The first issue of the Gila Bend Sun was published March 22, 1979, by Glen Birchfield, his wife Joan L. Birchfield, and Mr. Russell Melder. Russ left the newspaper in 1979 and Joan passed away in 1997 after serving 18 years as publisher.

Glen Birchfield, alias Black Bart, continues as Editor, Publisher and Photo-Journalist. Now in it's 32nd year, Black Bart has the distinction of being the longest editor in Gila Bend history. Black Bart received his nickname in 1972 from his habit of wearing black clothes. He was seen around town with a double-barreled camera, doing his own darkroom work until the era of digital cameras.

Black Bart has 8 children, 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and an annual passport to Disneyland.

   Black Bart with youngest great-grandson David Osborn.

Black Bart with some of his family at Disnleyland, June 2010.