The biggest story in this new online newspaper today probably isn’t the one over there with the larger headline. It’s the one you’re reading.
By DOUG BATES/Editor, The Herald
Yes, Oakridge has a new newspaper. So do all the communities that line Highway 58 like a string of pearls: Pleasant Hill, Dexter, Lowell, Westfir, Cascade Summit and Crescent Lake Junction near the highway’s final stretch in Klamath County.
It’s called Highway 58 Herald, and it’s not some kind of Facebook knockoff. It’s a real newspaper, but without the ink and paper — yet.
We’re sure you already know about us. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have landed today where you are right now, reading one of our very first stories. So we don’t need to bog you down with yet another explanation of what we’re up to. (You can read all of that by clicking right here.)
But we also know you have questions. Let’s take them one at a time.
Why Are You Doing This?
First, Eugene’s struggling daily newspaper has pretty much quit covering the news in Oakridge and all the other rural communities along our busy mountain highway. Eugene’s TV stations have pulled back, too.
Then, this past October, our local weekly paper, the Dead Mountain Echo, closed down after nearly half a century of publication.
The demise of traditional media and news coverage by even the smallest newspapers has left a void of clear, contextual, straight news reporting to help people understand what is going on. This news site is an attempt to fill that void. It will have news of local governments, events, businesses and larger trends affecting the communities along the Highway 58 corridor.
It should be of interest to the people who live here and the thousands who visit every year.
Who Are You?
You can meet the paper’s editor here and our founding nonprofit board of directors here.
How Independent Is Highway 58 Herald? Any conflict of interest?
Our news operation is editorially independent of our board. An excerpt from our bylaws: Board members do not, and cannot have input on editorial decisions, inclusive of article selection, placement, and letters to the Editor. Editorial decisions are made solely by the Editor in Chief. Any attempt to interfere with publication content may result in removal by a simple majority vote of the remaining board. Any influence or attempt of influence by board members will damage the reputation, thus violating the Standard of Care provision of these by-laws.
How Does One Subscribe to The Herald?
You don’t really need to subscribe. Our news service is free and will survive mainly on donations. We do offer a sign-up option in which the reader, again for free, can receive an e-mailed weekly update, but there are no subscription fees like there are in the world of commercial newspapers.
How Can We Donate?
It’s pretty easy. Go to the “DONATE” item on our menu or just click here. It takes just seconds. But if you don’t like the idea of PayPal taking 2.9 percent of your contribution, just mail a check to Highway 58 Herald, P.O. Box 1333, Oakridge, OR 97463. Every nickel and dime we receive goes straight into news operations.
How Else Can One Help?
The Herald is looking for qualified volunteer correspondents. You can read more about that here.
How Often Is The Herald Updated?
The site will be updated whenever new stories or links are published, which will be often throughout the day. You can sign up for alerts from Highway58Herald.org on the site’s home page.
Highway58Herald.org will be “dynamic” – changing and evolving as we discover what elements work and what doesn’t. What won’t change is straightforward and penetrating news coverage.
Welcome to local journalism.
What Are Your Long-Term Objectives?
Once established, The Herald will work toward hiring an editor, adding a print edition and providing training opportunities for university journalism students. A more immediate goal will be the completion and opening of an office and newsroom at a former commercial building that Joy Kingsbury, a real estate broker and secretary of The Herald’s board, owns at 47581 Highway 58 in Oakridge.
You’re Not Going To Be Political, Are You?
No, not if what you really mean is are we going to be partisan. The Herald is nonpartisan, and we don’t have the resources to have an editorial page.
That doesn’t mean we won’t offer nonpartisan commentary from time to time. For example, take a look at Gary Carl’s story on the highly organized and inspirational COVID-19 clinic held last weekend at the Oakridge Fire Station. Carl found it to be an uplifting example of a town coming together. That’s nonpartisan commentary, and we will publish such journalism from time to time.
Though we’re nonpartisan, we still have to cover political news. One of the news briefs in today’s edition is political at its core. Three positions on the Oakridge School Board will be open for election in May. We’ll report in-depth about who seeks to fill those positions, but we won’t tell you who we think you should vote for. The Herald is committed to giving you the straightforward information you will need to make up your own mind about that.
See our statement of principles for further insight.
Who Handles Your Website?
The site was created by Nancy Bolton-Rawles and Bruce Rawles, Oregon coast residents who design and maintain WordPress websites and provide related services. Two years ago they designed YachatsNews.com, which became the template for Highway58Herald.org.
Herald Editor Doug Bates is a retired newspaper journalist who lives in Oakridge.
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The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!