Who are we?

The Ark Valley Voice is a Colorado-based online newspaper  serving residents of the Upper Arkansas River Valley between Leadville and Salida.

We understand that we’re a bit of an anachronism from the get go. While newspapers across the nation stumble and implode (due to lack of funds and competence), ours is a fledgling publication embodying a simple and increasingly uncommon virtue: honesty.

Accordingly, we will be absolutely transparent in our purpose. To wit: the Voice operates upon strict adherence to three basic premises:

1. Fidelity to the needs of the readership. Readers have a right and a responsibility to be informed of “straight news.” The voice will provide it. However, a culture is made up of more than political platforms and public officials; it is the interplay of all its voices. So, we want to hear from you, the readers. We want your opinions, stories (both fiction and non-fiction), comedic outtakes, photos, poetry, and polemics. We’ll provide a platform where the community can hear your voice be it as student, politician, prisoner, housewife, transient, entrepreneur, miner, rafter, or any other conceivable creed.

2. Sustainability. We believe that integrity and a balanced perspective will attract a large audience and thereby sustain a slew of quality advertisers. This will make the Voice financially viable. The greater the pool of advertisers the greater our power to accept or reject a revenue source and the easier it is to avoid pandering to special interests. Please support the businesses which help support our independent press.

3. Invigorate the Democratic Process. Our Republic is best realized by a well-informed citizenry going about the business of daily life. While it is important to stay abreast of national and global events, it is, perhaps, more important to have a thorough understanding of one’s immediate community. This ensures accountability at the most basic level of a Representative Democracy. Liberty is best served by the strength of a vigorous local press. The Voice will give the Valley all the vigor it can handle.