I haven’t lived in my hometown for 32 years, but I still feel connected because I subscribe to my hometown newspaper — the Kossuth County Advance. You should subscribe to yours, too.
I would not have made this comment a few years ago, as I was disappointed in what was happening to local newspapers after being bought by out-of-staters who cared more about their profit margins than the communities they served. But, as typical, my life experiences changed me.
First, let me be clear. I do not own or publish any traditional paid circulation community newspapers. In fact, some would say that our publications compete for local advertising dollars with many in that category. Even so, I recognize the important role that newspapers play in communities of all sizes, but especially those in our rural areas that haven’t been soiled by the greed of out-of-town publishers.
Now back to my life-changing experience. My mother was in need of rehabilitation after a leg and hip injury and was in a facility in central Iowa for a few months. I thought she might enjoy reading her local newspaper, so I bought a subscription for her and had it delivered to my home. I then brought it to her when I would visit. But before I delivered it, I would read through the newspaper myself. I learned how my high school wrestling team was performing. Whose funeral services were being held. What the city council was doing with some of the old buildings in town. I smile when each issue arrives in my mailbox, and I am pleased to pay the subscription fee to have this to look forward to. When Mom’s physical therapy was completed, and I moved her back home, I changed the mailing to her address — and I bought another subscription for myself.
Reading my hometown newspaper is a small way for me to stay connected with my hometown, and I look forward to receiving it. Sure, I could read online and get the news more quickly, or I could look to social media and read the gossip. But I am not in that big of a hurry, and I prefer to read news written by trained journalists. I hope that you do, too. Reach out today and subscribe to your hometown newspaper. You will be glad you did.
Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
