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By Billy McMacken
Normalite Newspapers
Last week, I was invited to speak to the Young Men's Club.
They didn't ask me to sell anything. They didn't ask for a pitch deck or a slogan. They simply said, "Tell your story." So I did. And really, it wasn't just my story — it was our story. The Normalite story. The story of believing in places that don't always make the headlines, but always matter.
I talked about buying newspapers in an era when people said newspapers were dying. About betting on communities instead of algorithms. About choosing to show up —week after week, game after game, meeting after meeting — because local still works when people care enough to do it right.
What struck me most wasn't the talking. It was the listening. People leaned in. They asked questions. They wanted to know why this work matters and how it still works. That tells me something important: folks are hungry for real stories about building something that lasts.
That's when it hit me — these conversations are worth having. And I'm happy to have them.
I've also been reminded along the way that this business still has a lot of good people in it. Early on, when I was just getting started, Ryan Denham at WGLT was kind enough to let me tell his listeners our story — putting it on the airwaves and the WGLT website. That kind of support is invaluable. When established outlets take the time to shine a light on local efforts, it reinforces why collaboration — not competition — is what truly strengthens communities.
I've been fortunate to live a few chapters already. I've been an athlete and a coach. I've been a reporter chasing deadlines and a news exec staring at balance sheets. I've sat in locker rooms and board rooms. I've had wins that felt euphoric and losses that stung for years. I've also faced cancer — a reminder that time is precious and perspective matters.
Each of those experiences taught me something different, but they all point to the same truth: communities don't thrive by accident. They thrive because people invest in them, believe in them, and refuse to walk away when things get hard.
That's what local journalism is at its best. It's not just ink on paper or stories on a screen. It's a record of who we are. It's accountability. It's celebration. It's showing a kid their name in print for the first time and watching their face light up. It's covering a council meeting on a cold Tuesday night because someone should be paying attention.
I believe that work is crucial to the future of this country. Not because newspapers are nostalgic, but because strong local institutions build strong citizens. When people know their neighbors, understand their towns, and feel seen, democracy works better. Communities work better. Life works better.
That's why I'm making myself available.
If a civic group wants to talk about building something meaningful in a small town — I'm in.
If a classroom wants to hear about careers that involve grit, curiosity, and a little risk — I'll show up.
If an athletic team wants to talk about accountability, teamwork, and resilience beyond the scoreboard — I'm there.
Not because I have all the answers. But because I've lived enough to know what doesn't work, and I care deeply about what still does.
The Normalite story isn't finished. In many ways, it's just getting started. And if telling that story — our story — helps spark a conversation, inspire a young person, or remind someone why local still matters, then it's worth every minute.
Any publicity may be good publicity, they say. But I'll take purposeful publicity every time.
And if the invitation comes?
I'll keep saying yes.
Billy McMacken is the owner of the Normalite Newspaper Group. If you have a story tip, or idea for one of our papers you can reach him at billy@normalitenewspapers.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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