5 Surprising Ways The Dickinson Press Is Still Dominating North Dakota’s Local News Scene In 2025
In an era where local journalism faces unprecedented challenges, *The Dickinson Press* continues to serve as the undisputed newspaper of dominant influence across Southwest North Dakota. As of December 19, 2025, this essential publication is not just surviving; it is actively evolving, leveraging a powerful digital strategy and deep community engagement to remain the primary source for news, sports, and local happenings in Dickinson and Stark County.
Far from being a relic of the past, *The Dickinson Press* is a dynamic media entity that anchors the regional information landscape, providing crucial coverage on everything from Dickinson Public Schools events to the annual Water Quality Drinking Report. Its modern approach—blending a print tradition dating back to 1883 with new media products—makes it a fascinating case study in how local news thrives in the 21st century.
The Dickinson Press: A Profile of North Dakota’s Western Edge Anchor
The history of *The Dickinson Press* is deeply intertwined with the development of Dickinson, North Dakota, and the surrounding region. Commonly referred to simply as "The Press," it has been a cornerstone of public life for over a century.
- Founding Year: 1883
- Primary Location: Dickinson, North Dakota
- Official Status: Official newspaper for Stark County
- Regional Influence: Newspaper of dominant influence in Southwest North Dakota
- Circulation: 7,200 (as of 2023)
- Ownership: Acquired in August 2015 by Blackford Capital’s Michigan Prosperity Fund
- Physical Address: 31 Sims Street, Dickinson, ND 58601
- Format: Multi-day paper with a strong digital presence and new media products
The paper’s longevity and official designation as the county's newspaper solidify its role not just as a news provider, but as a crucial public record keeper for legal notices and government announcements.
1. The Power of Hyper-Local Engagement: The ‘Best of the Western Edge’ Contest
One of the most visible and impactful ways *The Dickinson Press* maintains its community dominance is through its annual "Best of the Western Edge Readers' Choice Contest." This initiative is far more than a simple popularity poll; it's a massive, year-end economic driver and a powerful display of community engagement.
The 2025 contest, for example, saw its nomination phase take place in late 2024, generating tens of thousands of nominations across various categories. This contest successfully highlights the best businesses, individuals, and services in the region, providing a high-profile platform for local entrepreneurs and fostering civic pride. The winners receive official certificates and window clings from *The Dickinson Press*, cementing the publication's authority as the regional tastemaker.
This deep investment in the local economy and culture ensures that the paper remains essential to the daily lives of residents, from downtown Dickinson to the wider Stark County area.
2. Digital Evolution: From Print to Podcast and Beyond
Acknowledging the shift in how people consume news, *The Dickinson Press* has successfully evolved its content delivery beyond the traditional print newspaper.
The Rise of 'The Dickinson Press Minute'
A key element of this digital strategy is "The Dickinson Press Minute," a daily local news podcast. This format allows residents to quickly hear the day's top headlines and get an "inside scoop" on what’s happening while they commute or start their day. This commitment to updated, immediate information caters directly to a modern audience, ensuring the paper stays relevant even as media consumption habits change.
Furthermore, the paper maintains a robust online platform, ensuring that its content—including coverage of attractions like the Badlands Dinosaur Museum and events near Theodore Roosevelt National Park—is accessible to both local subscribers and those interested in visiting the area.
3. Unwavering Commitment to Public Accountability and Local Entities
The core mission of *The Dickinson Press* remains its role as a watchdog and a dedicated chronicler of local public entities. This focus is critical for maintaining a transparent and informed community.
Spotlighting Dickinson Public Schools (DPS)
The publication has a dedicated, collaborative effort with the local education system, producing the "DPS Chronicle." This is a monthly, multi-page edition specifically dedicated to sharing stories, events, and positive developments within Dickinson Public Schools. This deep-dive coverage ensures that parents, educators, and the wider community are fully aware of what’s happening in local education, from sports achievements to academic programs.
Essential Public Health and Safety Reporting
In a crucial public service role, *The Dickinson Press* is the platform for essential public documents. For instance, the 2024 Water Quality Drinking Report, a vital public health document for Dickinson residents, is slated for release through the city's news channels and the paper in mid-2025. By publishing such reports, The Press ensures critical information about public safety and infrastructure is distributed widely and officially.
4. The Economic and Political Entity in Southwest ND
The paper’s influence extends into the economic and political spheres of North Dakota. Its acquisition by Blackford Capital in 2015, a national private equity firm, underscored the publication's value as a stable regional asset. This investment has helped ensure that the paper can maintain its high level of service to the community.
As a key member of the North Dakota Newspaper Association (NDNA), *The Dickinson Press* contributes to the broader standards of journalism across the state. Furthermore, its coverage is a primary source for understanding the local impact of major state events, such as the annual "Pride of Dakota Dickinson Showcase," which promotes North Dakota-made products and local entrepreneurs.
5. A Lifeline for Local History and Future Generations
Beyond the daily news cycle, *The Dickinson Press* provides an invaluable historical archive. The paper’s early volumes, dating back to 1883, are preserved and available through the State Historical Society, offering researchers and historians a window into the region's past.
In service of the future, the paper continues to actively recruit and train new journalists, as evidenced by recent job postings for reporters. This commitment to maintaining a robust newsroom ensures that the next generation of residents in Dickinson, Medora, and the surrounding Badlands region will continue to have a dedicated, professional source of local news and accountability. The combination of a strong print heritage, a vibrant digital presence, and deep community roots secures *The Dickinson Press*'s position as an indispensable entity in the North Dakota media landscape for years to come.
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