.jpg)
Editorial
Support your paper — it’s an investment in Cedar County’s future
Every strong town has a voice.
For Cedar County, that voice has long been its local newspapers — connecting neighbors, helping small businesses thrive and keeping folks informed about the decisions that shape daily life. But keeping that voice strong takes work — and support from the very people it serves.
Across Nebraska, longtime papers have faced hard times. Some have closed, others have cut back to survive. We don’t want to see a newspaper closure headline in Cedar County, but staying strong means adapting.
Over the years we’ve trimmed staff and hours, combined offices, and downsized our space to match today’s leaner operation. And this fall, Peggy and I have stepped back after 33 years as publishers. On Oct. 1, our son and daughter-in-law, Kellyn and Emily Dump, took the reins. They bring fresh energy and a deep love for local news.
What hasn’t changed — and won’t — is our mission: to cover the stories that matter here. City budgets. School board meetings. Friday night football. New businesses. Neighbors making a difference. In a world full of noise and spin, nearly two-thirds of Americans say they still trust their local newspaper — far more than social media or cable news. That trust is earned through accuracy, ethics and accountability — values we work to uphold each and every week.
Your hometown paper has also changed with the times. It’s now on your phone, in your inbox and on our website. But the standards haven’t budged. That mix of modern delivery and old-fashioned integrity is why readers keep coming back — and why a strong local paper still matters more than ever.
That trust keeps our local economy healthy, too. Studies show consumers act on newspaper ads more than on TV, radio or digital ones.
People see local business ads as part of the same reliable package as the news itself. When you advertise locally, you’re not just buying space; you’re helping Cedar County’s businesses compete and thrive.
When a community loses its paper, it loses more than headlines.
Voter turnout slips. Fewer residents show up to public meetings. Government oversight weakens and borrowing costs rise. Small businesses lose their best way to reach local customers. And without a trusted source tying things together, misinformation and partisan noise spread faster.
The opposite is true when a paper is strong. Residents stay informed, connected and ready to work to gether on real issues — not rumors. L ocal culture stays vibrant. Debate happens on the facts, not on whether the facts are real.
If you want Cedar County to stay that way, here’s how you can help: subscribe, renew, advertise locally, send us tips and photos, and tell your friends to read the paper. Community newspapers survive when the community stands with them.
Thank you for supporting us all these years. Please show that same support to Kellyn and Emily as they lead the way forward. A strong local newspaper doesn’t solve every challenge a town faces, but it makes Cedar County stronger, more connected and better prepared for the future.
