BLACK HAWK - As the cool winds blow across our region, and the rain moves in with a wintery chill, I take a deep breath and appreciate the change that is inevitable this time of year. As the leaves gently turn and then blow off the trees, we start to dig in, to prepare for the reawakening that happens each spring.
It is no different here than most places that experience actual seasons. And I like to think of it as an opportunity to turn inward and focus. I spend more time working offsite in the winter (simply out of necessity, so I don't have to drive in bad weather).
And I like to curl up by the woodstove and read a lot more, when life calms down a bit. This year I hope for a tropical vacation sometime in the spring, and maybe some nice extended weekends to see family in several different states.
At the newspaper, we are amping up a new idea you'll hear about soon. It is VERY cool and will reach a whole new area with different stories, new journalists and staff, and a totally amazing idea. You are gonna be as excited as we are, when we can share this information.
As well, we are currently working on an Online Blitz (special half price online advertising for October through December only). If you are not advertising online with us, now is the chance to get in and check it out for the next three months.
And our discounted marketing packages (advertise for one month, one quarter, half a year, or a full year for BIG discounts). While we have five packages ready, we have the ability to create a custom marketing package to fit all budgets for all businesses. Our packages include print, online, social media, YouTube, podcast and more. We are also working on our 2026 Media Kit.
We are also working on our public engagement campaigns. We almost have our Pet of the Year campaign ready to roll out. Sponsorship information will be in next week's paper. As well as dates to submit your pet photos, when the photos will print, when to vote, and when the winners will be announced.
Remember, Pet of the Year contestants must be pets of subscribers in the Peak to Peak region, so if you're not a subscriber now, sign up here: https://mountainear.creativecirclemedia.com/subscribe/.
We're also working on the Holiday Lights campaign. This has a few sponsorships available as well. This campaign accepts photos of your holiday lights, we put them in the paper, and then readers vote for their favorites. We also include a map of where the lights are located, so readers can go check them out across the Peak to Peak.
As you can see, we don't really "slow down" for winter here. We amp it up, we work on public engagement, we prepare for next year, and we still cover all of the amazing news you love so much!
The Mountain-Ear is your community source for news, created by locals, for locals. We've covered the entire Peak to Peak region since 1977 and we are here for you! Find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/mtnear/ and https://www.instagram.com/mtn.ear/, watch our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@themtnear, or check out our website at https://www.themtnear.com/. Reach us anytime at 303-810-5409 or email us at frontdesk@themountainear.com.
