Whew, it’s sticky outside this weekend, isn’t it? If the dog days of summer aren’t here already, they’ll be here in short order.
The other telltale signs are there, too: the annual fair book is stuffed inside today’s paper, showcasing the hard work of our local youth. Fireworks stands are popping up everywhere as we get ready to celebrate 250 years of U.S. independence.
And alongside all of that, ahead of the August primary elections, we’re in the thick of a very active civic season.
Do you remember, about this time last year, the Quill ran a survey asking for your feedback on how we’re doing? You were brutally honest, generous with both your praise and your criticism, and we promised to listen.
Well, now we want to show you how seriously we took your input. We’re getting ready to go out into the community, passing out complimentary copies of the newspaper. Our goal is twofold: One, to remind you that we’re in this community with you; we’re calling the shots right here at home. And two, to put the receipts into your hands. Those receipts consist of local features, accountability, youth highlights and community-driven coverage.
We took what you asked for, and we built it.
Now, I’m not promising that everything you want will be there, but I am promising to show you progress. And to continue making that progress, we need your support.
I really wanted to sweeten the pot for you and offer a summer savings deal. However, as luck would have it, I had my grand idea at the same time we’re doing a massive software transition with our payment processing system, so the deal is going to have to wait a little bit.
But you know what? That’s OK. I believe the paper is worth the full price — and I think you’ll agree with me, too. Good journalism costs money, and we’ve proven our product is worth the investment. Let me tell you how.
This month, the national Local Journalist Index revealed that more than 76% of communities in the U.S. have completely lost their local education and health reporting because understaffed corporate papers are defaulting to cheap, easy crime logs. The same statistics show a major drop in church and religion news, human interest stories and economic coverage. But not us. The West Plains Daily Quill still attends school board and city council meetings. We keep our readers up to date on mental health trends and alpha gal syndrome developments. We report on new church leadership, mission projects, local authors, youth projects and workforce news.
The Greater West Plains area has something three-quarters of the country does not. Howell County is better represented than many in Missouri, thanks not only to us, but to our colleagues at the Howell County News and Ozark Radio News.
Speaking of, mark your calendars for 6 p.m. July 22. In an unprecedented move, all three of our outlets are teaming up to give you a voice, hosting a night of debates for the 154th House District and 37th Judicial Circuit Associate Judge candidates.
The Quill put out a call for debate questions in our June 20 edition, right on Page 1. And we’re still waiting to hear from you.
I’ve said it in this column before, and I’ll keep saying it: If people want accountability from their leaders, they can’t just complain about it at the coffee shop or on Facebook. They have to ask the questions when they have the opportunity. They have to show up.
This week, we mourn the death of former Mayor Jack Pahlmann. His obituary was printed in Wednesday’s paper. Jack gave 20 years to city governance, to showing up for the community he loved. He and his wife, Inez, gave quietly behind the scenes. Not everyone agreed with every decision he made — but love him or hate him, you have to admit that he showed up for his community.
And now we’ve got the kids showing up. High school seniors interning with local businesses, learning foundational career skills. Youth of all ages pouring blood, sweat and tears into livestock projects and winning accolades. Girl Scouts taking measures to improve their community’s morale. The next generation is already putting in the work.
Those are the things we’ve been reporting on within these pages. So, come on. Humor me. Buy a subscription and let us show you in real time. Send in the debate questions (email news@westplainsdailyquill.net). And support the kids who showed out at the fair. We’ve got extra copies at the Quill available for free — grab one for your scrapbook or to share with family and friends.
We showed up. We’re handing you the receipts to prove it. Now, let’s see yours.
