Since launching the Methow Valley Examiner on April 23, 2024, there have been 3,909 visitors and 15,082 views to the site, the majority of them coming directly to the website, followed by a search on google. During this time, the Examiner has published 50 stories. It has consumed me full-time and, it’s time to grow even more.

When I worked in a newsroom, the business manager had their own office. I wondered what that person did. We were producing content, but what did the business manager do?

Now that I’m forced to wear that hat, my thought is- oh, my, goodness.

If they’re doing their job well, there is a lot to do. I have been wearing several hats- most notably, IT/web designer, business manager, and writer and editor. At heart, I am a writer. I would prefer to focus all of my energies on that, but running your own business, the other two hats are unavoidable. It has stretched my abilities and time as a parent of a homeschooler.

This month, I began working with a Canadian business that helps independent journalists like myself with the myriad technical aspects that go into maintaining a website and running a business. This partnership allows me to focus more on my readers and what I really love- writing stories that make a difference in this community- and less on other things, like where did my support button go and why are the pictures on the homepage distorted. (Believe me, this can take an entire day and still not be resolved.)

In the coming weeks, you will see a more newspaper friendly website as well as a return of the support button. If you have benefited from the stories presented here, please consider contributing to make this endeavor possible. And, please share the stories that matter to you. Our biggest growth comes when people share stories with others. We want the Examiner to be an important voice in this community- a place for trusted news, engaging features and insightful opinions.

If you have feedback that you would like to share, please visit the Fireside Chat tab on the homepage on Sunday evenings at 7. Every Sunday, I provide a 30-minute opportunity to hear directly from you.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and to fill a void.

I am the founder and editor of Methow Valley Examiner, an online publication for locals, by locals. MVE explores stories beyond the headlines.

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