The Dickson family, which has published THE EQUITY newspaper since 1953, was honoured with the highest recognition possible from the MRC Pontiac at the monthly council of mayors meeting on June 18.

Warden Jane Toller presented outgoing publisher Charles Dickson with the Pontiac Paddle of Accomplishment, marking an important milestone in this newspaper’s life as incoming publisher Jon Stewart of Calumet Media is expected to take ownership of the business this month.

“Warden Jane Toller and the MRC Pontiac council of mayors extend heartfelt appreciation and grateful recognition for the legacy of the Dickson family, keeping us all well informed of current events and issues for more than seven decades,” reads the resolution awarding the paddle.

Charles, whose parents Rosaleen and David Dickson purchased this newspaper over seven decades ago, is the last in the family to have owned the business. His daughter Sophie Kuijper Dickson will be staying on as the newspaper’s editor. He received the paddle on behalf of the many family members who have dedicated themselves to keeping this newspaper going.

“We have disagreements among us. I see them at this table and I see them between this table and people who come from the Pontiac to discuss issues, and with us as well at the paper, all to the good,” Dickson said, addressing the room of mayors after receiving the recognition.

“We are all bound together by one common vision of what we can do for our community [ . . . ] The concept of what we can do for the community was really what was the driving force for my parents, and does continue to be for the paper.”