Introducing The Northern Neighbor

Written by Kari Sundberg, Eagle Editor

With the final issue of the Grygla Eagle Newspaper printing next week, it’s hard not to feel emotional. This paper has been a big part of my life…and this community…for years. But as the saying goes, every ending brings a new beginning. And I’m excited to share mine with you.

I’m launching something new: The Northern Neighbor.

Coming mid-June (officially on June 16th), The Northern Neighbor will be a fully digital hometown news source focused on community, connection and meaningful advertising for our local businesses and organizations.

This has been in the works for a while, and I can’t wait to bring it to life. You’ll still find local stories, community updates and business spotlights, just in a way that fits how we live now. No more waiting for the weekly paper to land in your mailbox. Everything will live online, where you can scroll, click, share and stay connected in real time.

The platform will launch using the current Grygla Eagle Newspaper Facebook page, which will soon be rebranded as The Northern Neighbor. I’ll also be launching a YouTube channel featuring interviews, business spotlights, behind-the-scenes moments and inspiring local stories. My goal is to create a space that’s not just about news…it’s about connection. A kind of digital front porch for our communities.

Looking back, I didn’t use the Grygla Eagle Facebook page as much as I would’ve liked. It always felt like a bit of a gray area. I didn’t want to post much online and take away from the printed paper, especially with only a weekly edition. But with this shift to fully digital, I’m excited to finally use social media the way it was meant to be used: for timely updates and direct engagement with readers.

This isn’t just a format change…it’s a whole new chapter. One that’s manageable for me, valuable for local advertisers and easy for readers to follow. It’s about creating a one-stop shop that meets people where they are, which, let’s face it, is usually right on their phones.

The Northern Neighbor is all about keeping neighbors connected. That means local news and events but also shining a spotlight on the businesses and organizations that make our towns thrive. They’re the heartbeat of our communities, and their stories deserve to be seen and celebrated.

None of this would be possible without the incredible support I’ve already received from local advertisers. You’ve shown up for this new venture, and I’m so thankful. If you haven’t jumped on board yet, there’s still time! I’d love to chat about how we can showcase your business or organization in a creative, meaningful way. I’ve put together flexible ad bundles that are easy to work with and tailored to your goals.

You can reach me at 218-689-6901 or by email at grygla.eagle@gmail.com. (And yes, that email is staying the same as it’s been my go-to for years and will continue to be the hub for all things Northern Neighbor.)

The timing of all this feels strangely perfect. With graduation just wrapping up, I realized I’ve followed some of these students from their very first days in school all the way to their final walk across the stage. I always said I hoped I’d get to run the Grygla Eagle while my kids were in school and I did. It was such a good fit for our lives, giving me the flexibility to be present at events and stay connected to the rhythm of the local happenings.

I still believe in the power of newspapers, but it’s no secret how hard it’s become to compete with social media and the immediacy people expect from their news. Weekly print just can’t keep up. And while I know some folks will miss holding the physical paper, I also know we have an incredible opportunity to reach more people, including younger generations, by showing up where they already are. 

This isn’t static print. This is interactive, shareable, real-time storytelling with visuals, video and personality. It’s local visibility with modern impact.

Thanks for being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to see where The Northern Neighbor takes us.