Viewpoint: Too Much School News? Not Enough School News?

?? Last week we published the latest edition of, What Our Readers Say. Over the years we have started, or stopped, or changed a lot of things based on this feedback from our readers.

?? ?There are some things we will never get right for everyone. In last week’s report several topics that have come up over the years came up again. For instance, under one category a reader told us they would like to see more school news.

?? In the very next category, which inquired what people see too much of in the paper, guess what someone said? If you guessed, ‘school stuff’, you would be correct.

?? And then, under the category of what is your favorite thing in the paper, someone said school news and specified the printing of the honor rolls of the three schools.

?? On this issue, we will never please everyone. We feel that schools are not only educational places in the community but, especially in a small community, they are a social center as well. That one will stay. In fact, for those of you out there who have some control over this we really would like to print more school stories, especially about non-sports events. With sports we have easier access than we do in finding out about some of the other wonderful things the students are doing.

?? Also, in the category of things we print too much of someone mentioned religious stories. After schools, churches probably define a community most, also serving as a social center as well as a spiritual center. So that will stay.

?? One person mentioned they don’t like to see stories they can read in the Pueblo Chieftain. We have started running a few more things that can be found in the Chieftain, because fewer and fewer people subscribe to it. Since they were purchased and are no longer a local newspaper, we have started carrying a few more stories that we feel are relevant to our area.

We usually have at least one person mention better coverage of events and entertainment before they happen. Page four, and much of page five, is 100% filled with events that are coming up. On our website, www.greenhorn valleyview.com, you can find a calendar that has numerous future events held locally.

?? ?One person wanted this event information expanded to other areas. They mentioned Walsenburg, Pueblo, and LaVeta. We don’t generally promote events in other communities unless local people are involved. Our annual Summer Guide is the exception to this rule, and covers a wider area.

?? ?Even when event organizers don’t advertise, the information is on page four. We, then, feature an article about the event itself when possible.

?? The practical part of this is, without advertising there is no paper to tell anyone about anything. We love supporting people who also love supporting us. That would be part of shopping locally, wouldn’t it? And, of course, a lot more people would attend.

?? We also had someone ask us about Rye Fire Protection District’s lawsuit. When they are allowed by their attorneys to release information, we will have it. Unlike social media releases, ours will be true and fact checked.

?? One person suggested articles on the mayor of Rye, CCMD board members and school board members. I feel that, to a degree, we have done that. We have had stories on every CCMD candidate for a very long time, and will have a story on the two current candidates soon. I will admit we have been a little re miss on D70 individuals, although we cover every meeting they have and have published several editorials in the last year or so about issues involving D70.

?? ?One thing that would help some of these things happen is a quick email to let us know about things going on. Don’t assume we know, because sometimes we don’t.

?? ?Personally, my favorite part of the feedback, whether we make changes based on it or not, is that you take the time to give feedback.

?? ?For that I am grateful every month.