Dear Readers,

The January 1, 2025 print edition of the Plainsman Herald wasn’t supposed be… We called it quits and the Dec 25, 2024 issue below was supposed to be our last, but you our readers wouldn’t let it die. Instead, you’ve made headlines across the nation, and for good reason. In a time when local newspapers are folding and larger media outlets lose sight of their communities, The Plainsman Herald remains standing—because of you.

Your voices, your commitment, and your willingness to act have defied the odds. While some see newspapers as relics of the past, you’ve shown they are very much alive and essential. The national press has noticed, with stories of your remarkable efforts appearing in The Colorado Sun, The Gazette, and The Washington Post. These stories didn’t stop there. The Colorado Sun article was reprinted in Colorado papers in Trinidad and Grand Junction, and the Washington Post piece found audiences in the Seattle Times, the Detroit News, and even Canada’s Toronto Sun. There are Reddit threads about you.  Your actions have sparked conversations far beyond the High Plains. But this isn’t their story—it’s yours.

When Kent, was faced with the difficult decision to shutter the Plainsman Herald, you stepped in. You didn’t just express your concern—you offered solutions. You told us this paper matters. You told us you’d pay more to keep it alive. You proved, without hesitation, that this newspaper is more than ink on paper; it’s a part of who we are as a community.

As one commenter in The Washington Post aptly put it, “Local newspapers really are part of the fabric of a healthy community.” You understand that. You’ve shown the nation that a local paper isn’t just a business—it’s a cornerstone of connection, a voice for our stories, and a record of our shared history.

You’ve reminded us all that community matters. In the face of challenges, you’ve given hope—not just to the Plainsman Herald, but to small-town papers everywhere that feel the weight of financial struggles. Your actions show what’s possible when neighbors come together to protect something they value.

To those of you who have been with us for decades, and to those who are joining now: thank you. You’ve shown courage, creativity, and a deep sense of responsibility for your community. In a world filled with fleeting digital news, your decision to fight for the Plainsman Herald sends a message that resonates far beyond our borders.

The world has taken notice. But here at home, we already knew how extraordinary you are. This is your victory, and we are honored to continue serving you.

Here’s to the readers who saved the Plainsman Herald. You are the heart of this community, and we are proud to tell its story because of you.

Gratefully,
The Plainsman Herald Team

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