Willard Raymond, owner and publisher of the Golden Prairie News in Assumption, is celebrating 50 years in business.

In honor of that 50-year achievement, an open house reception has been scheduled for Sunday, May 31, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Assumption.

Raymond purchased the former Prairie State Tribune and Macon News on May 1, 1959. Four years later, he purchased the Moweaqua News from Elsie Snyder. He later consolidated all three publications into one and named it the Golden Prairie News.

That business has provided local news, photos, and advertising messages for subscribers in the three communities, plus commercial printing services for customers throughout the area.

Raymond, who will turn 80 years old in July, was born and raised in Reedsport, OR. He has been involved in the printing business since his sophomore year in high school. After graduation, he then worked as a printer in Portland and Springfield OR.

He also worked as a printer during his four years in the Air Force. He was introduced to offset printing while serving in Germany and later in Washington D.C.

After being discharged from the service, he landed a job working for Rand/McNally in Decatur before purchasing the newspaper and printing operation in Assumption.

He and his wife, Evelyn, live in Assumption. They have three children - Jeff, Denise, and Steve. They also have six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.