Methow Valley News

[farm108]

We are very fortunate to have a local newspaper in this age of the internet. Many many small communities have lost their access to local reporting on local issues.

[Slade]

Ok, I strongly agree that a local paper is vital to knowing what is going on in our towns, our valley, and our county. Who else is going to cover our schools and athletics and development plans and other ongoing issues? Yeah, some stuff develops faster than print media can keep up, but the MV News Facebook page catches a lot of that. And you have to give them chops for reporting under duress, like the 2014 fires when they were doing their reporting over cell phones. I'll continue to subscribe as long as they continue to print news. If they print opinions I disagree with, I will send a letter if it seems worthwhile.

The bigger question is; who will step up to keep it running when Don decides retirement is due? The Seattle Times article was discussing the closure of another small town weekly because the owner could not find a buyer that could meet his required price (don't knock the publisher. There are certain financial considerations that make it more beneficial for him to shut it down than sell for a lower price.) As interesting as it might be for the community to pitch in to try to buy a paper, the purchase price is only the beginning. Ongoing costs of operation have to be considered or it will be a failed effort shortly after it starts.

Bob Hunt
Twisp

[biglakejudy]

We have a Class in Bloom...how about a Class in Print. What better way to teach the solid foundation of American freedom than a newspaper run by kids? They're capable of it.