On Saturday, February 1 the Three Rivers Commercial-News printed its last daily newspaper. As a result of this change, the City of Three Rivers and the surrounding cities, townships, and villages lost something vitally important.

A daily news source that strives to ensure transparency from local municipalities and the officials that operate them is paramount to maintaining an informed electorate, and subsequently strong democratic governance. Since the United States was founded almost 244 years ago, the press has served as a check to power, holding those in positions of authority accountable for what they say and do, while giving a voice to the most vulnerable and underserved members of our society.

It is also how we tell the story of our community, a record of our triumphs and follies, our beginnings, our endings, and everything in between. Without that daily record much is lost, and while it may not move the needle for most, it matters a great deal to us, the ones who “do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community.”

The news industry — like the stories it covers — is changing rapidly, and what it will look like 10, 20 or 50 years from now is unclear. However, strong, accurate reporting will always be in vogue, as will people’s desire for reliable information in a timely manner from sources they trust.

Watershed Voice wants to be your source for daily local news and culture in St. Joseph County, and in an effort to establish that trust we will offer three additional months for any new subscription of three months or more for a limited time.

Main Street Media Group — the parent company of Watershed Voice — is a Three Rivers-based nonprofit and community supported news organization that intends to take up the mantle of daily news coverage in Three Rivers and St. Joseph County. We will publish stories daily at WatershedVoice.com, and provide a litany of podcasts, short stories, poems, videos and the occasional serialized novel.

With funding and support from local businesses and community members like you, we will tell the stories that matter and shine a light on those who are making a difference here in St. Joseph County.

Alek Haak-Frost is the executive editor of Watershed Voice.