With this issue, Mr. & Mrs. Christian concluded the publication of THE MACHIS SENTINEL and placed it in charge of G. Chester Gena and Raymond J. Wieloszynski, who will assume ownership on February 1st.

Mrs. Christian and I have published your weekly paper for 26 months after purchasing it from E.E. Cook and wish to express our sincere thanks of appreciation to every one of our readers and friends in Machias and northeastern Cattaraugus County.

Your faithful readership and generous cooperation have made our method of serving you a lighter and enjoyable task. The close association we enjoyed with you in obtaining news and advertising is proof of the values to be found in the community spirit and genial relationship of a town like Machias.

We hope that our aim to provide you with a community newspaper of service, information and entertainment have met some success. Without the interest displayed by the people of this area toward their newspaper, such an endeavor would never be realized. It is with regret that we resign our position as country editor and publisher of the SENTINEL, but it is with pride that we announce ownership of this weekly by Mr. Gena and Mr.Wieloszynski.

Chet Gena will assume the role of publisher, is a life-time resident of Franklinville and an experienced printer, who has always been a member of the small town life of rural New York. He was graduated from the Ten Broeck Academy and attended the State University of Iowa and the Des Moins University, where he received his degree. While at Des Moins, he was the business manager of weekly and yearbook. In Franklinville, he has been an active commercial and job printer. He is secretary of the Men's Club there.

Ray Wieloszynski, the new editor, is a former daily newspaper reporter and editorial writer. He has served as a magazine editor and Washington correspondent. During the war, he flew as lead navigator in General Doolittle's 8th Air Force and completed 30 missions. Upon his return to the states in January 1945 he was appointed Foreign News Editor of the LOG OF NAVIGATION MAGAZINE and became Editor-in Chief. He was discharged from the Air Corps in October, 1945 and returned to North Tonawanda as Sports Editor of the DAILY NEWS. He then went to the Syracuse University School of Journalism. He comes to us from there.

With full confidence in the ability of the new owners, we give up the ink and type of this country newspaper in preparation for leaving this friendly community in late spring. At that time, Mr. Christian and I will return with our son to the Far West, upon doctor's instruction concerning the health of our Tommy. It has been a pleasure and reward to share the warm companionship and to work with the people of Machias.

In 1954, Mr. Gena and Mr. Wieloszynski moved the SENTINEL to Franklinville where it was published until the spring of 1971.

From THE MACHIAS SENTINEL - January 31st, 1947
Submitted by: William Watkins