Help spread the word during NNW

It’s National Newspaper Week.

This is a week during which we highlight why newspapers continue to serve a vital role in American society. That role is important everywhere, but especially in small communities.

Someone who is interested in learning about the Indianapolis Colts game, the vote on the Supreme Court nominee or what is happening in the Middle East can do so from a variety of sources. But is only the local news sources — The Commercial Review in Jay County, The News-Sun in Kendallville, The Tribune in Seymour and outlets like them all over the state — from which residents can get the news on the high school football team, school board candidates or the local teenager who is a pyrotechnician.

Dealing with commentary on Facebook is a never-ending battle for a business like ours, and one of the silliest thoughts posted recently is that the newspaper is mostly “negative” news about arrests and crime.

Certainly arrests and crime are part of what we cover. That news is important.

But let’s dispel the theory that those items represent most of what we do.

Here’s a condensed list of topics we’ve covered over the last month or so:

•Jay School Corporation issues, including receiving a $500,000 loan for school safety measures, reaching a contract with Jay Classroom Teachers Association and updates on school construction projects.

•Plays and art exhibits being put on at Arts Place.

•The Jay County High School Marching Patriots at the Indiana State Fair band contest.

•Joe on the Go moving to a new location after having a building donated by a local bank.

•Business items, including Jay County native Mary Meeker launching her own investment firm and a Fort Recovery company being honored for excellence as a Case-IH dealer.

•A $250,000 grant being awarded to Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition.

•A new surgeon joining the staff at IU Health Jay and hospital staff working to upgrade playgrounds at local schools.

•Local restaurants undergoing makeovers.

•A woman who received a handmade quilt in honor of her son, who is serving in the military.

•New emergency medical technician training at John Jay Center for Learning.

That’s not to mention the vast amount of photos and stories we provide each year from the Jay County Fair, the constant coverage of local sports teams or any of our stories from city council, county commissioners and school board meetings.

It’s these local stories, from news to sports to features, that are at the core of what we do. 

If you’re reading this editorial, we assume you already understand the value of the local newspaper. During National Newspaper Week, we ask you to spread the word.

Encourage a friend to sign up for a subscription. Tell a family member about a story you enjoyed. Explain to a co-worker the importance of being informed about local issues.

The Commercial Review has been honored as one of the top three small newspapers in Indiana for eight consecutive years. With your support, it’s a streak we hope to continue for years to come. — R.C.