Local news is dying, or so the pundits keep telling us. But if you walk into the office at 116 South Main Street in Hillsboro, Kansas, you’ll find a different story. The Hillsboro KS Free Press isn’t just some flyer you toss on your way to the mailbox. It’s the pulse of Marion County. Honestly, it’s one of those rare success stories in a world where "ghost newspapers" are becoming the norm.
Since its launch in 1998, the Free Press has operated on a simple, slightly radical idea: total market coverage without a subscription fee. Basically, they want everyone to know what's going on, whether you’ve lived there for fifty years or just moved in last Tuesday. It was founded by Joel Klaassen and Don Ratzlaff, two guys who knew that a town without a dedicated record of its own life starts to lose its identity. Today, it remains a Wednesday staple for thousands of residents.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Free Press
People often assume a "free" newspaper is just a coupon book with a few headlines tacked on. That's a mistake. The Hillsboro KS Free Press is a broadsheet publication that takes journalism seriously. We're talking real coverage of USD 410 school board meetings, city council debates over 2026 budget mill rates, and the high-stakes world of Trojan athletics.
It’s not just a hobbyist blog. It’s a professional operation. While its competitor, the Hillsboro Star-Journal, operates on a traditional paid model, the Free Press relies on its deep roots in local advertising to keep the lights on and the presses rolling. This model ensures that news isn't a luxury item. You've got access to the same information as your neighbor, regardless of your bank account.
A Legacy of Local Voices
Joel Klaassen, who passed away in 2020, was a legend in Kansas journalism circles. He started as a "printer's devil" back in the 1950s, sweeping floors and melting lead. That kind of "ink in the veins" history is why the paper feels so authentic. It’s not curated by an algorithm in Silicon Valley. It’s edited by people like Don Ratzlaff who live in the community, shop at the local grocery store, and probably know your cousin.
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In 2024, the paper was featured by Editor & Publisher as one of the "10 News Publishers That Do It Right." That's a huge deal for a small-town weekly. It proves that you don't need a skyscraper in a metro area to produce high-quality, impactful reporting.
Why the Hillsboro KS Free Press Still Matters in 2026
In an era of misinformation, having a physical paper show up on your doorstep is a tether to reality. When the Hillsboro KS Free Press reports on the new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for the City of Hillsboro, you know the facts have been vetted. You aren't getting a hot take from a stranger on the internet; you’re getting a report from someone who sat through the three-hour meeting at City Hall.
- Community Support: In 2025, the Hillsboro Community Foundation (HCF) highlighted the paper's importance through a "Did You Know?" column by Kelly Groening.
- Total Market Coverage: Because it’s mailed to every household, it reaches people who might never seek out news online.
- The Archive Factor: It serves as the "first draft of history" for Marion County, documenting births, weddings, and the passing of local figures.
The paper covers a lot of ground. You'll find sections on:
- Agriculture: Vital for a region where the economy is built on soil and grit.
- Education: Detailed breakdowns of Tabor College events and Hillsboro High School achievements.
- Civics: Tracking the 2026 city budget and local tax changes.
- Human Interest: Stories like the 2025 Philanthropists of the Year recipients.
The Digital Shift and Staying Relevant
Don't think they're stuck in the 1900s, though. While the physical paper is the flagship, the Hillsboro KS Free Press maintains a digital presence at hillsborofreepress.com. They understand that while some folks want to hold the news in their hands over coffee, others want to check scores on their phone during a lunch break.
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The website serves as a live hub, but the Wednesday print edition remains the "event." There's something about seeing a photo of the local wrestling team or a headline about the upcoming Marion Reservoir improvements in print that makes it feel official. It’s a shared experience for the town.
Navigating the Challenges of 2026
It’s not all sunshine and local parades. Small-town papers face massive pressure from rising print costs and the "Data Center Gold Rush" shifts seen in nearby regions that threaten to change the character of Kansas towns. The Free Press has to navigate these waters while keeping its editorial independence.
Honestly, the fact that they’re still thriving while many papers are folding is a testament to the loyalty of Hillsboro businesses. Local shops keep the paper free because they know that when the Free Press is healthy, the community is connected.
How to Get Involved with the Free Press
If you’re a resident or just someone interested in the heartbeat of rural Kansas, there are specific ways to interact with the publication. It’s not a one-way street.
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Submit a Tip or Story Idea:
The staff actually wants to hear from you. Whether it’s a milestone anniversary or a concern about a local ordinance, you can reach out via their office on Main Street or through their website. They prioritize "community-generated" content because that’s the whole point of a free press.
Advertise Locally:
Since there’s no paywall, the paper’s survival depends on local business support. It's a symbiotic relationship. When a local hardware store runs an ad, they aren't just selling hammers; they’re funding a reporter's trip to the county commission meeting.
Read the Archives:
For those doing genealogy or historical research, the digital archives of Hillsboro are an incredible resource. You can trace the evolution of the town through the pages of the Free Press and its predecessors. It’s a rabbit hole worth falling down.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Visit the Website: Check out the latest headlines at hillsborofreepress.com to stay current on Marion County news.
- Follow on Social Media: Their Facebook page is a great way to get breaking updates between print cycles.
- Support Local Advertisers: When you shop at businesses that advertise in the Free Press, you are indirectly supporting local journalism.
- Submit Your News: Don't wait for a reporter to find you. If you have a community event or an achievement to share, send it to the editor.