From the moment that Dr. Scot Refsland read the Greenbrier Independent’s March 27, 1890 edition (now West Virginia Daily News), he knew the Refsland family just had to be the new stewards of the West Virginia Daily News.
At the top of the first page, The Greenbrier Independent’s main guiding statement boldly stated:
“Nothing Shall Be Indifferent to Us Which Advances the Cause to Truth and Morality, or Which Concerns the Welfare of the Community in Which We Live.”
“I couldn’t be indifferent in letting an iconic legend like the Daily News die.” says Scot. “Our community paper started right after the Civil War and served us faithfully through thick and thin, right up until COVID shut it down on March 20, 2020. Without a community paper, our community is at risk in becoming just another sprawling city without any thread and glue to bond us together. And that is of great concern to the welfare of our community in which we live.”
“At first, when I heard about The West Virginia Daily News shutting down, I mentioned to my mother, Dr. Lucie Tuckwiller Refsland, that she should buy the building and property.” Scot said. “I thought it would be a great family generational investment since she is also an owner of the property next door.”
But, in inquiring about the news building, Scot and Lucie quickly found that the building and paper weren’t for sale separately. Former Publisher Judy Steele and then owner Jack Moffitt were adamant that they wanted to see The Daily News continue, and in that location.
That’s when the inquiry turned into an interesting real estate purchase for Lucie and an exciting new business opportunity for Scot as the new publisher and owner. Once the offer was accepted they immediately rehired most of the existing Daily News and Valley Ranger staff to get the paper back up and the presses rolling once again.
“They are the most dedicated, passionate folks I’ve ever worked with.” says Scot. “We found that every employee we rehired had put so much heart and soul into the paper over the years that they too were adamant on not letting it die. It’s been the fastest startup with an immediate expert staff buildout that I’ve ever done. They are superheroes and we couldn’t have done what we’ve done in such a short time without all of us working as a dream team.”
The Refsland family has had its roots in the community going back many generations.
“Ross Tuckwiller, one of the original incorporators of the WV State Fair and President is my uncle.” says Scot. “My granddad William (Bill) Tuckwiller was a well known and respected Greenbrier County historical expert and lived just a stone’s throw from the middle of town. And it is rare that I can walk down the street, meet a stranger, and the conversation didn’t end up something like, “Oh! I had your mom as my math professor at New River Technical College, or, your dad was my principal at the Lewisburg Junior High School! And of course, even though my older sister Laurie currently lives in Australia, she still knows more current gossip around town than me! She just knows everyone.”
The Refsland family has also been involved with many local charities and nonprofit organizations over the decades, including 4-H, the Humane Society, and Greenbrier County Youth Camp, and have created many scholarships and educational programs for the community.
“When I also heard that Penny Pitch wasn’t going to run any longer, my heart broke”, said Lucie. “We just had to do something, and I’m so proud to say that Penny Pitch will still be part of the Daily New’s commitment to community service.”
But the road ahead isn’t going to be all sunshine and roses for the Daily News. Community papers have been on the decline for the past view years as readers move to mobile digital news consumption.
“It’s going to be an uphill battle, and you’re going to need the community’s full support if it’s going to fly,” says Ron when lecturing his son Scot on how to run the paper.
“Most of the younger generations probably won’t even know what a newspaper looks like, smells like, or feels like. It’s all online now.“ says Scot. “But what’s fascinating is, that there are several community newspapers who have not only made the digital leap successfully, but also have found new successes in a daily printed newspaper.”
It seems the elements to a successful community newspaper in today’s world is a mixture of a strong community filled with a good balance of multi-generational families.
“Folks like us, who flew the coop right after high school, are now coming home, bringing our young families to be near our parents and older families. We’re all tied to the legacy of the community, and are bringing fresh new ideas and the next generation of kids to help the community and paper thriving well into the future.”
“The newspaper also has to be owned and operated locally, with an unbiased interest in the community narrative and welfare.” says Scot. “It can’t be just an investment commodity; it has to be the intrinsic value and narrative of a vibrant community itself.”
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Thank you for being a continuing supporter of your community and its paper. The Daily News wouldn’t be able to live again without you, our loyal subscribers, advertisers and readers.
CUTLINE: The Refslands are the new stewards of The West Virginia Daily News and have big plans to continue and expand on the newspaper’s long legacy. Pictured are (left to right): Dr. Scot Refsland, the new Publisher, spouse Beth Refsland, sons Eric, Cody, and parents Dr. Lucie Refsland and Ron Refsland.
