Newsgathering in a small town is far simpler than in the big city: You just walk around and visit with the locals. Sadly, all too often, our for-pay reporters are holed up behind their desks waiting for a press release or phone call, thus missing the stories that are unfolding right under their noses. Same goes for their editors, caught up in unproductive office politics. And the publisher never seems to have enough time to pass on his observations to the newsroom. Most publishers don’t have a “nose for news” either, because they’re too focused on the P&L.
In contrast, here’s an example of what you can find out if you just go for a walk, are observant, ask some questions — and thanks to modern-day technology, publish it yourself on the internet:
While we were distributing our magazines this week, we stopped for lunch at Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co. in Nevada City, a favorite spot. We ran into Caleb Dardick of SYRCL and Bill Falconi, the longtime engineer of Nevada City and a neighbor, and visited. We also noticed a sign in the next-door window that was intriguing: It read “Wheyward Girl Creamery” (see photo).
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report