Argus Observer
1160 SW 4th Street
Ontario OR 97914
Phone: 541-889-5387
Fax: 541-889-3347
The Meaning of Argus Observer
The name Argus Observer derives from Greek mythology. The Argus was a monster that had 100 eyes. He was also known as Panoptes, which means "all seeing." The Argus guarded IO, a mortal maiden loved by Zeus, who he had turned into a heifer. Observer means a representative sent to observe but not participate in an activity. Thus the Argus Observer refers to an all seeing publication that observes the community and reports on it.
The History
The Argus Observer is a direct descendent of The Advocate which was founded in Vale. The Advocate, a weekly newspaper published each Wednesday, was established Jan. 6, 1897 by Bert Venable. The Advocate's original agenda was to promote free and unlimited coinage of silver at the ratio of 16:1 and to support William Jennings Bryan for president. Throughout its existence, The Advocate was transferred to the ownership of E.R. Murray and then W.E. Lees.
Twice in its early history, The Advocate attempted a daily publication. The first attempt took place in 1898 and the second in 1904.
Between these attempts, The Advocate was moved from Vale to Ontario in 1899. The name of the paper changed to The Ontario Advocate.
In 1936, Elmo Smith, a former Oregon governor, founded The Eastern Oregon Observer. The publication was founded as a shopper, but later became a full-fledged newspaper. In its end, the paper was owned by Robert E. Pollock and Jessica Longston. The Eastern Oregon Observer operated for 11 years before being consolidated with the Ontario Argus. The Ontario Argus was then owned by Bernard Mainwaring and Don Lynch. Both publications were printing twice weekly. The subscriptions lists for both papers was consolidated, and the name of the publication was changed to the Ontario Argus Observer, which ultimately became the Daily Argus Observer.
In 1968, Wick Communications bought the Argus Observer and remain owners of the paper to this day. For 30 years Fran McLean was publisher, and his successor, Steve Krehl, has been the publisher since 1998. "Providing local news coverage, as well creating a bridge to enhance community involvement is our focus at the Argus Observer," Krehl said.
The Argus Observer currently has 50 employees.
The Argus Observer is a daily newspaper published afternoons Monday through Friday and Sunday mornings serving the Western Treasure Valley.
The Argus Observer reaches a market in Eastern Oregon and Southwest Idaho consisting of adulys living in Malhuer, Harney and Baker county, Oregon as well as Payette, Washington and Adams county Idaho.
The Treasure Valley Reminder is a total market coverage (TMC) edition delivered each Thursday by carriers to housholds which do not subscribe to the Argus Observer.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact us.
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