VIENNA — Jacob Warden loves taking photographs. Son of a generational newspaper family, being a photographer was a natural fit for him. He likes being among people and really enjoys seeing young people excel in athletics and achievements in school. He was a photographer for his family’s newspaper, the Gasconade County Republican, yet he yearned to follow his dream with managing his own newspaper.

The Maries County Advocate became reality in the second week of October 2016 when the Warden family opened a newspaper office along Highway 63 in Vienna, next to the former Chambers building. They also opened an office along Highway 28 in Belle and a new Maries County business was created.

The Maries County Advocate is the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (VCOC) Business of the Month for September.

The Warden family has owned The Republican for three generations. Current owners are Dennis and Connie Warden of Owensville. They already had plans to purchase the historic Osage County newspaper, the Unterrified Democrat, and with Jacob’s ambition and commitment, they expanded their media footprint in the area to include Maries County.

Warden Publishing already had an outstanding and talented staff and the owners wanted to offer the people of Maries County a more comprehensive weekly newspaper full of local news with good reporting and writing, outstanding photography and quality advertisements.

The Advocate, a legal weekly newspaper, provides comprehensive news coverage of county government including sheriff and court, school and school board, city council and police, ambulance district, quality sports coverage, library, business, church, civic organizations, fire departments, fairs and many interesting human interest and historical feature articles for the enjoyment of its readers.

It also covers as many county events as possible and provides readers with quality photographs and documented information.

In Maries County, Laura Schiermeier works at the Vienna office and Roxie Murphy at the Belle office as reporters, writers and photographers.

Manager Jacob Warden works throughout the county and can be seen at events taking pictures. He’s the young, tall guy with a beard.

In Owensville, the entire Warden Publishing team also puts its imprint on the newspaper.

Sports Editor Will Johnson can also be seen throughout the county attending sporting events. He and Jacob each spend countless hours on the road each year covering sports.

Dave Marner serves as Managing Editor.

Digital Content Manager Christine Yearwood handles The Advocate’s social media account and website. Along with Jacob, she also designs the newspaper each week and takes care of other various duties.

Advertising designs are created by Tammy Curtis and Christina McLaughlin, who works out of the Linn office.

Kari Schweer takes care of administrative duties.

The Advocate has continued to grow each week and has expanded its page count to a consistent 12 pages and many special sections that offers readers news, insightful articles and photographs. The newspaper has expanded its advertising base as well.

In 2019, The Advocate won 28 awards from the Missouri Press Association, and in 2018 the newspaper won 22 awards, receiving recognition from its media peers.

The newspaper staff anticipates announcing receiving more awards in 2020.

The Wardens are committed to newspapers and to producing a quality product. The people in the newspaper’s organization believe hard work, good service and a consistent quality product will expand the brand.

The Advocate frequently offers discounted subscription specials. Currently, through Sept. 30, one-year in-county subscriptions are discounted to $28 and out-of-county subscriptions are discounted to $33.

Readers can save even more money by purchasing a three-year subscription for $85 in-county or $100 out-of-county.

All subscription options come with free access to the website, however online-only subscriptions can be purchased also.

Warden Publishing also offers printing specials such as business cards, two-part NCR forms and more. Throughout the year, The Advocate features special events such as contests where readers can win prizes and money.

The Advocate has been a big supporter of the communities and the county, believing it has a responsibility to have a positive impact in the communities it serves and to support deserving projects. The newspaper has contributed financially, with news, or with helping hands and time to various activities in the communities including the two county fairs, the two public schools, the churches, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, and the many civic organizations in the county.

The business supports the idea that by working together more can be accomplished. Contact The Advocate in Vienna at 573-422-6323, in Belle at 573-859-3323, at the Owensville business office at 573-437-2323, online at www.mariescountyadvocate.com, and like us on Facebook.