Hispanic community connected by paper

Argueta's successful endeavor marks its 10th anniversary. By: Rex L. Troute, Business Editor The Burlington Hawk Eye  MOUNT PLEASANT - Until Oscar Argueta and his El Heraldo Hispano newspaper came along, few businesses tried to reach customers in the Hispanic population. Argueta's endeavor has helped connect the Hispanic community, and given them a voice as the newspaper celebrates its 10th anniversary at the end of the month. Argueta, a native of Guatemala, started El Heraldo Hispano on Sept. 1, 2000. The first issue sported four pages, and Argueta was the only employee for the first six years. Today, there are a total of three employees, and most issues consist of 24 pages of stories and advertising. The reach of El Heraldo Hispano goes from Des Moines to western Illinois, and is distributed free of charge in 32 cities. "I was not a businessman," said Argueta. "I started it because I love to write." The Spanish newspaper gave businesses an avenue to relay the... [More]