Click Here for details.
Save Save Save Save
Published in the Hyde Park Herald on April 2, 2026
By ADAM PRZYBYL South Side Weekly
This story was originally published by the South Side Weekly.
This February, the staff of South Side Weekly and Hyde Park Herald said our goodbyes to our long-time layout editor and production manager Tony Zralka, who retired after 45 years in the business. For the last few years at the Weekly, and since 1999 at the Herald, Zralka has nimbly put together the layout of each print paper, fitting text, photos, and ads together like puzzle pieces before sending it all to the printer.
For the Weekly, the process takes place over the course of a day and almost entirely via computer. Like Zralka, our new layout editor, Mel Dempsey, sets up the paper using Adobe In- Design, and includes ads created and sent in by South Side businesses. After text and visuals are set for a story, a PDF proof is shared via Slack, which we also use to send back edits and feedback. At the end of the day, a final file is uploaded to our printer's server, and two days later, the Weekly is hitting newsstands across the city.
In Zralka's telling, the job has changed dramatically in the last few decades. When he started in 1981 at the Daily Southtown as Layout Artist, his job was to design from scratch the ads going into the paper.
"The salesman would come in with a piece of paper that could have a rudimentary layout to it or just copy, and they would say, 'Put something together,'" he said. "Those days you could use clip art books, or a lot of times we would actually have to produce a piece of art ourselves."
Zralka said the layout department would receive three or four clip art books every month, filled with a variety of images they could cut out and use in ads.
There was one problem with using the books: unlike digital clip art, the images were a set size. If he needed an image of a banana or a soda can to be a little larger or smaller to fit the layout of the ad, Zralka sent the image to the camera room, a separate department, with instructions to resize by a specific amount, like 150%. People in the camera room would capture the art on camera, and resize the image while developing the film.
In the composing room, people cut out all the text and visual elements to paste them out on a board. Then, a secretary would type all the raw copy up before sending it to the type setter. "And then once all that was done, they would take it to the large copier, and they would copy it, and then the next morning, that proof would go out to the salesperson," Zralka said. "And this is all hand delivered, nothing electronic. You'd have to have a driver to come in and pick up an envelope."
The process took about a week, from initial copy to being placed into the right edition of the paper. "And then all the pages of the editorial, the ads, everything would be down on a board, and it would go back to the camera room, and they would shoot the negatives, process the plates, and the plates would go to the press," he said.
All in all, a single full page grocery ad "could easily go through 10 people's hands," Zralka said.
That began to change in the 1990s and into the 2000s. Copy machines that could enlarge and reduce images were one of the first major changes Zralka remembers. Soon, the Mac followed, and design programs like QuarkXpress and Adobe PageMaker, the predecessor to InDesign, allowed Zralka and his colleagues to create more layout independently, without the need for multiple departments.
"When you become more efficient, you need less and less people," Zralka said. He estimates there used to be 40 to 50 people involved in putting together a newspaper; nowadays you can make do with just a few.
For a while, at least, drivers were still integral to the process, delivering pieces of the layout between departments and later to the printer. "We went from (using floppy disks) to these discs that would store 100 megabytes, which is like today, it's nothing, right?" he recalled. "We could only get the color pages on those then. Then finally, things got to the size where we could get everything on CDs."
Amidst all the change, for Zralka the most challenging part of making ads was just "not to make it look like the next guy's," he said, pointing out that more than half a dozen grocery stores might have ads in the same paper.
"The most fun were probably, I hate to say it, the liquor store ads," he said. "Those guys were more open to something wackier, as far as the theme goes. There was all that competition with the liquor stores, so they were more open to something that would catch your eye vs. the other guy's ad."
But more fun than the job itself were the people Zralka worked with. "The business, even then, was filled with characters. You could enjoy your job because you could do some wild and crazy things while you were working," Zralka said. "Joking around, bouncing ideas off each other. Somebody wants something and you can't visualize it, you'd get stuff out of the clip art books and do crazy shit with it. And for the most part everybody got along." To this day, he remains friends with someone he worked with 40 years ago.
View all Illinois public notices 24 hours a day - publicnoticeillinois.com
Member Log-In + Contact Us + Events + PressLines + Job Bank + Advertising Toolbox + Upload Pages
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2026 Media Contact Information: Carrie Skogsberg (309) 821-4175 news@countryfinancial.com
As planting season begins and farmers head back into the fields, COUNTRY Financial is encouraging the agricultural community to prioritize safety and check on farm insurance coverages. Taking proactive steps now can help reduce accidents, prevent breakdowns and protect farm operations during one of the busiest times of the year. COUNTRY received more than 180 farm equipment collision claims between the months of March and June 2025. These claims include collisions on the road with other vehicles, as well as collisions with buildings or other equipment on the farm. “The planting window is short, and farmers can’t afford to lose time to setbacks from accidents, which unfortunately can happen when rushed or not prepared,” said Zack Hinthorn, agribusiness underwriter at COUNTRY. “Taking time now, before the rush begins, keeps farmers safe and operations running smoothly.” Hinthorn shares the following tips for a safe and successful planting season: Improve visibility on the road
Accidents involving farm equipment often occur at dawn or dusk during peak commuting hours, especially when motorists attempt to pass slow-moving vehicles or do not anticipate turns or stops. Use flashing lights, ensure reflective tape and Slow-Moving Vehicle emblems are clean and confirm all lights are functioning properly to help maximize visibility and reduce risk. Remember to use turn signals, as drivers often misinterpret a tractor moving to the right side of the road before making a left turn.
Drivers should plan ahead during the busy planting season, remembering that farmers will be on the road and allowing for extra time. Slow down, stay focused on the road and look for the lights on farm vehicles. Prepare equipment Equipment malfunctions are a common cause of farm accidents. Thoroughly inspect and maintain all farm equipment before hitting the fields. Regular maintenance such as checking worn parts, replacing filters and lubricating moving components can reduce unexpected breakdowns and improve overall safety. Take extra caution when handling chemicals Chemical safety is another critical focus during planting season. Review safe handling procedures for fertilizers, pesticides and other hazardous materials with all farm workers to help ensure everyone is aligned on proper protocols. Have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on-hand in case of emergency and ensure the use of personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles and masks. “Safety on the farm isn’t just about equipment—it’s about awareness, communication and looking out for one another,” Hinthorn said. “Refreshing safety practices each season helps prevent injuries and protects everyone involved.” Prevent theft Theft of tools, chemicals and other personal property is common during planting season and can occur when equipment is left unlocked in the field, and when farmers are in and out of sheds frequently and don’t close and lock the doors. Take time to ensure valuable items are secured. Check insurance coverage and review extra coverage options Farmers should check their farm insurance coverages to be sure they have the right endorsements and coverages. For example, with Extra Expense coverage, a farmer who has a covered loss on a piece of equipment may be able to receive additional payment to rent equipment and resume operations. Farmers who sell seed corn need to purchase additional coverage. Check farm inventory lists to be sure they are accurate and up-to-date, especially if you have sold or purchased new equipment. Meeting with an insurance agent to discuss equipment, buildings, livestock, crops and employees can help ensure proper protections are in place and that any recent changes to operations are addressed. Take care of your health Finally, farmers are encouraged to prioritize their health and wellbeing. Long hours and physical demands can take a toll, making it important to take breaks, eat healthy meals, get enough rest and understand how medications may affect alertness. Let family members or employees know where you’re working and keep a phone or walkie‑talkie nearby in case of emergency. Taking time to prepare for a safe planting season helps prevent accidents, reduce stress and protect against the unexpected. COUNTRY Financial has been protecting farms for more than 100 years and has more than 400 Farm Certified representatives ready to serve farmers’ crop, farm and liability insurance needs. For more information, visit countryfinancial.com/farm. Policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL, an equal opportunity provider.
###
Click Image to Find the IPA Disaster Checklist!