On Sept. 3, program chair Steve Murch invited The Alpena News Publisher Bill Speer to speak to the group.

The Alpena News was founded in 1899. They are fairing well in an industry in which more than 2,000 newspapers have shut down since 2004. That means roughly half of the counties in the U.S. are without a daily newspaper. Speer remains positive and believes The Alpena News will still be here for another 100 years, although it may not be in paper format.

Today’s newspapers depend on local support and a strong relationship between them and the community, for the paper to thrive. Many people still have interest in local news — football games, dance recitals, community events, etc. The newspaper is also a good way to record events for future use you are interested in becoming involved in your community and would like to make a mark in local history.

The Alpena News has been a dedicated supporter of the Alpena Lions Annual Newsboy sale as well. Without their help, The Lions would not be able to assist families in need during the Christmas holiday.

To learn more about the Alpena Lions, reach out to Audra Smith at smith.alpena.lions@gmail.com.