Barnesville Area News

About Barnesville Area News Company

Barnesville Area News Company is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, independent, local news organization dedicated to providing free, accessible, and trustworthy news to Barnesville, Ohio, and neighboring southeastern Ohio communities.

The Barnesville Enterprise, the weekly local newspaper, was published beginning in 1866. After being sold by Dix Communications to GateHouse Media, the Enterprise ceased publication in 2023, despite attempts by a group of citizens to purchase the 157-year-old newspaper. Recognizing a gap in local history—especially governmental and civic events being recorded—Bruce Yarnall, the former Barnesville Enterprise managing editor and longtime contributor, began The Barnesville Area News project, sharing weekly local news roundups on Facebook. From there, the project continued to grow. A public invitation issued in May 2024 for those interested in establishing a nonprofit news organization led to the formation of Barnesville Area News Company in August 2024.

Our Mission

The mission of the Barnesville Area News Company is to continue the proud tradition of the Barnesville Enterprise, keeping Barnesville and the surrounding communities informed, engaged, and connected through accurate reporting and a steadfast commitment to transparency.

Our Vision

To build a sustainable and independent news organization dedicated to providing accurate and reliable coverage of Barnesville and the surrounding communities, ensuring vital local information remains accessible to all.

Our Pillars

Sustainable. We aim for long-term stability in every aspect of our organization.

  • Balanced business model: volunteers, advertising, and community support.
  • Invest in adaptable digital and print platforms.
  • Invest in adaptable digital and print platforms.

Independent. Editorial independence ensures our integrity.

  • Free from political and commercial influence.
  • Transparent funding and editorial practices.
  • Serve as a watchdog for truth and accountability.

Accurate. Accuracy builds public trust.

  • Rigorous fact-checking and corrections policies.
  • Data-driven, credible journalism.
  • Upholding ethical standards in sourcing and attributions.

Reliable. Readers can count on us for consistency.

  • Dependable coverage of local government, schools, and events.
  • Consistent professional standards and deadlines.
  • Fair, balanced reporting across all platforms.

Vital Local Information. We focus on what matters most to the community.

  • Stories impacting citizens’ daily lives: education, safety, business, and civic engagement.
  • Diverse perspectives and voices are represented.
  • Strengthen connection, accountability, and transparency.

Accessible. Information must be available to all.

  • Multi-format delivery: print, digital, and social media.
  • Clear, approachable language for every reader.
  • Inclusive coverage reflecting the full community.

By embracing sustainability, independence, accuracy, reliability, vital local information, and accessibility, the Barnesville Area News Company remains a trusted source of news, committed to informing, connecting, and empowering our community today and for generations to come.

Policies

Leadership

Barnesville Area News Company’s content is produced by a small editorial staff of contracted, freelance, and volunteer writers, editors, and photographers. We always welcome new team members to share their skills and talents in the following areas: nonpartisan journalistic writing, photography, proofreading, editing, graphic design, videography, research, social media engagement, marketing, data analysis, office administration, fundraising, and event planning. To learn more about contributing to this citizen-run local news nonprofit, contact us at help@barnesvillenews.org.

Editorial Staff

BRUCE YARNALL, Board President and Managing Editor
Bruce Yarnall, Board President and Managing Editor of Barnesville Area News Company, contributed to the former Barnesville Enterprise from the age of eight as a 4-H Club reporter until the newspaper ceased publication in 2021. He also served as general manager of the paper, 1994-1996. Bruce retired in 2024 following a 35-year career in the historic preservation field, working in Barnesville, Wheeling, Columbus, and finally, Washington, DC. As a local historian, he authored Somerton Area Heritage (1986) and co-authored Barnesville’s 200 Years: A Pictorial History (2008). Bruce started writing a Facebook weekly column, “Barnesville Area News Roundup”, in May 2023, that evolved into the nonprofit Barnesville Area News Company the following August. Bruce may be reached at byarnall@barnesvillenews.org.

JOSIE BURKHART, Staff Writer
Prior to joining Barnesville Area News Company in June 2025, Josie Burkhart graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2024 and spent a year gaining professional reporting experience. The Barnesville High School alumna and Malaga, Ohio native welcomes the opportunity to share news the community feels meaningful. Josie may be reached at jburkhart@barnesvillenews.org.

LISA GALLAGHER, Board Member and Volunteer Writer
Lisa Gallagher has been the teacher librarian at Barnesville Schools for 35 years. She is the vice-president of the Belmont County Historical Society, liaison to the INFOhio Advisory Board, and an OELMA and Kiwanis member. As a librarian, Lisa believes that unbiased and truthful news and information are vital to a strong community and our democracy. Lisa may be reached at lgallagher@barnesvillenews.org.

Board of Directors

BRUCE YARNALL, Board President and Managing Editor
Bruce Yarnall, Board President and Managing Editor of Barnesville Area News Company, contributed to the former Barnesville Enterprise from the age of eight as a 4-H Club reporter until the newspaper ceased publication in 2021. He also served as general manager of the paper, 1994-1996. Bruce retired in 2024 following a 35-year career in the historic preservation field, working in Barnesville, Wheeling, Columbus, and finally, Washington, DC. As a local historian, he authored Somerton Area Heritage (1986) and co-authored Barnesville’s 200 Years: A Pictorial History (2008). Bruce started writing a Facebook weekly column, “Barnesville Area News Roundup”, in May 2023, that evolved into the nonprofit Barnesville Area News Company the following August.

BROCK ROGERS, Treasurer
Brock Rogers is a lifelong resident of Barnesville, Ohio, and a graduate of Barnesville High School. He is the owner of 10T Web Design, a custom web development studio he founded in 2009 that focuses on websites and digital tools for small businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations. Deeply committed to his hometown, he serves as Vice President of the Kiwanis Club of Barnesville, Vice President of the Belmont County Historical Society / Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, as well as being the Treasurer of the Barnesville Area News Company. Through both his professional work and volunteer service, Brock is driven by a desire to strengthen local institutions, preserve community history, and help Barnesville thrive well into the future.

LACY A. BURKHART, Secretary
Lacy A. Burkhart, a Belmont County native, brings strategic communications experience to the Board of Directors. Currently self-employed, she has put her degree from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University to work in visual communications and design for nonprofit organizations. Lacy is dedicated to using these skills to support Barnesville Area News Company’s mission, aiming to help the community stay connected and informed through factual local news coverage.

FRED FOWLER
Fred Fowler is a board member for the Barnesville Area News Company and has been since the organization’s formation. Fred is a resident of Warren Township and active in the Village of Barnesville – both as an informed citizen and a participant/volunteer for various community events. He is currently retired after working in the engineering field and serving several years as a public official with an Ohio county government. Fred is a member of the Captina Conservancy Board. Fred is passionate about the workings of the News Company in providing a method for community members to be informed of the local news. He enjoys the outdoors, building rehabilitation/construction, spending time with family/friends, and camper van travels with his wife Lisa.

LISA FOWLER
Lisa Fowler is a board member for the Barnesville Area News Company and has served since the organization’s formation. She is a resident of Warren Township and active with the Village of Barnesville and various events. Lisa is semi-retired, working part-time for a local business. Lisa worked in banking, real estate, and served as a social services employee with an Ohio county government. Lisa enjoys her volunteer role with the Barnesville Area News Company – knowing that her role as a board member helps support the mission of providing local news to the community of Barnesville and the surrounding area. Lisa enjoys family/friends, yoga, cooking, the outdoors, and traveling the country.

LISA GALLAGHER
Lisa Gallagher has been the teacher librarian at Barnesville Schools for 35 years. She is the vice-president of the Belmont County Historical Society, liaison to the INFOhio Advisory Board, and an OELMA and Kiwanis member. As a librarian, Lisa believes that unbiased and truthful news and information are vital to a strong community and our democracy.

BEVERLY HANNAHS
After growing up in Powhatan Point, and later living in Guernsey County, Beverly Hannahs’ family moved to the Tacoma community of the greater Barnesville area 46 years ago. Since then, Beverly has been active in several Barnesville area organizations, including the Watt Center for History and the Arts, Barnesville Community Foundation, and the (Jr) Women’s Club. She is also a member of the First United Methodist Church where she has been involved with the Sunday School, handbell choir, several committees, and the Administrative Board. Following her graduation from Powhatan High School, Beverly attended West Liberty State College and completed her undergraduate education at Ohio University (Belmont) with a B.S. in education and a M.S. in Educational Administration at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Before receiving her teaching certification, she worked for two years as a teacher’s aide in Barnesville Schools. Her classroom teaching career began at Barnesville Elementary School as a Title 1 reading and math instructor. Retiring in 2012, Beverly’s final 27 years were spent teaching third grade. Beverly added, “Since the closing of the beloved Enterprise, our community has needed a source for area news. I am pleased to be part of this group of dedicated volunteers working to bring information to Barnesville area residents and others who are interested in our village happenings. Much has been accomplished in a short time, and I am excited for the future of this new ‘enterprise’.”

DIANE REYNOLDS
Diane Reynolds is a former journalist who worked for several local papers in Maryland. Since moving to Barnesville with her family in 2008, she has worked primarily in education.

ANITA ROGERS
After attending Barnesville Schools and Ohio University Eastern, Anita Rogers pursued employment in business sales. Anita previously served as the Director of the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Volunteer Coordinator at Valley Hospice & Amedisys Hospice. Now retired, Anita remains active in the community in various capacities as a member of the First United Methodist Church in Barnesville, Barnesville Order of the Eastern Star, Barnesville Kiwanis Club, Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, Watt Center for History and the Arts, Barnesville Depot Committee, Barnesville Chamber of Commerce, and Barnesville Area News Company. In addition, Anita enjoys a family that she built with her late husband of 44 years, Eugene, consisting of three sons (Bradley, Brent, Brock), three bonus daughters (Cheryl, Marilyn, Julie), five grandchildren (JC, Laura, Liila, Shannon, Gloria) and five great-grandchildren (Roen, Layne, River Lane, Kinslee Jay, Gracelynn Jean).

BECKY J. WEHR
Becky J. Wehr, a 1967 alumna of Barnesville High School, owned Blossoms flower shop in downtown Barnesville for over 20 years. Since retiring in 2023, Becky has remained active in the community as a member of the First Christian Church of Barnesville, Barnesville Kiwanis Club, Watt Center for History and the Arts, Belmont County Historical Society, Barnesville Depot Committee, and Barnesville Area News Company. She enjoys exercising, gardening, and spending time with her two children, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, five cats and two dogs. Becky resides in the Mt. Olivett community of the greater Barnesville area.

JEAN PALMER DAVIES, Honorary Board Member
Although starting in the family business around the age of nine, Jean Palmer Davies officially joined the Barnesville Enterprise newspaper, owned and operated by her parents, after graduating from The Ohio State University. Jean worked as a full-time local news reporter until she retired in 1991. Even after retiring, she continued to write features and her weekly “Jeanealities” column for the Barnesville Enterprise, entertaining readers and preserving history right up to the newspaper’s 150th Anniversary in 2016. At 98 years old, Davies continues to be an invaluable source of knowledge about the local community and its surroundings.

Financial Transparency

Barnesville Area News Company is not owned by a corporation or driven by outside interests. Our funding comes directly from community support, including one-time and recurring donations, and earned revenue, such as sponsorships and local advertising on our website. The majority of our donations come from everyday citizens, many giving modest amounts, who believe their community deserves a local news source it can trust. Every contribution directly supports local reporting and the behind-the-scenes work required to keep Barnesville Area News Company running.

Donors

Please visit the Support Our Work page to learn how to make a donation and why your donation matters. Our full Donor and Financial Transparency Policy and Donor Privacy Policy are available to read online.

2026 Major Donors and Funders
(Gifts of $5000 or more, listed alphabetically)

  • Currently none

2025 Major Donors and Funders
(Gifts of $5000 or more, listed alphabetically)

  • Rich and Mary Sidwell

2024 Major Donors and Funders
(Gifts of $5000 or more, listed alphabetically)

  • None

Annual Reports

Barnesville Area News Company publishes a list of the names of donors in an annual report. Options for anonymous giving and “optout” selections are available. Please contact the Barnesville Area News Company for these requests.