"Dear Neighbor:

Jeff Peyton is gone! That is important information for you to have, because in the two years that he was here, The Observer lost your business.

Many of you have worked with me in past years. For those of you that have not met me, or do not recall having dealt with me, I have been with The Observer for 14 years and I am proud to introduce myself to you as the new owner.

If you are in receipt of this letter, then you had issues with the prior management of Main Street Media. I am here to assure everyone that those issues are behind you. It is my strong belief that a community newspaper should be just that - reflection of the community as a whole and not merely a mouthpiece for someone with a particular agenda.

Plans are underway for the paper and its employees to become more visible and more involved in community events; to broaden our coverage of the news that affects the lives of our readers and our advertisers; to strive to be the best hometown newspaper in the area.

Jeff Peyton made a prediction when he departed Main Street Media Company, that "we wouldn't survive two months without him." Well, he's been gone since November 15 and we're still here. In the months to come, we hope to grow with the support of those who remember The Observer as it was, before Mr. Peyton came to town.

I am writing this letter to reintroduce myself and The Observer to you. I enjoyed and valued the professional relationship we once shared, and I want that relationship again. Customer service is the top priority, and we at The Observer live by that motto. We have a dedicated, professional sales staff, and our production manager, Marilyn Ellinger, has been with us for 15 years.

Come back to The Observer. Yes, we need your support to prove Jeff Peyton wrong. But, more importantly, we welcome you. I look forward to talking with you and will be in touch soon.

Regards,

Kimberly S. Robbins General Manager"

February 13, 2003