September saw a slight uptick in visitors and views for Lowell’s First Look as more than 12,000 people stopped by to check up on the local news and events.
The top articles from last month are below, but we need to add the Pink Arrow game event page as an honorable mention. It missed the No. 5 spot by only two views. That’s impressive because we don’t promote calendar events on social media so they typically don’t rank as high as articles. However, hundreds found the Pink Arrow game event page via search engines, making it one of our most popular landing spots for the month.
If you have an event you’d like added to the calendar, email the details to [email protected] and put “For Event Calendar” in the subject line. There is no charge to have an event added.
And now on to the top five. The following articles were most popular in September 2023, based on website views.
5. Lowell Twp Board Recap: Splash Pad Bid, Stony Bluff Phase 5
The fifth most popular article of the month was a meeting recap from Lowell Charter Township. There wasn’t a lot on the agenda, but we think what caught everyone’s eye was the update on a splash pad planned for the N. Riverfront Park. The first bid received for the project was significantly higher than initial estimates, meaning there may be more fundraising to do before the splash pad can become a reality.
4. Middle School Ribbon-Cutting and Open House Draws a Crowd
This article was actually published at the end of August, but it received enough views in September to take this month’s No. 4 spot. Lowell Area Schools gave Lowell Middle School a complete overhaul including a two-story addition, new façade, new auditorium, new cafeteria and more. It has been a long haul, but the work is finally done, and residents were invited to come see the results during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house.
3. Pink Arrow Perseverance Story: Doak Dean
All the Pink Arrow Perseverance Stories are well read, but this year, the one with the most views highlighted Doak Dean. The Lowell High School graduate is much beloved in the community, and it has been a relief to learn that his treatment seems to have been successful. Stories like Doak’s are a reminder that cancer can affect people of all ages and all walks of life, and Pink Arrow Pride plays a crucial role in providing support to Lowell residents impacted by this disease.
2. Main Street Housing Looks to Next Phase of Renovation
The second most popular article in September highlighted the good work being done by FROM to provide affordable housing in Lowell. Their innovative Main Street Housing program is designed to open the door to those who may not qualify for an apartment elsewhere, and earlier this summer, the non-profit wrapped up renovation work on the units at its residential property. Next up is creating a gathering space for residents and guests.
1. The ABCs of Lowell History: H is for the “Hermit of Devil’s Peak”
This may be the first time an entry from The ABCs of Lowell History took the top spot for the month. Although this is a popular series, it usually doesn’t hit top-five level readership. However, this particular article captured the attention of thousands of people who were either interested in the hermit – James Burnett – or Devil’s Peak itself. For the record, we don’t know exactly where Devil’s Peak is, but we are told it is in the wooded area north of the Boy Scout cabin at the end of Washington Street.
Of course, we can’t take credit for this article. We only publish The ABCs of Lowell History. It is Lowell Area Historical Museum volunteers who put in the time and effort to research and write these stories. Incidentally, it is the 150th anniversary of the museum’s building, and in honor of the occasion, the museum has a goal of 150 new members this year. If you’d like to purchase a membership and support their work (only $15!), stop by their website.
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