SteinbachOnline.com, the southeast’s trusted daily news source, is marking its 25th anniversary this October. Since launching on October 18th, 2000, the website has become a vital part of life in the region, keeping residents informed, connected and engaged every day. From breaking news and local sports to human-interest stories and community events, SteinbachOnline.com has grown into a platform where people across Steinbach and surrounding communities stay in touch with what matters most. Over the years, it has evolved alongside the community, continually adapting to new technology and shifting audience needs. Golden West President Brett Adnum says SteinbachOnline.com has always maintained a focus on southeastern Manitoba. "For 25 years, SteinbachOnline.com has stood as a testament to the power of local journalism. We believe in telling the stories that matter most to the people who live here. Our commitment to Steinbach and the southeast has never wavered. Local voices and stories will always have a home with us.” A trusted daily source Each month, more than 200,000 unique users visit SteinbachOnline.com, reading over 2.7 million pages of local news, weather, events and community updates. This reflects a strong appetite for trustworthy, locally produced content in a time when national and global platforms often overlook small-town stories. Articles such as SteinbachOnline.com named best in Canada and Steinbach’s daily local information source getting fresh new look highlight the site’s award-winning journalism and continuous innovation. From the early dial-up days to today’s mobile-first experience, serving the residents of Steinbach and southeastern Manitoba has always been the top priority. Chief Technology Officer Dave Lehman notes, "We’ve always embraced change, because our audience deserves the best experience possible, whether they’re on their phones, tablets or desktops. And we’re excited about what’s next. Our team is constantly finding new ways to connect and serve the community we’re proud to be part of." Deep community roots SteinbachOnline’s success is deeply rooted in the community spirit that defines our corner of the province. Over the years, the site has covered thousands of local stories, partnered with countless local organizations, and supported numerous charitable causes. Together with Golden West’s local radio stations, AM1250, MIX 96.7 FM and COUNTRY 107.7 FM, SteinbachOnline.com has played a vital role in amplifying local initiatives, sharing success stories and bringing the community together. From fundraising campaigns and charity drives to event promotion and crisis response, Lehman says the platform continues to support and reflect the values of the people it serves. "Our mission has always been to serve Steinbach and the Southeast, not just through stories, but by showing up for the community. From charity events to local partnerships, we’re proud to give back." A proven platform for local business For many local businesses, SteinbachOnline.com has been more than just a news site, it’s been a cornerstone of their marketing strategy. Some advertisers have been with the platform since day one, recognizing early on the power of reaching a highly engaged, large, local audience. Adnum says, “Our advertisers know that if you want to speak directly to the people who live here, this is where you do it. The longevity of some of these partnerships speaks volumes about the trust and value SteinbachOnline provides.” With consistent traffic, targeted visibility and a reputation built on trust, the site continues to deliver measurable impact for businesses across the region, from family-run shops to major local employers. Waldo Neustaedter, Owner of Century 21 Gold Key Realty, is SteinbachOnline.com’s longest-running business partner. He says he remembers the day Lyndon Friesen, manager of SteinbachOnline.com at the time, walked into his office to tell him about a new opportunity. "He was telling me, ‘Waldo, you’ve got to do this because it's the way of the future and just trust me on it’, because I wasn't understanding anything he was telling me.” Neustaedter adds, “I finally said, “You know, Lyndon, you've been my friend a long time, I've trusted you, I've trusted my advertising with Golden West for so many years, I'll do it.” At the time, Neustaedter says he didn’t know what he was getting into, but now, 25 years later, he’s still advertising on SteinbachOnline.com. “It's been a great journey, and it's evolved from the first day to what we have today and the services you have offered since then. And, of course, the whole base and how many people are actually clicking onto the site and so on, those numbers are just amazing, how they have progressed since then. It's been great.” Evolving for the future A recent redesign, as featured in Welcome to the newly redesigned SteinbachOnline, ensures the platform remains fast, accessible and relevant in a digital-first world. This update included a new SteinbachOnline App, making it easier than ever to stream MIX 96.7, Country 107, and AM1250, and to stay on top of local news, sports, and weather from your phone or tablet. While the technology has evolved, the mission remains unchanged: to be Steinbach’s daily source for trusted local news and information. Looking ahead As SteinbachOnline.com celebrates 25 years, the focus on connecting the community remains. Neustaedter says he really values the current, relevant coverage provided by SteinbachOnline.com, noting communities in the Southeast benefit from staying up to date with quality coverage. “We're regional to our area here, and that's what you cover, and we're local, and so we need to know when we're dealing with the public, when we're talking to our families, that we're knowledgeable of what's going on in the area and informed. It's great to be informed, we love it.”