Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) is proud to announce that this is the 2,000th article published on its website, a testament to its commitment to community journalism.
Since its establishment amid the COVID-19 pandemic on Sept. 25, 2020, EPLN has been dedicated to providing residents with non-biased, hyperlocal and nonpartisan news and information on Eden Prairie, including coverage of local elections.
The first three articles, written by Brad Canham, EPLN’s inaugural editor, introduced three candidates running for the upcoming city council election, laying the foundation for the newspaper’s mission to keep the community well-informed. Last year, EPLN mailed a comprehensive voter guide detailing each candidate on the ballot in Eden Prairie to every person in the community.
EPLN emerged as a response to the closure of the long-standing weekly newspaper, Eden Prairie News, which left a significant news gap in the city. A group of concerned citizens united to address this void, launching a digital newspaper to ensure that civic matters, including elections, continued to be covered.
“Our journey to this 2,000th article milestone has been a remarkable one,” said Stuart Sudak, the current editor of EPLN. “We owe our gratitude to our dedicated readers and supporters who have been with us every step of the way. We encourage them to spread the word about EPLN and help us reach even more people in our community.”
EPLN’s team initially consisted of passionate volunteers who devoted their time to this start-up venture. Over time, the newspaper has expanded its operations, now encompassing several part-time paid positions and stipends for freelancers.
The staff includes Sudak, co-editor Joanna Werch Takes, schools reporter Julianna Allen, general assignment reporter Jim Bayer, and social media manager Brianna Collett.
Bayer, then co-editor, published the 1,000th EPLN article on June 25, 2022.
Presently, EPLN publishes an average of 2-4 stories per day, covering not only the city council and school board but also a wide range of topics that highlight the vibrant and diverse community of Eden Prairie. The newspaper takes pride in amplifying the unique narratives that shape the city, often referring to it as “The Story of Us.”
Behind the scenes, a volunteer board of directors works tirelessly to explore new sources of revenue and ensure the sustainability of this nonprofit venture. EPLN extends its sincere appreciation to all the generous donors and advertisers who have supported its mission.
“While financial support is crucial, we also value the support of our readers,” said CEO/Publisher Steve Schewe. “We invite everyone to become free subscribers and actively engage with us. Your feedback, criticisms, and encouragement help us improve and deliver the news that matters to you.”
Reaching the 2,000th article milestone is a significant achievement for EPLN, marking continued progress in delivering trustworthy and relevant news to the residents of Eden Prairie. The newspaper remains committed to moving forward and invites the community to join it for the following 1,000 stories and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported EPLN. If you believe in our message, we encourage you to share it with your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. It’s crucial to reach out to the wider community, as there are still many individuals who remain unaware of EPLN’s mission.
To stay informed and become a free subscriber, click here.
Let’s celebrate this landmark together and embark on the next chapter of Eden Prairie’s news story.
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