Newspaper committed to serve Fort Smith, River Valley

As you are reading this note today, you've likely already noticed that the top of this page has a new brand. While the River Valley Democrat-Gazette name is new, our news team telling stories within the River Valley is not.

Our news team has been reporting stories in River Valley communities from Fort Smith to Clarksville for years.

Our sports department covers River Valley prep sports from pre-season to playoffs with game stories, previews and features. We will continue to do so again this year.

Our features department writes about things to do and how to be entertained in the River Valley. We have recently added "What's Up, River Valley," which is delivered to our replica subscribers and our Sunday River Valley print subscribers. It's also available at many businesses on Garrison Avenue and Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith.

You can also find some additional publications in the River Valley: Ozark Living, our lifestyle magazine powered by real estate agencies and agents; La Prensa Libre, devoted to the growing Hispanic community; and Official Kids Mag, which tells the stories of local kid heroes and provides a resource for teachers and parents alike.

We are also expanding our news, sports and advertising/marketing services in the region. Our new office location on Court Street in Fort Smith is nestled between the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce and the main downtown branch of First National Bank of Fort Smith. We currently employ two news reporters, Thomas Saccente and Max Bryan; a digital marketing specialist, Lucien Jodoin; and our Digital Solutions Manager, Tara Lynch. We have also contracted a true River Valley sports authority, Leland Barclay, for exclusive weekly content. These local experts will assist in telling the stories of the River Valley and helping local merchants grow their businesses.

In a similar fashion, we have recently partnered with local companies in our inaugural "Best of River Valley" contest sponsored by Atchley Air, a third-generation, family operated business in the River Valley. Our objective is create economic lift and overall promotion of the River Valley while engaging the community in celebrating the places, restaurants and local businesses that make the River Valley unique.

Local, accurate journalism is important to every community. I've been doing this kind of job for 27 years because I believe that.

Please support our efforts to provide journalism in, by and for your community. Sign up for a free newsletter for Breaking News, Morning Updates, Prep Sports, Arkansas River Valley news and much more.

Feel free to email or call me and we will assist you on a new subscription to receive an iPad with our seven-day replica app and Sunday home delivered print newspaper.

Our team will continue to do our best to report the news and to assist in the marketing and promotion of the River Valley. We appreciate your support!