Quarantine Renewal: Transcript Publishing gets new digs

Although the bulk of the work was done prior to COVID-19 quarantine, the official reopening of Transcript Publishing at 817 Central Avenue just happened to fall right on top of it. As the last items were arranged into the new space on March 13, President Trump declared a national emergency due to the novel coronavirus. The "grand reopening" planned for the following week was not to be, as Gov. Burgum called off schools statewide on Sunday, March 15, the day before the doors of the new space were opened to the public.

Throughout the entire quarantine, work at the Transcript never slowed down. Staff looked out the big display windows to an empty street for weeks while writing articles and laying out pages for the print edition of the paper, which continued to be printed every week. In addition, newsworthy information came in throughout the week, press deadlines be darned, so Publisher Amy Wobbema and her staff posted regular updates on their website, http://www.newrockfordtranscript.com.

The ease at which the Transcript staff was able to transition into this new space at the height of a pandemic was due largely to the amount of work that was completed prior. Construction work began in the new space in December, after the Wobbemas purchased the building from Todd Duchscherer in November. The plans were drawn by Cash & Carry Lumber, and demolition was completed largely by the Wobbemas at nights and on weekends.

The building, which is located between Hanson's Bar and Hideaway Salon, had seen little walk-up traffic or regular use since the late 90s, as it mostly served as storage for construction equipment and vehicles. Therefore, although the exterior was structurally sound, the interior needed a lot of attention.

The Wobbemas demolished most of the interior, removing wood paneling, pegboard and aged drywall to expose the concrete block walls. Then local contractor Brad Bishop utilized his carpentry skills to renovate the space. He installed a double layer of insulation, built new 2-by-4 walls covered with fresh drywall, and hung a new drop ceiling in the office area. The electrical system also got an overall, with all new wiring and bright LED lights installed by local electricians Divide Electrical & Automation.

The black caviar oak trim (stained and varnished by former publisher Craig Voigt and wife Bonnie) and wide-plank vinyl flooring (installed by the Wobbemas) work together to create a warm, inviting space. The building's large front display window allows adequate light into the space and offers an opportunity for the business to showcase some of its work. There is a conference room with space for up to 10 people, which also houses the newspaper's archives from the past 120 years.

The most noticeable addition, however, is the apparel decorating shop. Transcript Publishing has sold screen-printed apparel since 2017, usually decorated by other contracted shops. That business came in-house last summer when the Transcript purchased equipment from a local decorator who moved out of state.

Several members of the Wobbema family worked together to print shirts from the basement of the 6 - 8th Street North location for about nine months. Then in April, New Rockford-Sheyenne 2011 alum Sydney Ulrich came to work at the Transcript, and she is now the designer and decorator of all apparel orders. Virtually anyone - business owners, club members, event organizers and individuals - looking for branded and custom apparel is encouraged to seek us out as the local source. Local souvenir apparel, including Rocket and 'Sox fan gear, is available for sale in the retail shop up front, with custom orders welcome.

Full-color custom printing is also available right here in New Rockford. The company's digital production press has its own space to work in the new building, and the staff designs, prints and produces a wide variety of custom products and specialty publications. From business cards and raffle tickets to full-scale magazines and booklets, Transcript Publishing has the skills, equipment and expertise needed to put together almost any printed piece.

Read about the history of our new digs in Archival Anecdotes.