Changes are afoot in Lowell, and the top stories from January reflect that. They are about new people in key positions, a new restaurant and a new activity for the kids. And while it is a bit early to be making predictions, we wouldn’t be surprised if the top two articles from this month also end up among the most-viewed stories of the year.
Here were the most-read articles, based on website views, during January 2023.
5. Keeping Lowell Safe: Police Beat for December 2022
After being surpassed by other articles in recent months, perennial favorite Police Beat is back on the top five list. The January article – which rounded up December cases – included information about thieves targeting cars at area apartment complexes as well as who won the Lowell Police Department’s annual training awards.
4. Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Annual Award Recipients
Each year, the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the people and businesses who have gone above and beyond for our community. The press release announcing this year’s winners was the fourth most-read article on Lowell’s First Look in January. Likely, many people clicked over to see who won the coveted Person of the Year honor.
3. Chamber Appoints New Executive Director and Office Manager
Liz Baker has been the face of the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce for years. When she retires from the executive director position this spring, she’ll leave big shoes to fill, but Shannon Kennedy is going to try. Kennedy has been appointed the new executive director, and Jessica Marks has also joined the chamber staff as office manager.
2. Rio Plano Taqueria Almost Ready for Grand Opening
It’s been three years and one pandemic since plans for Rio Plano Taqueria were first announced. Some thought perhaps the Mexican restaurant – which serves a selection of tacos and margaritas – wouldn’t see the light of day in the face of economic instability. But it did, and Rio Plano Taqueria is now open for business. During any other month, the number of views for this article would have made it a shoo-in for the No. 1 spot, but it was just edged out by the next entry on the list…
1. Lowell Splash Pad Expected in 2023
Lowell residents have long wanted a pool, but all signs point to that not happening. Pools are expensive to build and maintain so local leaders have their eyes set on a less expensive alternative: a splash pad. Planned as a joint effort between Lowell Charter Township and the City of Lowell, township officials say they hope to build the splash pad this summer. Meanwhile, at a recent city meeting, some councilmembers raised questions about where all the water would come from. This will undoubtedly be a topic that will see further discussion in future meetings.
Fun fact: This article was seen by more than 75,500 people on Facebook – a new Lowell’s First Look record!
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