Dear Readers,
There is a saying that I love: “Newspapers are the first rough draft of history.”
As we wrap up this week’s edition and the small chapter of our local history contained within, I reflect that it has been a rather momentous week in the life of the Bulletin – one for the history books, you might say.
This week we have brought on board two strong additions to the Bulletin’s staff: Reporter and Social Media Manager Heidi Beedle, and Matthew Rogge in the role of Community Support/Accounts.
In addition to being an accomplished reporter, Heidi is a former soldier, educator, activist and animal welfare worker. They received a Bachelor’s in English from UCCS. They have worked as a freelance and staff writer for the Colorado Springs Independent covering LGBTQ issues, nuclear disasters, cattle mutilations and social movements. Heidi currently covers reproductive justice and politics for the Colorado Times Recorder.
Heidi started their journalism career as a columnist for the Independent in 2016, becoming a staff writer in 2020 and covering all kinds of news across the Pikes Peak region. In 2022, they took a position with the Colorado Times Recorder, covering reproductive justice, politics and extremism.
“Local, community news is my first love,” they told me, “And with the dearth of independent news sources in El Paso County I wanted to do something to help local news outlets keep their readers informed.”
Heidi said they are “looking forward to talking to folks and hearing their stories.”
“I will primarily be covering municipal government, so please let me know how the actions and policies of the mayor, city council, and other government agencies are affecting you. News tips, words of encouragement and constructive feedback can be sent to heidi@pikespeakbulletin.org.”
We at the Bulletin are also looking forward to benefiting from Heidi’s social media expertise and the expansion of the Bulletin’s reach on the major platforms.
Matthew Rogge (rhymes with “froggy”) has a background in community development, outdoor education and outdoor retail, as well as teaching and coaching – including long-term substitute teaching at the Manitou Springs High School. He and his wife have two boys, one of whom is an MSHS grad and the other who currently attends.
“I live here and believe in the value that the Pikes Peak Bulletin adds to our wonderful mountain community,” he said. “I want to help and add to that value by connecting and supporting our businesses and organizations in the Manitou region.”
Matthew and I spent some time talking about what his job title should be. His job is in part to focus on ad sales and developing community underwriters, as well as gaining subscriptions, so we knew “accounts” had to be in there somewhere. But it’s more than that: Matt’s role at the Bulletin is about building support in the community for the Bulletin in every way. I see him being great in this role because of his strong communication skills and because he understands, as he put it, that “a strong community newspaper is foundational for our health and success.”
Heidi and Matt, welcome to the Bulletin team. We are lucky to have you, and I look forward to writing this next chapter of the Bulletin’s history with you.
