If you’re reading this, you have probably heard Oct. 2-8 is National Newspaper Week. We’ve been running some guest columns and editorial cartoons about why newspapers and newspaper reporting are relevant in today’s world.
If you’re reading this, you may already know why. You’re holding (or viewing on an electronic device), a portal to news that matters in Barton County and its neighboring counties, as well as statewide news.
There aren’t a lot of places where you can read about the City of Great Bend’s cost-share program for homeowners needing to improve public sidewalks. If you only get your news from social media, you might not know about the new hike-bike trail planned at Rotary Lake. Maybe you’d like to check the community calendar to see what’s going on this weekend. Sometimes you just want to take a break while you do the crossword, sudoku or Jumble puzzle. That’s important, too.
Our opinion page has been described as “too liberal” and “too conservative.” It’s interesting to hear why people think as they do. Page 4 is the one place in the paper where writers are allowed to choose a “side” and share their perspectives on issues. It also provides a public forum for the public – readers’ opinions are welcome.
If you look in the newspaper, you might see something you hadn’t thought about looking for, like learning about Friday night's stargazing event at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center or the “psychological thriller” “The Thin Place,” a play being produced at Barton Community College’s Fine Art Auditorium.
Maybe you like seeing kids you know celebrated. This week, for example, we shared the photo of Central Kansas Christian Academy’s student council and the results of the Great Bend High School debate team, and high school sports teams around the area.
There’s an election coming up, and Kansans will vote on two constitutional amendments. Several GOP candidates visited Great Bend Thursday and that story will be in Friday's paper. If their opponents come to town, they will also want to talk to “the paper.” Closer to election day, we’ll list the voting places.
Did you know that the Great Bend Senior Center is raising money for a new sign? And if you want to help by buying soup or goodies, the deadline to place an order is Wednesday.
Often when we’re talking about a new thing in town with a group of friends, one person will say, “Why haven’t I heard anything about this until now?” Honestly, many times, the answer is, “You would have if you read the paper. It was in the Great Bend Tribune.”
People want to know what’s going on in the community, from sales to human interest, ag and oil news, to news about schools and city hall. The more the community supports its local paper, the more we are able to return the favor by devoting more resources to reporting local news.
