These indeed are very tough times for everyone, from our neighbors across the street, to our friends around the world.
We’ve all had to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 virus, from isolating from friends and loved ones to seeing local businesses close that have worked sometimes for generations to serve the people of Stettler.
Businesses are having to make excruciating choices to lay off staff, shut down temporarily or permanently, or at the very least trim hours.
The Stettler Independent is feeling it as well at a time when record numbers of people are turning to us for trusted information to help them navigate these turbulent times.
Over the last 30 days, we’ve had almost 99,000 page views, which is more than double pre-Covid-19 views.
People are seeking reliable, truthful stories about what is going on in the world at large and right here in our own community of Stettler.
That’s a job I, and all my fellow journalists at Black Press Media, take very seriously.
In normal circumstances, the Independent relies predominantly on advertising revenue from local businesses and organizations to keep the wheels turning.
Those sources of course have been greatly diminished. That’s why I am turning to you and others who are turning to us to help guide them through these turbulent times.
If you’re reading the news on our website, please consider a paper or digital subscription to help support local journalism.
These days, cut-backs have been made company-wide to do our best to get to the other end of the COVID-19 virus.
But I am also personally turning to our community.
I am asking you to help out by purchasing a subscription to the Stettler Independent.
As editor, I want to continue to make the terrific connections that I’ve so enjoyed making over the past year in this amazing town. It’s been a joy to meet so many of you and learn your stories. My work as a journalist is truly a collaborative venture.
Stettler is a close-knit community - a supportive community.
But the work of keeping up with providing local, national and international news simply can’t be done without your help.
Please help me to keep on doing what I love most to do to serve the community.
To subscribe, please email ddoell@stettlerindependent.com and we’ll help you support local journalism.
Thank you for your time,
Mark Weber
Editor