Don’t
Be Deceived
It saddened us to suspend publishing the
Richfield Springs Mercury earlier this month.
It was not done lightly. So imagine our surprise
when, on April 17, a paper called Richfield
Springs Mercury appeared on local streets.
Readers may have assumed we had second thoughts
about publishing the paper. Sadly, we hadn’t.
Instead, Jim Kevlin, publisher of the Freeman’s
Journal in Cooperstown, took it upon himself
to use the Richfield Springs Mercury name
that we own and began publishing his paper
with our name in his masthead.
As much as we’d like to see a local
Richfield area newspaper continue, Kevlin’s
action can only be described as devious,
underhanded and quite possibly illegal.
We had conversed with Kevlin about the possible
purchase of the Richfield Springs Mercury
name. Nothing was decided. Further discussions
were anticipated in May.
Next thing we know, Kevlin is publishing
under our name and leaving the impression
that we endorse the action. As quoted from
his April 17 article “Journal, Mercury
Reunite,” Kevlin claims, “The
Freeman’s Journal picks up the torch
and reassumes its partnership with a respected
competitor.” In order for a partnership
to exist, both parties need to agree on mutual
decisions. We never agreed to allow Kevlin
to use our name.
What’s more, we understand he’s
leaving that impression with former Richfield
Springs Mercury readers and advertisers as
well—easing his way into their trust.
Kevlin—or anyone else—has every
right to publish a newspaper in Richfield
Springs, but he doesn’t have the right
to publish under our name or make false claims
that we support it. It’s deceitful
and it should make potential readers and
advertisers wonder what else he’s capable
of deceiving them about.
We call on Kevlin to immediately stop using
the name Richfield Springs Mercury on his
publication, and to stop suggesting that
he has our endorsement.
JAY BERNHARDT
Founding Publisher
JASON BERNHARDT
Associate Publisher
Richfield Springs Mercury
140 Main St., Richfield Springs, NY 13439,
(315) 858-5858
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