Don’t panic — other news sites are emerging
Plumas News has been receiving a lot of correspondence as the deadline for our online posting of news nears on July 31. While it is not our place to share details yet, we are aware of two entities that are very close to launching their own news websites. They have both indicated that they will provide information this week that we can share with our Plumas News readers as to their plans and how to access them.
We knew that in the aftermath of our announcement, other individuals/organizations would come forward to fill the news void. The new options will be different than Plumas News — who knows you might prefer the new alternatives — but news will continue to be shared in Plumas County.
This week is going to be a difficult week as we have worked with many of our contributors and readers for decades. But remember, Feather Publishing will still be here providing all of the other services that we do.
While we will have some final thoughts next Monday, we just wanted to let you know that news in Plumas County doesn’t end with Plumas News’ decision to pause. While we won’t be posting new stories, the website will remain available online so that you can research and access past stories and information.
I have yet to comment here on the loss of our local news from Feather Publishing. Having read the papers and then the online editions for decades, I just couldn’t bring myself to the realization it would be no more. The value was incredible — from solid reporting during disasters, to the social news about our friends and neighbors, it was a presence that will be sorely missed. Thank you all so very much for the outstanding service you provided for Plumas County.
July 31st will be a sad day in Plumas County, no matter who steps up. A free and independent press is a cornerstone requirement for democracy to thrive, but rural communities all across the Country are losing their local news outlets. This community has been well served for over 150 years by the various newspapers from the National to the Bulletin and now the online Plumas News. Your companies service to our County has been invaluable and your loss will be felt deeply. As an Army veteran I’d like to share this final thought, “if you value your freedoms, thank a journalist!” Plumas news, thank you for your service!
Though I live in the Bay Area, I am a frequent visitor to the Feather River region and Plumas County. I have relied on Plumas News to provide me timely updates on the status of Hwy. 70 slides and repairs. But I also read every post, whether it’s an update on community meetings, forest service activity, obits, or well thought letters to the editor. You have provided a outstanding service to the Plumas community ! Sad to know you’ll no longer be around : >/ . .
As a reminder of how important a print newspaper can be, in 1866 a man named Alexander Kerby ran into the newspaper editor in Quincy and told him a story about his house being haunted and keeping him awake nights with the sound of heavy booted footsteps. The editor knew Mr. Kerby and knew where he lived, and when the editor filled in the particulars of Kerby’s ghost story, he recognized that the most important aspect of the article was not that the Kerby cabin was being haunted, but that the Jim Beckwouirth Cabin, long vacated by Jim, was being haunted. This story was reprinted by a Chico paper at the time and their article survived to be archived on the web, and that is how we found proof that the surviving Beckwourth Cabin museum was actually once occupied by Jim.
Ditto to the comments above…..Grandma Debra….you have been formally nominated to the Journalism Hall of Fame…( outside Cooperstown)
I’m sad there will be no Plumas News. As a 12/13 year old I earned money for Girl Scout camp and my first stereo selling the Feather River Bulletin. Back then they allowed me to buy the paper for 12 cents and I then had a little route around town selling the paper for the then going rate of 25 cents. Fond memories of my customers and not so fond memories of the crow that use to nest in the trees at the forest service office on Lawrence chasing me every spring. I hated that bird.
Having worked at a small newspaper in the past, there is nothing like it! As an employee (art department, print shop manager, ad designer, small article writer, visitors guide editor…see, you never have just ONE job!) we had a blast. Most days were so enjoyable it was great to hang out with co workers. After all, they were your best friends.
The news room was never dull, the phones were never silent. Although the paper I worked for is still going strong, it has changed hands since I left and the friends I made there are still my friends.
Former staff and admins, I feel your pain and wish you all the best in the future. Onward and upward!
I know exactly what you mean, I worked for a small family owned newspaper in Paradise, The Ridge Gazette, long before the fire there. I was in the art department, ad designer and subscription manager. We also had lots of fun and they were like family. When I moved here I also worked at Feather Publishing in the ad department.