After more than a century since its last publication, the Gilpin Observer has made a remarkable comeback, this time in the form of a monthly digital newsletter authored by Gilpin County to serve its residents.
Spearheaded by Melanie Bleyler, the recently appointed Community Engagement Officer for Gilpin County, the resurrected Observer aims to keep residents informed and engaged with the latest updates and developments in the area.
Bleyler, leveraging her extensive experience in non-profit organization management and digital marketing, helped revive this historical publication. With a strong focus on community involvement and transparent communication, this first digital edition of the Gilpin Observer was dispatched on February 12, 2024.
Bleyler said, “The majority of the content starts out as a social media post and then gets included in the newsletter. I draft the posts and get feedback from County Manager Ray Rears, along with any other stakeholders (for example, I’ll have the Clerk & Recorder review posts relevant to that department). Then, I put the posts together into a newsletter for those who don’t see the posts. I have the County Manager review the newsletter as well.”
According to the County Manager’s Report from February 27, there were only two initial subscribers, but the newsletter quickly gained traction following its promotion on the County’s website and social media channels. Within a short span the subscriber count surged to 119. This demonstrates a keen interest among residents to stay informed about local affairs.
The February 2024 edition of the Gilpin Observer delivered essential information to its readers, including updates on county closures, links to public meetings, insights on property taxes, references to local history, and snow removal updates. The content reflects the newsletter’s commitment to providing residents with valuable resources and updates that affect their daily lives.
According to the Community Engagement Report from February 27, the newsletter boasted an impressive 63% open rate and a 10% click rate, surpassing industry averages and showing the effectiveness of its content and delivery strategy.
For those eager to stay connected with the pulse of Gilpin County, subscribing to the Gilpin Observer is just a click away. Interested individuals can sign up for the newsletter through the official Gilpin County website at https:// gilpincounty.colorado.gov/newsarticle/county-newsletter-gilpin-observer february-2024.
Historical inspiration: The original Gilpin Observer, which operated from 1897 to 1921 in Central City, holds a significant place in the county’s history.
Rears and Bleyler chose to honor this legacy by reviving the Observer’s name. Historical records and old copies of the newspaper have been preserved, offering valuable insights into the area’s rich heritage. These archives are accessible through the Library of Congress website at https:// www.loc.gov/item/sn90051548/.
As the Gilpin Observer continues its journey into the digital age, it stands poised to become a vital resource for residents, fostering a sense of community and engagement through timely and relevant information.
