The Township Times is a community newspaper covering western and northern Saginaw County. It is a paid subscription newspaper with a full editorial staff providing in-depth coverage of government, educational, sports, social and religious news. The award-winning tabloid is published weekly on Wednesdays and mailed to subscribers. Delivery is made on Thursday by second class mail and is available at many local stores.
Founder Rudy Schmidt and his wife, Beverly, now retired and residents of Leesburg, Fla., published the first issue of The Township Times in their daughter’s bedroom at their home on Hospital Road, Saginaw Charter Township, on May 5, 1964. At that time, Saginaw Township was growing rapidly and the couple had the foresight to provide residents with the news they wanted. Within six months, the twice a month publication became a weekly and now serves Saginaw, Thomas, James, Richland, Tittabawassee and Kochville townships.
The newspaper operated at a building on State Street for a short time and then was relocated to 2089 Wieneke Road. Although the office was relocated for a brief period to James Square on Bay Road, it was returned to Wieneke Road. The Times is now located at 1668 Midland Road.
Rudy served as the newspaper’s publisher and editor for many years, with Beverly as office manager. Rudy was also elected supervisor of Saginaw Charter Township for seven and one-half years and was very involved in community activities. Their son, Jim, learned the ropes of the newspaper business while in high school and eventually became editor for eight years until he also relocated to Florida.
Many area residents have been employed by The Township Times over the years in many different capacities. Some have enjoyed part-time work as retirees while others have begun their careers at The Times. Along with the regular staff members, The Times has provided many stringers and interns opportunities to showcase their talents.
Ed Belles is publisher, with Lisa Guthrie and Nicole Wagner serving as general manager and managing editor, respectively. Moreen Kost, Tari Newvine, Mike Thompson, Brian Wenzel and Cami Valliere serve as sales representatives. Don Cox is sports editor. Contributing writers/reporters include Todd Bethune and Jashana Copeman. Kari Clark is office assistant. Nick Oppermann, Sandie Parker and Kayte Rood are columnists, and Jack B. Tany is a guest columnist. Rodney Wakeman is a freelance photographer.
Along with the normal newspaper operations, The Times publishes several special issues annually ranging from Bridal to Healthy Living sections. It also coordinates the printing of various local school newspapers and sports programs. Commercial printing is offered through The Times office.
The Times has a sister publication, The Saginaw Valley Shopper, which is based in Breckenridge and has been published weekly since November 1948. Its circulation area includes Hemlock, Merrill, Breckenridge, St. Louis and parts of Brant, St. Charles, Alma and Ithaca. Ads can be placed in both publications at special combo rates. Information about both publications, classifieds, subscriptions or news can be obtained by calling 989-799-3200.
