Happy Birthday, Saco Bay News!

On a whim and a dream, I launched Saco Bay News on March 9, 2020.

Here it is five years later, and I’m still at it. A lot has changed since then, both in my personal life and the world around me, but running Saco Bay News still seems like the right thing to do.

I love the communities of Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Biddeford. During the most difficult time of my life, you all showed up again and again and have helped carry me through some hard days. I am proud to live in Northern York County, and I am proud to be able to provide fellow community members with information about what’s going on in our neighborhoods, downtowns, schools and beaches.

In the past five years, I’ve made quite a few accomplishments. I beat the Google algorithm and got my stories ranked on Google News. I’ve recently connected with Journalism New England, and am hoping they can help me learn how to score even higher with the Google bots.

I received funding from Google twice, and several grants. I signed a contract with The Maine Monitor, and they are now my non-profit fiscal sponsor. Donations to Saco Bay News are now made through The Maine Monitor and are tax-deductible.

I’ve also collaborated with The Maine Monitor on a recent project reporting on county ARPA fund spending.

In 2023, I was able to start hiring a few freelancers, and they have helped me immensely. This year, I have help from two University of New England students – one of which is a Community News Fellow, the other is an intern. I also continue to have a few guest columnists who share their reflections on local issues. There are also a few local photographers who have let me use their beautiful pictures. I am grateful for all of you.

Last year, I also was a guest lecturer at a UNE journalism class. For two years in a row, I’ve been a presenter at career day at Biddeford High School. Since SBN’s inception in 2020 I’ve spoken to a local Rotary Club, the local Altrusa International club, and a community dinner at Ferry Beach Conference and Retreat Center.  In 2023, I was one of 28 journalists from across the country and beyond chosen to participate in the Community-Centered Symposium at the Reynolds Journalism Institute in Columbia, Missouri.

It's been quite a ride these five years. Thanks for taking it with me!

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.

To help Saco Bay News continue its goal of providing local journalism, you can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking here.