One of the strengths of a local newspaper is that there is more accountability when it comes to the stories and opinion pieces published every week. This is especially true for the Weyburn Review and Weyburn This Week. National Newspaper Week is being observed October 4 to 10, and this year there is a recognition of the service of newspapers and their employees.
There is a strong community connection that exists between a local newspaper and the reader base. Both the Weyburn Review and Weyburn This Week are fortunate to have many loyal readers who look forward to receiving their newspaper every week.
Kathyrn Groshong started her readership connected back in the 1960s, especially since she was writing submissions and viewpoints for the Weyburn Review. “I just loved to write, especially as a teenager, and then when I was a teacher.”
She was involved in the early days of the Farmer’s Union, so was in contact with many different people from Weyburn. The club involvement included carrying on several projects in the Soo Line District and attending different conventions. The newspaper helped that organization stay connected to the local community with updates on their different projects and presentations.
As a member of the Homemakers Club, Groshong also felt that the newspaper helped many of their rural members stay connected to communities in the area. “There can be a feeling of isolation when you were living on a farm, especially with the distance to the closest large community. By reading the newspaper we would get the latest information on what was happening around us.”
Groshong is a historical buff and enjoys how one can learn about how many local organizations got their start in the community, by going back into the archives. She always enjoyed seeing the correspondent news, and the success stories from the smaller villages and communities in the area.
“Everybody has a story, and maybe someone wants to hear it,” said Groshong. “There are many different subjects and viewpoints that is put in the Review, which makes it really interesting.”
“Through the years, the publications were a constant for many households,” added Groshong. “I have received a lot of help from the newspaper, and it is nice to get a wider view of different stories from around the country, and the world.”
Another long-time reader and supporter of the newspaper is Pat Anderson. “I always read cover to cover. I like being a Review subscriber because I want to know what is going on in the community.”
“I really like the photos. I was always hopeful to see my children… and then my grandchildren… in the newspaper. They were in the paper multiple times, then those clippings become an important memento,” said Anderson.
While the Weyburn Review and Weyburn This Week also publish their news stories online, and share these stories on Facebook, Anderson prefers having the physical copy of her newspaper. “There is just something comforting about sitting in the chair and reading the newspaper.”
In her opinion, the Weyburn Review really excels at covering community events. “There is lots for the sports community. I love to see all the pictures and reading the opinions on the Editorial page.”
“I really appreciate the local newspaper because it keeps me linked to the community. I know that I am reading authentic and truthful news,” said Anderson. The advantage of living in a tight-knit community like Weyburn means that there is a better connection to the reporting and office staff at the Review.
It continues to stay important for local newspapers to stay connected to their community and share the stories that matter to their readers. National Newspapers Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the connection that the Weyburn Review and Weyburn This Week have with their readers.
