FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2021

HEATH, OHIO – The Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority has partnered with Licking County Recorder Bryan Long to make an historical newspaper collection available to the general public for the first time online. The “On Target” newspaper collection is available for public access at starting point HNLCPA.com/ontarget.

The “On Target” newspaper was published from 1965 to 1996 as a regular publication of the Newark Air Force Base. Through a partnership with Recorder Long the collection is hosted at LickingCounty.Gov and can be viewed page by page in its 31-year entirety.

An excerpt of the newspapers is both a reminder of historical events and a glimpse to a bygone era. Three examples: The March 25, 1993 front page includes the announcement of the base on the BRAC closure list. The October 13, 1966 edition featured the NAFS winning parade float. June 6, 1991 marked the occasion of transfer of Command to Col Joe Renaud.

“I am truly excited to partner with the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority to help bring easy access to the ‘On Target’ publication originally published by Ace News, Inc. to cover the personnel of the Newark Air Force Base. The NAFB had such a meaningful history in the local community, and a deep connection to so many families. It is a true blast from the past to see the names, pictures, and advertisements found in the pages of ‘On Target.’ I am thankful that Rick Platt, Port Authority President and CEO, has taken the time and effort to preserve this local history, and I’m sure everyone that reads it will be thankful as well,” said Bryan Long, Licking County Recorder.

The Port Authority is marking the occasion of 25 years since the transfer of the facilities of the former Newark Air Force Base on October 1, 1996 by joining with Boeing and the U.S. Air Force in a partnership commemoration.

“The Port Authority is grateful for a partnership with Recorder Bryan Long that makes ‘On Target,’ this legacy of our history, widely available again,” said Rick Platt, Port Authority President and CEO. “Anniversaries are a time to aim at looking back while paying forward. This partnership to unveil the ‘On Target’ collection online hits that target right on.”