The Patriot is heading into its third year of publishing your local newspaper and staff and ownership would like to thank all of our supporters for sticking with us.

We’d especially like to thank our advertisers, your local businesses who —  if not for their support — a local newspaper wouldn’t make it to your mailbox each and every week.

The Patriot is a free newspaper and it is only “free” with the help of local businesses who advertise their goods and services in this weekly publication. 

Patriot staff — in its limited capacity — works tirelessly every week to bring you, our readers, the finest news and information in Central Minnesota.

The Patriot is more than just your local weekly newspaper. We are your publishers of your local community guides in all four of our readership communities (Becker, Big Lake, Clear Lake and Clearwater). The Patriot also publishes annual Home Improvement guides in the spring and fall, graduation guides, police and firefighter guides, coloring contests and recently we’ve ventured into indoor billboard advertising as well.

The staff at the Patriot work hard to bring their readers the best coverage of local news and information in honest and real journalism. We cover general news, school news, local governments and breaking news. We list announcements, public notices, obituraies, church services, letters to the editor and editorial pieces from standing elected officials. We cover your kids, your grandkids and your great-grandkid’s activities and sports events and we strive to make your newspaper all-inclusive and thorough. 

The Patriot supports the local Chambers of Commerce and participates in local community parades and golf tournaments. The Patriot makes every effort to attend as many sporting events, graduations, ribbon cuttings, fairs, festivals and markets that we can to bring you comprehensive coverage.

All this would not be possible if not for the local businesses who show their support of us and you by advertising in your local newspaper. 

So readers, thank you for making our third anniversary possible and don’t forget to frequent and thank local businesses and companies who do this for you. 

Extra, extra...Read all about it. Local businesses are what makes the Patriot possible! Enjoy!