Thanks for Being our Friend

This Sunday, August 3rd, is National Friendship Day—a sweet little holiday tucked in the middle of summer that reminds us of one of life's most essential truths: We can't do this alone. Here at DecorahNews.com, we've never taken that for granted. In fact, everything we do depends on friends like you. Whether you check our homepage with your morning coffee, forward our newsletters to your sister in Calmar, like our Facebook posts, or wave to us in the parade, you've made us part of your daily rhythm—and we don't take that lightly. So, on this Friendship Day, we want to say thank you to all our friends: To our loyal readers who rely on us for their local news and send us tips, praise, corrections, and the occasional grumpy note (hey, that's friendship too).To our newsletter subscribers who open each issue on mobile phone and computer with curiosity and care. Sign up for newsletters here.To our social media followers who like, share, and sometimes lovingly roast us in the comments. Hey, take it easy.And to our advertisers, both longtime partners and brand-new businesses, who trust us to connect them with this amazing community. Advertising isn't just a business transaction here—it's part of our ecosystem. And it only works when you, the reader, literally show up for them. We've got a wave of new advertisers this summer—local shops, massage providers, service contractors and tradespeople, ag businesses, financial institutions and local event promoters. These folks are putting their hearts (and budgets) into connecting with you. Let's return the favor. Think of it as Friendship Day with benefits: your support helps small businesses thrive and keeps local journalism alive. Won't you please go out and support businesses that advertise with DecorahNews.com? Just a nudge- go out and spend some money with them today. And speaking of support—some of you have gone one step further and become Friends of DecorahNews.com, our member program that directly supports our newsroom. You've helped us stay independent, local, and grounded in the stories that matter most to you. If you haven't joined yet, Friendship Day is the perfect excuse. For the cost of a couple of scoops at the Whippy Dip, you can help us keep public meetings public, honor the high school cross-country team, and shine a light on the good, hard work happening every day in Decorah and Winneshiek County. This Sunday, let's celebrate friendship in all its forms—with laughter, gratitude, and maybe a porch coffee (or beer) or two. And let's keep showing up for each other: as readers, neighbors, and supporters of something so fiercely local and independent, it resembles the community it covers. Happy National Friendship Day, from all of us at DecorahNews.com. And thank you—for being our friend. Want to become a Friend of DecorahNews.com? Click here to join today.