Warrenville Sentinel Facing Tough Times

I first heard about the Warrenville Sentinel newspaper at a Warrenville Chamber of Commerce event last year. Published by Stan Zegel, and edited by former alderman George Safford, the Sentinel covers city government, events and articles by locals such as garderner/author Shawna Coronado. In fact, I was even mentioned in one of the fist issues! Although unfortunately it was only for being ticketed for driving on an expired license. (Long story!)

I’ve been saying for years that print newspapers are a dying medium. A newspaper offered news delivered in a timely fashion, that you could read at your convenience. Well the internet one-upped that by giving you virtually instant news, updated throughout the day, that you can read at home, work, even on most cell phones.

I’ve also said that the exception to his is “hyper local” papers that focus on a small area of community. While the internet certainly provides you world, national, and local news with ease, it is hard to get down to what is actually happening in your neighborhood or city. That’s where the local papers, like the Warrenville Sentinal still provide a valuable service.

The Warrenville Sentinel does just that, but it too is facing challenges from the slow economy. Right now, it is publishing at a loss each week. There just hasn’t been enough advertising dollars to offset the costs of printing and mailing the paper. In fact if it weren’t for some sponsors chipping in each week to cover the difference we may not have gotten it.

Because of the difficulties and costs the publishers have decided to rotate the area of Warrenville that will receive the paper each week, and offer a subscription plan for $29.95 a year which means you’ll continue to receive every issue.

Personally, I think having the Sentinel around is a great thing for Warrenville, and there’s ways you can help make sure it continues to be published:

• Donate the $29.95 for an annual subscription
• Place ads or classifieds
• Get involved by writing for the paper
• Sell ad space (for a commission)

If you’d like to get involved and help give them a call at 630.562.0011 or send a donation to:

The Warrenville Sentinel
PO Box 686
Winfield, IL 60190-0686