Owning and operating a small business is challenging in the best of times. 

These are not the best of times. 

Our journalism matters now more than ever. And the best part is that it’s free for everyone in our community. 

But behind the scenes, it is not free to produce.  

We have to pay writers who dig for the truth. Editors who sharpen the narrative. Designers who make the paper readable and beautiful. Printers who put ink on paper. A distribution team to make sure every box gets a copy. 

That’s real people, real paychecks and real livelihoods. 

Our business model depends on local businesses taking out ads and partnering with us to reach the readers who live, work and shop here. Normally, that is supplemented by national advertisers, which helps stabilize our budget. 

This year has been different. 

For the first nine months, we received almost nothing from national advertisers. 

That shortfall has disrupted our financial forecast and put the future of this paper at risk. 

We’re not just a business. We’re a community institution. We cover stories other outlets ignore. We follow stories others don’t. We hold power accountable. We celebrate our diversity. We lift up voices that too often go unheard. But none of that survives without support. 

So here’s the ask. 

Consider giving your own gift to us. 

A one-time donation, a monthly contribution, whatever you can afford, makes a difference. You can donate here.

There are other ways to support us as well, such as sharing our stories on social media and subscribing to our newsletters. Know a business that might benefit from advertising with us? Send them our way. Help them connect with loyal local readers — and help us keep the lights on. 

And we’re not stopping there. 

We’re launching a membership. We haven’t worked out all the details yet, but you can be an early subscriber by clicking this link.   

This paper belongs to you. Its future shouldn’t be left to chance. So help us stay in business so we can keep serving you.