintances with the likes of Mike Baker, Charles Lee, Kevin Dawson and Ed Cockrell Jr. through their serving in elected or appointed government-related positions connected with Mascoutah while feeling much appreciation for their openness and cooperation with me concerning my efforts to present the news to readers.

Another outstanding memory I have connected with the Herald is participating in the annual homecoming parade and seeing the throngs of thousands of people along the route, a solid example of community unity of which the newspaper was a component. The support shown by local businesses and groups, not only for that whole weekend of significant happenings but also in the form of loyalty to the newspaper, says a lot about what Mascoutah is made of.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to separate the people of Mascoutah from its local weekly community newspaper.