As the world evolves around us and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shape the safety and health of our communities, it becomes more vital than ever to stay informed.
The Leader’s first edition was created in a small shop on Water Street on Oct. 2, 1889, then editor and proprietor W. L. Jones launched the Morning Leader. Little did he know that leap of faith would result in the same paper prevailing for more than a century.
Almost 131 years later, The Leader has the same commitment as it did in 1889: to keep the communities around us informed of the latest news, events and everything in between. In today’s world, that includes myriad stories on the health and safety of the communities that we serve.
But we cannot do it without your support. For the next two weeks, we are mailing The Leader to all non-subscribers in Port Townsend. Our goal is to increase our subscription base so we can continue to bring you the news, entertainment and profiles of the wonderful people and businesses that call Jefferson County home.
We need boots on the ground, reporting day in and day out, from county commissioner meetings, zoning meetings, school board meetings.
As print advertising continues to decline, reader subscriptions (which used to be only a fraction of news revenue) are quickly becoming the foundation of our business.
Local journalism is critical for democracy. Newspapers help sustain cultures and communities, they educate and inform, and they hold local governments accountable. They preserve history, help shape the future and foster a sense of closeness – especially in times like these.
Subscribe to The Leader or buy it as a gift for a friend or family member.
Next week we will produce a special section dedicated to 85 years of the Rhodedendron Festival. This will be a keepsake for sure.
It truly is a privilege to serve our community, and as always, I want to end by saying if there is something we miss or you want to share with us, please give me a call or send me an email at detchey@ptleader.com
(Donna Ethchey is the publisher of the Port Townsend and Jefferson County Leader.)
