The small-town Colorado newspaper, Ouray County Plaindealer, was in for a shock when nearly all of its copies were stolen from newspaper racks on the same day it published a story about rape charges filed against three men, including a relative of the police chief. The alleged rapes occurred at an underage drinking party held at the police chief’s house while he was asleep. This incident has sparked outrage and an investigation in the close-knit community.
Seeking Justice and Defying Intimidation
Publisher Mike Wiggins was determined to get to the bottom of this incident. In a social media post, he defiantly declared that attempts to silence or intimidate the newspaper had failed. He vowed to uncover the culprits responsible for the theft and assured readers that another press run would soon be underway. With a relentless pursuit of truth, Wiggins and his team were determined to bring the story to light.
Publication on Social Media and Releasing the Paywall
In an effort to ensure that as many people as possible could access the story, the Ouray County Plaindealer removed its website paywall and shared the article on social media. This decision allowed the community to read about the felony sexual assault charges filed against the three men involved in the incident that took place at a party in May 2023. The victims, who were underage at the time, had reported the rapes, which involved the use of drugs and alcohol.
A Community’s Support
The theft of the newspapers did not deter the newspaper or its readers. By Thursday evening, someone had anonymously returned a garbage bag filled with the stolen copies. Additionally, supporters rallied around the publication, donating approximately $2,000 to aid in the continuation of their work. Wiggins expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support, describing it as “extremely heartening and humbling.” The community’s response only reinforced the importance of their mission.
Upholding the Truth
Despite the theft, the Ouray County Plaindealer made sure that the public would not be denied the truth. The newspaper quickly replenished the racks, ensuring that 250 copies were available for readers the following day. Wiggins emphasized their dedication to counteracting any attempts to silence the story. Their relentless pursuit of justice and defying intimidation demonstrated their commitment to serving the community.
(Image credit: Mike Wiggins / Ouray County Plaindealer via AP)
Looking Ahead
The Ouray County Plaindealer, known for its weekly publication, plans to address the theft of the newspapers in next week’s edition. Additionally, they may publish a column explaining their decision to take the incident so seriously and their motives for reprinting the paper. Wiggins acknowledged the uniqueness of the situation, noting that they typically strive to ensure they are not the story but rather the medium for sharing important local news.
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