On February 2, 1943 the Don C. Matchan family, consisting of Geri, his wife, and Don Jr., moved to Valley City. Here Don Sr., took over the reins of the defunct newspaper called the "Peoples Opinion". Renaming it the "Barnes County News", it soon became a recognized part of the fourth estate. The family entered into the life of the community, joining various organizations and attending the All Saints Episcopal Church.

The "Valley City Times-Record", a daily newspaper was for sale and with the backing of ten progressive businessmen, the paper was purchased. Due to political differences the paper was sold in 1947 and 'Don visited Europe to expand his knowledge of the countries and peoples there.

In 1950 he published the Los Altos News, selling it in 1956. Don Jr., had met his death in 1950 due to an auto accident.

During the time the Matchans published the Valley City Times-Record, a popular feature was a brightly written personal column called "The Boid Peeps" by Gerri Sparrow. After the paper was sold, Gerri became the wife of Ken Anderson and they now publish the "Cottonwood County Citizen", in Windom, Minnesota. Gerri has twice been honored as the best woman columnist on weekly newspapers.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 154