News in Whitewater Region
By Connie Tabbert
Editor
FORESTERS FALLS – It’s hopeful a communication gap in Whitewater Region Township will be alleviated with this publication, WhitewaterNews.ca
Publisher Joe Kowalski had been a subscriber to the former Cobden Sun (aka The Pulse) newspaper since the mid-70s. With its quick demise in November 2012, he noticed over the next 18 months, like hundreds of others did, that there was no way of keeping the lines of communication open between those living in the various communities of Whitewater Region Township.
Mulling over the idea of a free on-line newspaper, he enlisted the help of former Sun editor Connie Tabbert, and a partnership was formed. Mr. Kowalski is the owner/publisher of Whitewater News.ca and Ms. Tabbert the editor – as well as the photographer and writer.
“If you had said no, that would have been the end of the idea right there,” he said to Ms. Tabbert.
While the idea was only to be on-line, it later grew into agreeing to put a few copies in various stores in the municipality for those who do not have access to a computer, Ms. Tabbert said.
“Without the print copy, we would not be reaching many people in our community,” she said. “It’s important we reach as many people as possible.”
To read the WhitewaterNews.ca, people will fill out a registration form and receive a password which will give them access to the site and can read any issue of the paper once it is published. It’s expected publication will be available by noon every Thursday.
“I am so excited about this,” said Ms. Tabbert. “It was really difficult for me not to mention this to anyone. I told my husband of course, and I’m sure he found it more difficult than I to keep a secret – he’s worse than me at keeping secrets.”
Ms. Tabbert admits she did give out hints about a new business venture, but never came out until early last week saying that she was involved with a local businessman to publish a newspaper.
However, she cautions, it’s not a newspaper like people think of a newspaper. For now, WhitewaterNews.ca is printed on both sides of an 11 x 17 sheet of paper with very little advertising. She’s hopeful there will be more pages as it grows, but realizes the possibility of it ever being a formal newspaper won’t happen. But, if this on-line paper fills the communication gap in Whitewater Region, she’ll be happy.
Mr. Kowalski has agreed to a six-month trial period to see if there is interest in the newspaper, not only by the readership, but by businesses advertising to help with the costs. He is the only financial investor, and while he’s not going to go out and ask for advertisers, if those in the business community feel it’s a business venture they want to advertise in, he won’t say no.
To reach Ms. Tabbert, email [email protected] or Mr. Kowalski, [email protected]
