The Los Alamos Daily Post marks 13 years in business at its world headquarters, 1247 Central Ave. The news team takes this opportunity to thank our readers throughout the community, state, nation and world … it is a privilege to bring you the news each and every day! Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

Hitting that launch button 13 years ago was exhilarating and scary. Newspapers were closing down across the country. Starting one in a small town with an established paper in place for more than 50 years was daunting … to say the least.

What finally prompted me to take the plunge was my son saying, “I think you will be successful but if not you can come and live in my basement.” His sincere comment cracked me up and lightened the mood. The next year involved research, seeking advice from our Small Business Development Center and a whole lot of praying – to create the strongest foundation possible.

Time has flown, and today the Post delivers local news to readers throughout the community, state, nation and 139 countries around the world.

Over these 13 years, the news team has worked in collaboration with citizens throughout the community to bring readers the best in local news coverage through print, photographs and video. With its focus on events occurring throughout Los Alamos and White Rock, the news team reports from local neighborhoods, schools, businesses; financial, cultural and faith-based communities and science and engineering divisions at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Our readers also find the latest news from Los Alamos County, the Police and Fire Departments, Los Alamos Public Schools and UNM-LA.

The Post is blessed with an incredibly dedicated and professional news team including Government Reporter Kirsten Laskey (8 years); Social Media Editor Chris Clark (11 years); Assistant Copy Editor/Graphic Designer Páya Pavlíková (1 year); Sports and Outdoors Reporter George Morse; (9 years); Sports Photographer John McHale (8 years); Photographer/Videographer Nate Limback (6 years); Advertising Manager KayLinda Crawford (8 years); Newspaper Distribution Coordinator Delbert Romero (7 years) and Bookkeeper Chip Clark (9 years).

It is such a delight to see from the beginning how the community adopted a sense of ownership of the Post. So often if they don’t see one of us at their event, they take photos and send us write-ups and we love that. We also appreciate those individuals who contribute columns, photographs, stories and opinion pieces … they add an incredibly important element to the paper. Today, we take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our longtime columnists including David Izraelevitz, Fr. Glenn Jones, Liddie Martinez, Gary Warren, John Bartlit, Sharon Snyder, Sherry Robinson, Alan McQuiston, Merilee Dannemann, Denise Denish and “All shall be well” writers Rev. Mary Ann Hill, Rev. Lynn Finnegan, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, and Deacon Amy Schmuck.

We also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the business community for its early and ongoing support … several began advertising with us in early 2012, stayed with us through the harrowing COVID pandemic and remain with us today.

The Post has received many kind expressions of congratulations:

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich: “Congratulations to the Los Alamos Daily Post on 13 years. In New Mexico and across this country, local journalism is the glue that binds communities together. The work that this publication does is fundamental now more than ever. I will always support local journalism and fight to protect the freedom of the press.”

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján: “I am proud to join New Mexicans in celebrating 13 years of the Los Alamos Daily Post delivering quality news coverage to Los Alamos County and beyond. For over a decade, the Los Alamos Daily Post has been the go-to source for information, local events, community stories, and news that matters most. Strong local journalism keeps our communities strong, and I look forward to many more years reading the Los Alamos Daily Post!” 

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández: “For 13 years, the Los Alamos Daily Post has been a trusted source of news, keeping our communities informed and connected. Their dedication to local journalism keeps the stories of Los Alamos and Northern New Mexico in the front pages and celebrates our community’s achievements. Congratulations to the entire Los Alamos Daily Post team on this milestone anniversary. I hope you can hear us sing Las Mañanitas from DC!”

New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard: “Wow! Can 13 years have already passed since Carol Clark intrepidly began this little local publication? It has since grown in size and influence, boasting readers from all over the world and becoming a mainstay of news for the Los Alamos Community. A voice we rely on to report the day’s pertinent news thoroughly and objectively. We here at the New Mexico State Land Office would like to thank Carol Clark and the Los Alamos Daily Post for our partnership over the last few years and wish her and her team lots of success in the next thirteen!”

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver: “Congratulations to the Los Alamos Daily Post and Publisher Carol Clark on 13 years of serving the residents of Northern New Mexico with timely and relevant news. New Mexico is lucky to have local, independent news sources like the LADP! Cheers to 13 years and many more!”

State Sen. Leo Jamarillo: “Congratulations on your 13-years of being a trusted news source in Northern New Mexico, I appreciate everything you do to keep New Mexicans informed. Here’s to many more successful years ahead!”

House Dist. 43 Rep. Christine Chandler: “Congratulations to the Los Alamos Daily Post on 13 years of sharing the news locally, nationally and internationally!”

Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason: “Congratulations to the Los Alamos Daily Post on 13 years of bringing news to the Los Alamos community! Los Alamos might be a small town, but our news is anything but. We thank the Daily Post for working hard to keep everyone informed.”

Former State Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus: “Congratulations to the Los Alamos Daily Post on 13 incredible years of serving our community! Your dedication to high-quality journalism and commitment to informing the public have made you a modern model not just for communities across New Mexico, but for newspapers nationwide. A special thank you to Carol Clark, whose outstanding leadership and vision have inspired us all and ensured that the Daily Post remains a vital resource for our community. We also celebrate the small but outstanding team at the Post. Here’s to many more years of impactful storytelling and community engagement!”

UNM-LA Chancellor Mike Holtzclaw: “The Los Alamos Daily Post has been, and continues to be, the leading source of information for our community. We are so fortunate to have such a high-quality newspaper that is focused on the issues and newsworthy events in our county. Happy Anniversary!”

LAPS Superintendent Jennifer Guy: “Happy Anniversary to the Los Alamos Daily Post. The post is such an asset to our community and school district. We appreciate the clear, honest communication. Thank you for supporting and celebrating our students!”

Los Alamos County Council Chair Theresa Cull: “Wow, 13 years! It’s hard to believe the Los Alamos Daily Post has been serving our community that long. With newspapers closing their doors all across the country, we are so lucky to still have this local paper. As a parent, I always look forward to reading about school sports and community events. Now as a County Councilor, I appreciate hearing the viewpoints of our community members and seeing articles on our meetings and County projects. Way to go, LA Daily Post!

Los Alamos Fire Troy Hughes: “Congratulations on 13 years of excellent community service! The Los Alamos Daily Post was born shortly after I became the Los Alamos Fire Chief in 2011. Carol you and your staff have always been very professional and insured critical information was delivered accurately and quickly to our citizens. Thank you for 13 years of awesome reporting!”

Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone: “These past 13 years, the Los Alamos Daily Post has played a vital role in partnering with the Police Department to provide information to the community to include messaging on frauds and scams, traffic safety issues, and other matters designed to keep our citizens informed and safe. I truly value and appreciate our relationship and look forward to continued and future opportunities.”

Los Alamos Medical Center CEO Tracie Stratton: “Congratulations Los Alamos Daily Post on 13 years of business. Thank you for serving the needs of the community by bringing forward pertinent information and allowing community members to have a voice. Here’s to many more years of service.”

Shannon Corporation Owner Shannon C’de Baca: “Thirteen years ago the Los Alamos Daily Post began as a newspaper in Northern New Mexico. With an attitude of service from free obituaries to free print copies they have become a stable institution in our community and region. Thank you for believing in Los Alamos.”

Small Business Development Center Director Janice Krish: “Carol shared that her start with the Los Alamos Daily Post began with the Small Business Development Center-Los Alamos! Although before my time, I was thrilled to hear of the longstanding impact of the SBDC services. Carol is a true champion for the business community and a successful entrepreneur. Thank you, Carol for your warmth and friendship and come visit me anytime!”

All of us at the Post greatly appreciate these kind comments and look forward to continuing to share the important and interesting news of the day for many years to come.

Milestones:

• In 2013 – Named the community’s “number one online news source” by respondents to an independent survey conducted by a contractor for Los Alamos County.
• In 2013 – Named “Success Client of the Year” by Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation.
• In 2014 – Named “Small Business of the Year” by the Small Business Development Center and recognized on the floor of the Legislature and by the Los Alamos County Council.
• In 2015 – Began publishing a 9,300 copy print edition.
• In 2015 – Post website surpassed a million monthly pageviews worldwide.
• In 2017 – Named “Media Outlet of the Year” by the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce.
• In 2017 – Awarded Los Alamos County legal notices/advertising contract.
• In 2017 – Named Official Newspaper of Record in Los Alamos County.
• In 2022 – State Award recipient – New Mexico Press Women.
• In 2022 – State Award – New Mexico Press Association.
• In 2022 – National Award recipient – National Federation of Press Women.
• In 2023 – Named “Woman Owned Business of the Year” by Chamber Community Survey.

The Los Alamos Daily Post is a member of the National Newspaper Association, New Mexico Press Association, Online Newspaper Association, New Mexico Press Women and National Federation of Press Women.