By Trey Foerster
Publisher, HeadspringIS.com
As we mark the 85th celebration of National Newspaper Week in 2025 on Oct. 5-11, it is both a moment of reflection and a call to action for our community. For nearly a century, National Newspaper Week has recognized the essential role newspapers play in informing citizens, fostering civic engagement, and knitting together the fabric of local life. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to the physical local newspapers that continue to serve as the heartbeat of our towns and cities.
Local journalism is more than just reporting the news — it’s telling the stories that matter to us, from high school sports victories to city council debates, from profiles of our neighbors to coverage of local events. Our local newspaper captures the unique pulse of our community, highlighting triumphs, challenges, and the everyday moments that make our home special. These stories are not just information; they are the living record of who we are as a community.
In an increasingly digital world, the physical newspaper remains an irreplaceable part of our daily lives. There is something powerful about holding a newspaper in your hands — the tangibility of the paper, the ritual of turning the pages over morning coffee, the accessibility for all generations regardless of internet access or digital literacy. Physical newspapers are traditions passed down, connecting us with our past and with each other.
Key Benefits: Informed citizens, accountability, and economic growth
Informed Citizens: Our democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed. Local newspapers provide verified, trustworthy information that empowers us to make decisions, vote responsibly, and participate fully in civic life.
Accountability and Watchdog Role: Local journalism holds power to account, shining a light on government actions, business practices, and community issues. This watchdog function ensures transparency and builds trust in our institutions.
Community Connection: Newspapers foster a sense of belonging by sharing stories of local heroes, upcoming events, and the milestones we celebrate together. They connect newcomers and long-time residents alike, strengthening our communal bonds.
Economic Development: By supporting local businesses through advertising and coverage, newspapers play a direct role in enhancing the economic vitality of our region. A strong local press means a stronger local economy.
This National Newspaper Week, we urge every member of our community to stand behind our Waupaca County Post newspaper. Subscribe, buy a copy, share stories with friends, or encourage young people to read the news. Your support is not just about preserving a tradition — it’s about ensuring that our community remains informed, connected, and empowered.
So here’s a “Thank You” to those who bring us the news at the Waupaca County Post: Patrick J. Wood, publisher; Dave Wood, general manager; Jim Card, editor; Katie Schimke and Emily Doud, staff reporters; Nick Griesbach, sports reporter; Jeanie Testin, advertising manager; and all the supportive and office staff.
As we celebrate 85 years of National Newspaper Week, let us remember that our local newspaper is more than ink on paper — it is the voice of our community. By supporting physical local newspapers and the dedicated journalists who fill their pages, we invest in the future of our town and the strength of our democracy. Let’s keep the presses rolling for another 85 years and beyond.
Subscription information
The Waupaca County Post’s current subscription is $69 per year ($1.33 per week) or two years for $129 ($1.24 per week). For comparison, in 2008, the newsstand price of the Iola Herald was 85 cents. With cost-of-living and inflation adjustments, that would be $1.30 in 2025.
With a credit card, call 715-258-4360 or 715-258-3207, or mail your check to the Subscription Department, Waupaca County Post, P.O. Box 408, Waupaca, WI 54981.