Where we’ve been and where we’re headed

One year ago this week, our communities received news that many of us never thought we'd hear. Our hometown newspapers were gone. Without warning, publications that had documented generations of history, celebrated countless achievements, and served as the watchdogs for our communities suddenly closed their doors. It wasn't just the loss of a business. It was the loss of something woven into the identity of our towns.

People have asked me over the past year why we took on the challenge of saving these newspapers. The answer is simple. I grew up believing that community newspapers matter. They tell the stories no one else will tell. They celebrate the victories, ask the hard questions, and preserve the history of places that deserve to be remembered. I couldn't stand by and watch that disappear.

I remember sitting there thinking one thing: We can’t let this be the end.

The easy thing would have been to say it was too much. Too many newspapers. Too many employees. Too many unknowns. Too much financial risk.

But I also knew what these newspapers meant.

I knew the elderly reader who still starts the morning with a cup of coffee and the local paper. I knew the parents who cut out photos of their kids from the sports pages. I knew the small business owner who depends on their hometown newspaper to reach customers. I knew that without local journalism, our communities lose more than headlines – they lose part of their identity.

So we took a leap of faith.

Today, one year later, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions we've ever made.

Has it been easy?

Not even close.

There have been days when the workload felt impossible. Thousands of miles on Wyoming highways. Long nights. Difficult decisions. New employees to hire. Equipment to replace. Systems to rebuild. Newspapers to redesign. Communities to reconnect with.

There were moments when all we could do was put one foot in front of the other and make sure another edition made it to press.

But something incredible happened along the way.

Our communities showed up. You renewed subscriptions. You advertised with us. You sent story ideas.  You called to tell us about a veteran who deserved recognition, a young athlete who had accomplished something special, a nonprofit making a difference, or a neighbor who quietly served others for decades.

You reminded us that local journalism isn't created inside an office; it’s created by an entire community.

Over the last year, we've had the privilege of telling thousands of local stories.

We've celebrated state championships and championship runs. We've covered county fairs, rodeos, parades, concerts, festivals, school plays, graduations, and ribbon cuttings.

We've reported on city councils, county commissions, school boards, and the decisions that shape our future. We've introduced you to new businesses and mourned the loss of neighbors who helped build these communities.

Those stories may never make national headlines. But they're the stories that matter most.

They're your stories. They're our stories.

I'm especially proud of the people behind these newspapers. Across Wyoming, we've assembled teams that care deeply about the communities they serve. Reporters, editors, photographers, sales representatives, production staff, and office personnel who believe local journalism still matters.

Do we still have work to do? Absolutely.

Some communities deserve more coverage, and we're committed to providing it. We continue investing in our newsrooms, strengthening our advertising teams, improving our products, and finding new ways to better serve every reader and every advertiser.

We're listening. We're learning. And we're getting better.

One year ago, many wondered whether local newspapers had a future.

I don't wonder anymore.

I see it every time a young athlete proudly holds up the sports page after a big win.

I see it when a family saves an obituary or a graduation photo.

I see it when a local business owner tells us an advertisement brought in new customers.

I see it when someone stops me on the street just to say, "Thank you for saving our newspaper."

Those conversations remind me why this work matters.

These newspapers were never about ink on paper.

They're about preserving history while recording today's moments for tomorrow's generations.

They're about accountability, connection, and community. Most importantly, they're about people.

As we enter our second year together, I want you to know something. We're not finished. In many ways, we're just getting started.

Our goal isn't simply to publish newspapers. Our goal is to build the strongest community newspapers in Wyoming – newspapers that every one of our communities can be proud to call their own.

That won't happen because of one person.

It will happen because thousands of readers, advertisers, community leaders, coaches, teachers, volunteers, business owners, and families continue believing that local journalism is worth fighting for.

One year ago, we made a promise that these newspapers would continue serving their communities. Because of you, we've kept that promise. Now it's time to build the future together.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us, supporting us, and allowing us the privilege of telling your stories.

Here's to the next chapter.

Ensure These Stories Are Told

Despite the challenges facing independent local journalism, what sustains us — and fills us with deep gratitude — is the loyal support of readers who believe our communities deserve accurate, trusted, and locally rooted news.

It is no exaggeration to say that we are here because of you. Every story we report, every local issue we follow, every public meeting we cover, and every community voice we lift up is made possible by readers who understand the value of an independent newspaper.

Your support does more than fund articles. It helps protect the independence that allows us to report honestly, ask important questions, and keep our community informed without fear or favor.

If you are able, please consider supporting the News Letter Journal by donating to our Unabridged Fund today. Whether your gift helps cover reporting time, printing costs, video, photography, editing, or distribution, every contribution helps keep local journalism strong in Wyoming.

All gifts are deeply appreciated. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told, local decisions continue to be watched, and local voices continue to be heard.

Thank you for standing with independent community journalism.