The results are in: the Bluffton Icon continues to gain readers at a phenomenal pace.

In the first six months of this year, 36,193 people viewed Bluffton Icon stories, up compared a year ago. Our viewers read 131,000 pages, also an increase from last year.

Fred Steiner, owner of the online newspaper, said, "We strive to serve the Bluffton community, and beyond, with important information whether it be government, sports, campus, school, civic groups, library, churches, even crime."

WATCH FOR A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT LATER THIS MONTH - WHICH WILL ATTRACT MORE VIEWERS TO THE ICON!

Journalism is changing rapidly with people relying more and more on social media for their news and information. And, in the case of the Bluffton Icon, it's free, thanks to the support of our advertisers.

"We take our responsibility seriously to inform the public about many things every day," said Steiner. "We hope to do even more in the future."

The Icon posts 40-50 stories, plus many photos, every week. It's like having a daily newspaper in a community of 4,000 people. Incredible.

Thank you for reading the Bluffton Icon. Thank you to our advertisers who make it possible to offer all of this free. May Bluffton continue to prosper.