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The Newton experiment: How a rural Kansas weekly newspaper refreshed an outdated business model

Kevin Simpson

October 02, 2023 |

The Colorado Sun |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Newton, Kansas

In an age where small, rural newspapers are shrinking and disappearing, local paper Harvey County Now started engaging more with its audience to find ways to better meet their news needs to keep money flowing and the newspaper afloat. From sending out e-newsletters, hosting local events and launching a premium membership program called Press Club, which grants access to benefits like concert tickets and exclusive events, Harvey County Now managed to increase its profits while simultaneously keeping its audience and print paper intact.

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A volunteer army has answered Colorado's need for masks. Denver's jails are one recent beneficiary.

Kevin Simpson

May 04, 2020 |

The Colorado Sun |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Denver, Colorado

Across Colorado, grassroots groups have come together to create homemade masks for the state’s most vulnerable populations to protect against COVID-19. Two of those populations are Denver’s Downtown Detention Center and Denver County Jail. Groups like Dena’s Mask Making Army, the Mask Mavens, and even some AA and sober living communities have rallied together – virtually, of course – to use their sewing skills to fill the mask needs, about 3 masks per person, for those experiencing incarceration.

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Colorado's newest farmers are YouTube-taught, social justice-minded and preaching the gospel of microgreens

Kevin Simpson

November 07, 2019 |

The Colorado Sun |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Bennett, Colorado

Emerald Garden farm in Colorado is a microgreens hydroponic farming operation that is using a comprehensive approach toward conducting business. From experimenting with new practices to reduce food waste to diversifying partnerships to enhance crop development, the owners have successfully scaled the initial operation and are providing food for fine restaurants as well as grocery stores a local school district and potentially hospitals.

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Sprawling Las Animas County, like many rural areas, badly needs emergency responders. But it's a teachable moment.

Kevin Simpson

September 24, 2019 |

The Colorado Sun |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Hoehne, Colorado

Las Animas County in Colorado is a large rural and remote area which makes it difficult for emergency responders to access people in a timely manner. To address this, emergency medical responder (EMR) classes are being taught in high schools in order to relieve the burden and offer a possibility for a career path to students in the area.

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Tiny Branson has plenty of water. But like other small rural delivery systems in Colorado, it must find a way to meet new state standards.

Kevin Simpson

May 06, 2019 |

The Colorado Sun |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Branson, Colorado

Innovation is the key to resilience. In Branson, Colorado, the community of only 55 residents and with volunteer town council has taken on the massive task of bringing its water system up to compliance with the Colorado Department of Health. Because the state and federal government did not have the specific resources to assist Branson, the community turned to a locally developed, innovative water filtration system and an unorthodox funding campaign to pay for it.

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Use of Safe2Tell, created in response to Columbine, is growing as front line tool in school safety

Kevin Simpson

April 11, 2019 |

The Colorado Sun |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

What started as a telephone tip line, Colorado’s anonymous tip program, Safe2Tell has now become an app that is publicly funded and part of the Attorney General’s office. The program gives students a way to report potentially dangerous situations they hear about or read online. While Safe2Tell does receive some false reports, overall, it has bolstered a sense of trust and protection in schools across the state.

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Cities across Colorado saw how gentrification impacted Denver. They're trying to avoid the same pitfalls.

Kevin Simpson

February 06, 2019 |

The Colorado Sun |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Fort Collins, Colorado

As gentrification drives involuntary displacement in Denver, Colorado, the city planners elsewhere in Colorado aim to avoid the same fate by instituting policy safeguards. Fort Collins has put in extra protection for mobile home parks, one of the only viable housing options for low-income residents, and another city program controls utility costs.

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How a Colorado family launched a Christmas toy hack-a-thon for children with disabilities that has gone global

Kevin Simpson

December 25, 2018 |

The Colorado Sun |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

What began as an individual project for a family adapting toys for their children with disabilities to use and communicate with has turned into a global non-profit operation. With a dedicated volunteer base and a frugal idea to make toys more accessible, those with disabilities across the world have been able to receive toys that are both fun and accessible.

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A DU student withdrew from school to change the charity world, quarter by quarter

Kevin Simpson

November 27, 2018 |

The Colorado Sun |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Denver, Colorado

A web browser extension called PocketChange allows people to donate small amounts of money to social causes and have their donations matched by “cause-aligned” brands. The software taps into the desire of news readers and social media users to take action in the moment that they learn about social causes, as well as companies’ growing interest in marketing around social causes. The startup has partnered with about 70 charities and six online sites so far, including The New York Times, Google News, and Facebook.

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Recycling can be a hard sell in rural Colorado. That hasn't discouraged a resourceful nonprofit effort in Swink.

Kevin Simpson

September 18, 2018 |

The Colorado Sun |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Swink, Colorado

Recycling doesn't come easy for small, rural towns where the cost to export recyclables often realistically outweighs the benefits of this sustainably practice. Clean Valley Recycling, a nonprofit launched by local community members in the tiny town on Swink, Colorado, has gone against all odds though and serves not just as a recycling resource for the town, but for the surrounding region as well.

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