At The Leesburg Times Company, we believe that community storytelling is more than just reporting the news—it’s about fostering connections, celebrating local voices, and ensuring clarity in every story we share.

Founded by Rylan Hackworth, alongside Jordyn Carson and Kaydence (Kaydee) Leonard, we are a teen-owned and operated news organization based in Leesburg, Ohio. We stay true to our commitment to unbiased, community-focused journalism—keeping politics out of our reporting while amplifying the voices of local organizations, small businesses, first responders, municipal workers, and everyday community members.

Guided by our motto, "Where Community Meets Clarity," we offer weekly updates, in-depth news articles, daily quotes and song features, podcasts, shows, and more, all dedicated to keeping our community informed and engaged.

While we are not legally classified as a nonprofit, our work operates in a nonprofit-in-practice model, meaning we do not generate profit from our journalism. Instead, our focus remains entirely on serving our community with truthful, transparent, and impactful storytelling.

Through The Leesburg Times and our growing contributions to The Frankfort Dispatch, our team continues to uphold these values while expanding our reach and deepening our connection to southern Ohio and beyond.

We’re more than just news—we’re a voice for the people, a hub for local stories, and a champion of community spirit.

At The Leesburg Times Company, our commitment to honest, unbiased journalism is at the heart of everything we do. As a teen-owned and operated news organization, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our reporting is fair, accurate, and community-driven.

Our Core Principles:

• Unbiased Coverage: We stay out of politics, focusing solely on community stories that uplift and inform.

• Fact-Based Reporting: Every article, update, and feature is thoroughly researched and fact-checked before publication.

• Community-Centered Approach: We highlight local organizations, small businesses, first responders, and municipal workers, ensuring their voices are heard.

• Accountability & Transparency: We believe in open communication with our readers and welcome feedback, corrections, and discussions that promote journalistic integrity.

Ethical Standards in Practice:

• We do not accept paid promotions or sponsorships that could compromise our objectivity.

• We ensure that our sources are verified and reliable, prioritizing truth over sensationalism.

• We respect privacy and dignity, avoiding coverage that could harm individuals or misrepresent facts.

• While we operate as a nonprofit-in-practice, we remain transparent about our structure, distinguishing ourselves from legally recognized nonprofits.

At The Leesburg Times, we are dedicated to trust, clarity, and community storytelling. Journalism is more than just reporting—it’s about ensuring that every story serves the people with honesty and integrity.

At Leesburg Times Media Company, we believe journalism should serve—not shape—the community. That’s why we report the facts clearly and honestly, giving our readers the space to form their own opinions. We don’t chase clicks or push agendas. We stay rooted in truth, transparency, and trust.

We’re proudly unbiased, but never indifferent. Our coverage centers on the people who make Highland, Fayette, and Ross counties thrive—especially those whose work often goes unseen. From first responders and municipal workers to small business owners and student volunteers, we shine a light on the everyday heroes who deserve recognition.

Our mission goes beyond storytelling. We organize fundraisers, supply drives, and outreach campaigns to directly support the communities we serve. Whether it’s helping students access school supplies or rallying support for local families in need, we’re committed to making a tangible impact.

Community-first isn’t just a slogan—it’s our operating principle. Every article, podcast, and project we produce is designed to uplift, inform, and empower. Because when our neighbors succeed, we all do.