The Community Speaks: Why Local Journalism Matters

In 2020, the public receives news from an enormous number of electronic as well as traditional sources. The information onslaught is relentless, can be frustratingly inaccurate, and isn't always able to portray what occurs in a localized area. Local journalists have an important role to fill in this kind of potentially confusing environment.

Community newspapers such as the Left Hand Valley Courier tell stories about businesses, schools, parks, open spaces, neighborhoods, local infrastructure, and individuals with noteworthy experiences. Generally, stories are told by those who live, work, and have families attending school in the area.

Jill Farschman, CEO of the Colorado Press Association, has seen the particular value that local journalism offers. Though she enjoys a broader perspective on how news is delivered to residents statewide by agencies of all sizes, she said, "Without meaningful local news reporting, the fabric of communities tends to unravel. People are less engaged with one another, first amendment rights and access to public records are undermined, and the powerful tend to run amok."

Experience shows that the stories told by local journalists, including the Courier, are timely and impactful. The stories can help get the word out about a new local business or explain the facts about why a new public park can benefit the community. They can keep those in the community updated about local sports, or provide a well-researched base of facts about proposed public initiatives.

Through the years of the paper's existence, community members have benefitted from what we do. Some have shared their thoughts below:

Anne Postle, Osmosis Art & Architecture and Resident

Niwot is so fortunate to have the Courier! We have access to local news delivered with fairness, detail, and integrity. Without the Courier, it would be impossible to stay informed regarding all things Niwot.

Jill Whitener, Resident

To paraphrase JFK, don't ask what your community can do for you, but ask what you can do for your community.

Jim Eastman, Resident

The Courier has been a Thursday highlight of local news information for our household for 23 years. When I was sick with kidney disease and on dialysis, Vicky Dorvee wrote a super article on my need to find a Living Kidney Donor. My nephrologist (kidney doctor) noted that that article was the best he had seen describing the disease and the need for donors. We remain as faithful readers of the Left Hand Courier.

Alan Stern, Astrophysicist, Resident

The Courier's local journalism has long been a mainstay for Niwot residents and a much needed source of community identity and news. I try to read every issue!

David Limbach, Niwot Community Association President and Resident

The importance of the LHVC cannot be overstated. Where the regional newspapers offer short headlines and occasional articles, the Courier is devoted to news about Niwot. Through the full-length articles and highly-applicable advertising, it is the best way to stay informed about the happenings in our community.

As a member of the Niwot Community Association board for the last decade I have seen how the Courier has been the best vehicle for getting information out to our community. Through the articles covering NCA activities, as well as advertising space purchased to push information out to the public, the NCA has benefited greatly from the local paper.

Kathy Trauner, Fly Away Home and Resident

I can trust the Courier to tell me what's going on in a straightforward, honest way. It's a great steward for our community. I love its community-mindedness--the way the paper celebrates Niwot at every turn. There's no better cheerleader for Niwot than the Left Hand Valley Courier. The reporting is always respectful. Ours is a small town -- we're all neighbors -- and the Courier's reporters never lose sight of that. There's a kindness to the coverage I truly appreciate.

Chuck Kleuber, Resident

I have found that the Left Hand Valley Courier has been the only source for important news for the residents of the Niwot area. It has information on upcoming events, accomplishments of local residents, achievements of local athletes, sales events for local businesses as well as the activity of organizations such as the Niwot Business Association, Niwot Community Association, and the Local Improvement District. Without the Courier, Niwot would be less of a community.

Dale Peterson, First grade teacher, Niwot Elementary

The Left Hand Valley Courier might be small, but the quality of the writing and attention to accuracy set it apart from many larger papers. The reporters take the time to really learn what they are writing about. LHVC recognizes the importance that schools play in the community, and their coverage of school events helps keep families informed and connected

Gene Hayworth, Co-owner, Inkberry Books

For an independent business to make any kind of impression or to cut through all the competing noise in the marketplace is almost impossible today without the support of local journalists. In our two-and-a-half years in operation, my small bookstore has become a community hub, but that would have been impossible without the help of our local paper, which has generously found interesting, professional and entertaining ways to cover our events and share our story. We are grateful to have such a fine source for community news.

Dick Piland, Resident

The state of journalism in America today is the worst that I have experienced in my 74-year history. Journalism and journalists have lost perspective of their important role in a republic style of government; that is to inform the public (voters) with factual and unbiased reporting. Facts are no longer important to journalists who want to "save the world" or promote political ideologies such as "social justice." Front page editorials, cleverly disguised as news articles, are the common tool employed to serve their perceived role or function in journalism today.

The good news, for those of us who reside in Niwot and the local area, is that we have a cadre of exceptional journalists and editors who understand their role of informing the public. We have the Left Hand Valley Courier.

When I open the Courier, I know I can trust the information published, that news articles are written after careful and thorough examination of the subject and that both sides of any story are presented for the readers' education.

Communication, even in a small town, is vital to the community's success. The Left Hand Valley Courier has played a pivotal role in our success. I want to thank and congratulate the entire staff for their 23 years of exceptional journalism.

Mary Coonce, Porchfront Homes and Resident

Niwot is unique to Boulder County and the LHVC is uniquely Niwot! The Courier keeps our community connected in a way that other publications cannot. We look forward to each issue.

Joe Brown, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, Niwot High School

The community journalism that is provided by the Left Hand Valley Courier is nothing short of amazing. To have the opportunity to highlight and honor our school, students, and staff members in such a positive light gives all of us something to look forward to reading. In a day and age where print media and, in particular, high school sports coverage is so rare to find, it is refreshing to have the opportunity for our community to read about the great things going on at Niwot High School. Thanks for all that you do.

Leslie Kaczeus, Bootstrap Brewing and Resident

The Left Hand Valley Courier has been so supportive of our business over the years, writing articles about our growth, awards, and new product releases. They do such a great job of capturing people's stories and keeping us all updated on what's going on in our wonderful community.

Kathy Koehler, Resident

To be better able to support, participate, and contribute to our community is important to me so I can be aware of events, activities, and accomplishments of residents and organizations. That's why I am a subscriber to the LHVC.

Pastor Janet Kettering - Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Gunbarrel

As a faith community within the Gunbarrel/Niwot area, Shepherd of the Hills has found the Left Hand Valley Courier to have significant impact on creating and strengthening community bonds. We are thankful for their recognition and attentiveness to the needs of families and businesses in our neighborhood. Their diligence and professionalism in promoting opportunities for community wholeness demonstrate how deeply they are woven into the fabric of our lives. Thank you, Lefthand Valley Courier.

Stacy Szydlek, Niwot Tavern

LHVC is an important piece of Niwot providing local news and affordable advertising. LHVC has gone above and beyond helping small businesses survive, making sure that we are still out here.

Kim Kalinski, Resident

Jim and I just returned from Yellowstone (no cell service, no internet, heaven!) so I just received this. My 2 cents worth is that the Courier is a welcome breath of local fresh air every week!