Donna Etchey

Families and businesses across the country have been hit by higher costs and inflation in recent months. It’s left many to make some hard decisions at home — and here at The Leader, as well.

Costs are rising in nearly every aspect of our business, from postage rate increases at alarming rates to the skyrocketing cost of the paper we need to keep the presses running.

That’s prompted The Leader to make the difficult decision to make a modest increase in our subscription rates.

It’s the first time in years we’ve asked readers to pay a bit more for their local paper, but it’s something we need to do to be able to continue to serve a community that we’ve been a part of since 1889.

We hope readers understand our commitment to the community and the need to invest in local journalism.

Local journalism is critical for democracy. Newspapers help sustain cultures and communities, educate and inform, and hold local governments accountable. They preserve history, help shape the future, and foster a sense of closeness - especially over the ups and downs that we have all experienced in these past few years.  

We share the stories of people who call Jefferson County home. But we need boots on the ground, reporting day in and day out, from commissioner, council, port and school board meetings, to the arts and entertainment community, school sports, courts — from Port Townsend to Brinnon and beyond. 

But, we could not do that without your support.  If it is important to you, we want to hear from you. I appreciate and respect the passion that you have in the many causes and groups that you all represent. 

It truly is a privilege to serve our community, and as always, if there is something we miss or something you want to share with us, please give me a call or send me an email at detchey@ptleader.com