Packages for newspapers, including editorials, graphics, a crossword puzzle and more will be available for download Sept. 13. MPA will distribute access passwords to members on that date.

The nearly 1,000-member Alliance told the Commission that the Postal Service’s financial woes are not the result of an emergency, but are the result of its inability to gain control over its operating costs.

AMA said the Postal Service admits that it has sufficient cash to run until Sept. 30, 2011, and that the exigent rate increase will not affect that fact. The increase is expected only to fund its required contribution to retiree health benefits prepayments — a requirement Congress forgave in 2009 and is likely to forgive again this fall.

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Heath, a popular speaker at MPA events and conferences nationwide, will meet one-on-one with community newspaper personnel to discuss changes in postal regulations and rates, as well as confer with them on possible postal savings for their newspapers. He has saved MPA member newspapers thousands by reviewing postal forms and paperworks required by USPS.

ArkLaMiss is an annual meeting of circulation personnel and newspaper managers held jointly with press associations in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. The event will be held at the Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg. Hotel rate is $79 (Wednesday and Thursday) and $99 (Friday). Call Carmen Ramshur at 601-630-4656 to make your reservations.

Registration materials and program information will be mailed to members later in September and available online at mspress.org.

Only slight revisions were made to the contest this year. Categories 29 and 30, dealing with magazine publications, have been expanded to included all circulation classes (Daily A, B and C; Weekly A, B and C). The Advertising Committee approved the changes in recognition of the growing popularity of slick magazine products at member papers.

Entries will be judged this fall by members of the Arkansas Press Association. Winners will be presented during the Mid-Winter Conference Jan. 22 at King Edward Hilton Garden Inn in Jackson.

Cost of the webinar is $35. More information is available at the Online Media Campus website.

MPA is partnering with press associations across the nation to deliver this new webinar series to member papers. Future sessions will focus on technology, advertising, editorial and circulation topics, among others.

Charlie Mitchell, new assistant dean of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at Ole Miss, will moderate.

The program begins at 4 p.m. in the auditorium at the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics on the campus of Ole Miss. A reception will follow.