There is only one business in the Heber Valley that can say they’ve been around long enough to report on Heber City being incorporated, and that business is the Wasatch Wave and Wave Publishing. Beginning in March of 1889, when the county’s population was just under 3600, the Wasatch Wave began producing a local newspaper to share local news.

Since then the paper has changed hands, but in 1974, when Dick and Sue Buys decided to buy the paper and bring their family to the Heber Valley, they didn’t know that buying the paper was like coming home and bringing the Wave back to the family. Later they came to find out that William Buys, who founded the company in 1889, was actually a relative. Not only is the Wave the longest running business in Wasatch County, but also one of the longest running family owned businesses in the state.

Today, the business is run by four co-owners, Laurie and Joe Wynn, and Kari and Paul McPhie. Running a family business that’s been around for over 129 years can be daunting and even challenging. To make sure things run smoothly and efficiently the owners have split up responsibilities.

Laurie Wynn runs the editorial side of the newspaper these days but has spent years working all jobs of the paper. As young as six Wynn began working in the shop cleaning up scraps of papers and dragging heavy slugs of lead for the presses. Working at the paper has been her passion, because she loves the community.

“My favorite thing is helping the community be better. I really enjoy making the community the best it can be,” said Wynn.

The love for the community runs deep among the staff and owners of the business. For Paul McPhie, he loves being able help the public and businesses with their printing needs knowing that everything they do is in house and done by locals. McPhie feels that by keeping printing and design jobs local it keeps more money in the community, it provides jobs, and fosters a greater sense of community.

Being in business since the late 1800’s, there have been a lot of issues of the Wave published, and Wynn and Mchphie are proud to say the Wave newspaper has never missed a week, and still have a copy of every single issue.

“It’s a great archive and fun to see what was going on 100 years ago,” said McPhie.

Wynn said she really enjoys and takes seriously the responsibility of documenting the events that happen in the valley. From the Jordanelle Dam construction, to discussions on the bypass, to the growth and the coming of a Walmart, and even community tragedies, they have seen the best and worst in the community and feel the importance of documenting it all.

“I love to see the community changing and to see what new things come to the valley and being able to report on it, or write about it has been fun,” said Wynn.

For their love of the community, their longevity, and services they provide to the valley, the Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Wasatch Wave Publishing as the June Business of the Month.