Goodland Star-News to install new Goss press, enhancing color quality and efficiency
BY Julie Thayer
High Plains News
The Goodland Star-News will soon begin a new era of production with the installation of a Goss Community SSC press at its Woodland facility, bringing improved print quality, efficiency and full-color capability to Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska newspapers.
The new press, supplied and installed by Impressions Worldwide, includes two Goss SSC 4-high towers with lever-style inking, sock dampening and Quad Tech motorized register controls featuring touchscreen operation. The equipment is designed to run at 17,500 impressions per hour with a 22-inch cutoff, ensuring both speed and precision for each print job.
In addition to the towers, the installation will feature a Goss SSC folder capable of both half- and quarter-fold options, two manual rollstands, and a 60-horsepower controller and motor. The system also includes a new water system, plate bender, master operator console, and mechanical and electrical setup to bring the press online.
“This new press represents an important investment in the future of local journalism,” said Julie Thayer, publisher of High Plains News, which owns The Goodland Star-News and several regional newspapers across Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas. “It will allow us to produce higher-quality newspapers and commercial print jobs with greater consistency and reliability—all right here in Goodland.”
The upgraded press will not only enhance the Goodland Star-News but also serve as a regional printing hub for other High Plains News publications, including the Imperial Republican, The Holyoke Enterprise and The Grant Tribune-Sentinel. The added capacity and color capability will allow High Plains News to print all of its newspapers in full color, reducing turnaround times, expanding advertising options and strengthening its ability to print both community papers and commercial projects locally.
In addition to improved production capabilities, the installation of the new press will create several new job opportunities in the Goodland area, including positions in press operation, maintenance and distribution. The investment underscores High Plains News’ commitment to supporting local economies while preserving community journalism across the region.
Bob Johnson, general manager of production for High Plains News, said he is excited about what the new press means for both customers and staff.
“We’re looking forward to meeting the printing needs of both new and current customers,” Johnson said. “This upgrade will help us stay competitive in the printing market and continue to deliver the high-quality products our communities expect.”
Installation is underway at the newspaper’s office at 104 W US HWY 24 in Goodland, with the anticipated start date set for early January.