By Scott Carlson
Coping with the coronavirus pandemic
In the last three weeks, the lives of everyone in our community have been dramatically disrupted and affected by the virus known as COVID-19. Cancellations of events and activities and the closure of schools, businesses, libraries, rec centers and restaurants and bars are among the many manifestations of how we are in the midst of a “new normal” that could stretch into the summer.
In response to this crisis, we have stepped up our reporting and postings on our Bugle website and Facebook page. In the span of 10 days, we posted breaking news stories about the short-lived St. Paul Public Schools teachers’ strike and the impact of the coronavirus on our local restaurants, shops and families. Many thanks to freelance writer Sarah CR Clark for pulling together a plethora of interesting and informative anecdotes on both subjects.
Our latest coronavirus coverage highlights the intense pressure that local restauranteurs face in their bid to weather this storm and what the community can do to help them during this period of mandatory shutdowns.
Meanwhile, look to the Bugle for periodic updates on our website and Facebook page on coronavirus-related news. Our website is https://www.parkbugle.org/. Also, we have launched a new web feature called Midpoint, which debuted in mid-March. This our latest commitment to provide you with a sampling of news and information that comes in after our press deadline and would be out of date by the time we publish again.
Spring is here
With an abundance of gloomy news, there are also hopeful signs that life keeps on rolling. Just this morning, I heard a large array of bird noises from outside my dining room window, a sure indicator that spring is here and our trees, lawns and gardens will be growing again. Look for stories germane to our annual Home & Garden section in May.
Upcoming Bugle deadlines
Here is a reminder on our Bugle deadlines for the next three issues. As always, we greatly appreciate when writers and readers submit their articles early. Aside from breaking news, most articles can be submitted ahead of the scheduled deadline. And again, our publication dates represent when the papers go out for delivery. Distribution of the paper should occur over the next two to six business days. Meanwhile, bulk drop-offs of the paper around town could be slightly delayed because our distributor is taking steps to ensure their delivery people are safe during the coronavirus challenge. Also, bulk drop-offs of the Bugle will not be possible at some locations due to business closings.
Issue Copy and ad deadlines Publication
| ISSUE | COPY & AD DEADLINES | PUBLICATION |
| May (Home & Garden Guide) | April 15 | April 28 |
| June (SAP Arts Festival) | May 13 | May 26 |
| July | June 17 | June 30 |
