Former Sun contributor launches community newspaper

From staff reports

Freshwater Reporteris a new community newspaper covering Manistee and Mason counties. 

The paper’s publisher and co-editor is Pat Stinson, who reported the news from Empire, Maple City and Cedar for the Sunfor many years. After relocating to Manistee, Stinson said she saw a need to share more stories from rural villages in Manistee and Mason counties, as well as the larger cities of Manistee and Ludington.

“I take my cue from and owe a debt to Jacob Wheeler and his Glen Arbor Sunpaper,” she explained. “His paper’s model is impressive. For a long time, the Sun has filled the gaps in local reporting, especially with its investigative pieces. With the revival of Benzie County’s Suncounterpart, the Betsie Current, which he also helped establish, Jacob has inspired a newspaper empire of sorts in four counties.”

The inaugural issue of Freshwater Reporter, published July 24, covers events through August 6 and can be found in retail stores, coffee shops, waiting rooms, campgrounds and motels in the two counties. 

Contributors in the first issue include Gordon Berg, author of “Harry and the Hurricane,” a new book for young people and adults, published by Mission Point Press; Brooke Evans, a Manistee resident and new NASA Solar System Ambassador; well-known Manistee birder Brian Allen; Ron Schmidt, children’s author, of Honor; and Mark Videan, of Manistee, Freshwater Reporterco-editor and creator of the paper’s crossword puzzles using local clues.

Stinson is actively seeking contributors and advertisers. The paper will publish seven times this year and 12 times in 2020. Contributors with ties to or interest in Manistee or Mason counties, (they do not need to be residents), are welcome to submit original articles, essays, photographs or poems. The next issue goes to press August 7. Those interested in advertising or contributing are asked to call 231-835-0867 or email: editor@freshwater-reporter.com.