We are optimistic about the future of the News Journal

The News Journal is one of 6,000 newspapers remaining in the U.S. Since 2005, the U.S. has lost nearly 2,900 newspapers.

Don Estep is publisher of the News Journal.

What does this say about the News Journal? It says that you have been good to us and we are good for this community.

Our newspaper increased in circulation last year. For the fifth time in the last six years we won the Kentucky Press Association’s “General Excellence Award” in the large weekly newspaper division. In other words we were judged the “Best” in the state.

I am proud of our accomplishments, but we can’t do this without your support. You have done this both by advertising with us and subscribing to our newspaper.

The newspapers that provide excellence in local news coverage will not be among those that close their doors. Many studies have shown how important it is to have reliable local news and information coverage to the well being of a community.

Most everybody likes having the number one whatever it may be in their hometown. I realize that we are tooting our own horn, but with little fanfare our staff has brought this honor to this community for years with this newspaper.

As well as the community, I have had a staff that has made this happen for me personally. It is my 36th year as publisher of this newspaper and from day one I have been blessed with talented people who report the news, do the best layouts and graphic work, the best sales staff, excellence in every department.

I cannot overstate the importance of having a local newspaper in a community. I have read about those places that are now “news deserts.” They are experiencing the negative effect of the loss of their local newspaper. As for this newspaper, I am very optimistic about its future.

• Looking back at 2023, we have had many good things to report. I love baseball and when the Whitley County Colonels won the state championship not much could top that.

But having the long dispute regarding the legal battle between Corbin and London over Exit 29 finally resolved was one of the highlights of the year.

I had given up on getting a race track in Corbin, but it happened when Cumberland Run opened this past year.

I was thrilled to broadcast a football game after being away from the microphone for 32 years when Corbin celebrated its 100th year of football. Also, the renovation to the field is fantastic.

Those are just a few of the good things that happened last year. I’m sure we can look forward to many more in 2024.

And once again, thank you for reading our newspaper. Happy New Year!