Happy New Year, and Thank You!
What a year!
We owe a debt of gratitude to all of you for the tremendous success the Kiowa County Press has experienced over the past year.
In January, we took the calculated risk of eliminating most paid subscriptions to the printed edition of the newspaper in favor of asking our readers to follow us to the free version online.
In doing so, we expected to continue with most of the hundreds of readers in the county – after all, who wouldn’t like to get the same product free? In fact, we could offer a broader array of content, and were able to add items for which we didn’t have space in the printed paper.
As it turns out, the calculated risk was a decision we should have made several years ago. Instead of just keeping several hundred readers, we are now reaching thousands every month – over 9,400 people stopping by almost 30,000 times in December alone. With a county population around 1,400, we are astonished by the response and growth.
While the online edition is free to read, there are still expenses to cover. That’s were our loyal advertisers come in. Take a moment to thank them – preferably while shopping at their great business locations, and tell your neighbors to do the same to keep our economy healthy.
As we mark the start of our 130th year, we’re excited about new features in the works for 2017 and beyond. Whether you’ve joined us online at kiowacountypress.net, or continue to subscribe to the printed paper or buy it at local stores in Kiowa County (did we mention the online version has more of your favorite news, information and entertainment and is FREE?), we think you’ll appreciate what we have in store for you.
So, again, thank you, and may you have a peaceful and prosperous 2017!
--Chris Sorensen, Publisher
