AMHERST, NH — A new nonprofit community newspaper, The Amherst Bear, has launched with a mission to restore consistent, accessible, and locally-rooted journalism for the town of Amherst.
The paper takes its name from a moment many residents still remember. Years ago, a bear cub wandered into town and spent an afternoon perching in a maple tree near the village green just as school was letting out. Traffic stopped, sidewalks filled with neighbors, and photos and stories spread quickly from yard to yard. For weeks afterward, any mention of “the bear” became instant town news, and for a brief moment, the entire community felt connected by a shared story.
“That shared excitement – the way news of the bear connected people across neighborhoods – stuck with us,” said Marti Warren, co-founder and president of The Amherst Bear. “It reminded us how powerful truly local news can be.”
For nearly 30 years, The Amherst Citizen served as a vital thread in the fabric of town life – and when it went out of circulation shortly after the pandemic, that shared space was deeply missed.
“Without a local paper, something vital was lost,” said co-founder Stacey Morison. “We no longer had an easy way to follow town decisions, see our neighbors’ stories, or feel connected to what was happening in our own community.”
The Amherst Bear was created in response. Founded by local residents, this free monthly printed publication has no corporate backing and no profit motive. Instead, it is guided by a local board of directors, supported by community donors, and focused on thoughtful, accurate, locally grounded reporting. The organization is registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in NH and is actively building its editorial team and operations. The first full issue was printed and distributed to all Amherst residents and businesses in February 2026.
Like the bear that once brought the town together, The Bear hopes to deliver stories that matter locally – stories that inform, spark engagement, and reflect the character of our town.
The Amherst Bear is actively seeking freelance writers, contributors, and photographers who care about local journalism and community storytelling. The organization is also looking to welcome volunteer board members with backgrounds in journalism or related fields who want to help guide and strengthen a new nonprofit news organization at a pivotal moment.
Community members interested in getting involved, contributing, or learning more are encouraged to reach out to Morison at staceymorison@amherstbear.org and be part of building Amherst’s next chapter in local news.