SIDNEY — At a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Sidney, Tilda Phlipot, director of the Shelby County Historical Society, discussed the society’s project to acquire microfilmed newspapers.

Although much historical research is done at the society, she said, the organization has never had newspaper microfilm at its disposal. Only the Sidney Daily News and Amos Memorial Public Library had rolls of the daily newspaper.

The original source films of the SDN have been located. The society has also found 44 reels of microfilm for nine early newspapers from some of the county villages, such as the Jackson Center News and the Fort Loramie Progress. There are also copies of the Sidney Journal from 1863-1909.

In all, 488 rolls of microfilm will be acquired. In addition, a new, state of-the-art, microfilm reader has been ordered. It all comes with a cost. The microfilm reader will cost about $14,000. The Shelby County newspapers are $65 per reel. There are more than 300 reels of the Sidney Daily News from 1891-2002 and they cost $172 per reel. However, if the Society purchases all of the reels, a negotiated price of $80 has been reached.

“We need your help to make this project a reality,” said Phlipot. “Please consider purchasing one or more years. Your name will be displayed on a plaque at the SCHS.”

Prior to the speakers’ remarks, President Ed Ball called the meeting to order. Scott Smith gave the invocation and the group was led in song by Ralph Bornhorst and accompanied by DiAnne Karas on the piano. Phil Freytag led the Fun and Games activities, which were four trivia questions about the month of December.