Your newspaper...who else covers this community?

It’s Community Newspaper Week in Nebraska! It may not rank up there with some of the other observances throughout the year, but it’s pretty important to staff at The Imperial Republican—after all, that’s the business we are in and work every day to put out a good product.
    But, it should be important to you, our readers, too. Who else covers Imperial and Chase County like your local, community newspaper?
    After decades of news coverage here, I’ll have to say Imperial has certainly affirmed our job security in the news department! I have never lacked news to cover or events to attend, all with an eye and ear for reporting about it the following week.
    All businesses have faced challenges the past few years, especially since COVID. Most notably has been the struggle in finding employees. We’re no different, but the newspaper is out each week on schedule.
    As special recognition of community newspapers, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued a proclamation in April designating June 26-30 as Community Newspaper Week in the state. The legislature followed suit with a resolution of recognition, too. It’s worthy to note some of what Pillen wrote in his proclamation:
    Newspapers are the first draft of history for the communities they serve through news coverage of local people, issues, events, schools, churches, civic organization, the business community, personal achievements and other milestones like births, deaths and weddings.
    Nebraska’s newspapers serve well their role as the Fourth Estate, being the watchdog on all persons of authority, elected officials and tax-supported entities that serve all taxpayers and citizens—providing transparency and government responsibility.
    Nebraska’s newspapers foster local debate on issues at the local, state and national levels, which serves as the foundation of our democracy.
    Nebraska’s newspapers are evolving by which their content reaches expanded audiences across platforms other than print, including online, social media and mobile devices.
    And, Nebraska’s newspapers are strong contributors to the local and state economies.
    We have two more days of an open house this week. Stop in Thursday and Friday morning for rolls and coffee and sign up for some drawings. We are glad to be your local, community newspaper.