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Former President John F. Kennedy once said: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

Those words still hold true today.

A lot of people are fearful of change. Others are creatures of habit. So, when you decide to make a change – big or small – it oftentimes causes concern. Personally, the next change in the 150-plus year chapter of The Greenville Advocate is a welcomed adjustment.

Today’s edition will mark the first weekly edition published in nearly two decades as The Advocate will no longer publish on Saturdays. It was a tough decision, but one we made with the best interest of our readers in mind as we strive to continue offering them a stronger, more comprehensive local newspaper.

As reader habits change, newspapers – large and small – across the country are having to adapt to their customers. And as retail customers begin to shift their loyalty back to Main Street, The Advocate is adapting as well. A weekly edition, packed cover to cover with news, sports, lifestyles, photographs, community happenings and advertising is what they desire. Readers and advertisers alike will both enjoy and benefit from additional shelf life as well.

The change will also give The Advocate’s staff additional time to focus more on important issues facing our city and county, the opportunity to cover more in-depth stories, be more creative and increase our online presence – including our newly added e-Edition – with not only more up-to-date news postings and e-blasts, but also more photos and videos. With that in mind, this week’s edition of The Butler County News – a free publication – will be its last as The Advocate shifts extra coverage to the south end of the county, allowing for additional reporting in the Georgiana and McKenzie areas.

Furthermore, The Greenville Advocate will continue to publish award-winning special sections for our readers to enjoy. Not only will the annual sections continue, but more will be produced featuring the people we love and the businesses that we trust. Coupled with an increased frequency of Camellia Magazine, readers will continue to receive all that they have grown accustomed to and more.

In addition to the change in frequency, The Advocate’s subscription prices will also change. All subscribers will be credited with additional Wednesday editions for every Saturday edition they have remaining on their subscription. New subscribers and subscribers renewing in the months to come will enjoy the lower subscription rates, which begin today.

No change is complete, however, without the support of those who have been with us for decades – our readers, advertisers and staff members. Together, The Advocate will continue to be one of the best newspapers in the state.

I encourage readers with questions about the changes to call me at (334) 382-3111 or email adam.prestridge@greenvilleadvocate.com