Local newspaper is Community Spark

Groton Daily Independent’s ‘Paper Paul’ honored for innovation and impact

Sparked by a love of journalism at a young age, Paul Kosel knew early on he wanted to own a newspaper.

It all began in high school with a bulletin board in the English room called “Kosel’s Korner.” 

He typed up stories at home on his typewriter and posted them the next day. Eventually, he approached the school superintendent and told him they needed a school newspaper. 

It was added to the school’s budget the following year.

Fueled by that early drive and a growing passion for storytelling, Kosel earned a degree at South Dakota State University. After gaining experience at various local newspapers and radio stations, he was ready to take the next step. 

He contacted the state newspaper association to find out which papers were for sale – a bold move that soon led him to Groton, SD. In 1986, he packed up, relocated, and became the proud owner of the city’s local paper.

Nearly 40 years later, Kosel is affectionately known throughout town as “Paper Paul.”

He publishes both a daily and weekly newspaper, live streams local events, owns a fitness center and laundromat, and is an integral part of the community.

In recognition of his impact, the Groton Daily Independent has been named the 2025 recipient of the Community Spark Award by Heartland Energy. Presented in conjunction with National Small Business Week, the award celebrates outstanding small businesses in Heartland customer communities.

Storm sparks new era

When Kosel first took over the Groton Independent, it was a traditional weekly newspaper. That changed one day when severe weather rolled through town.

“We had just published the weekly and a storm system came through,” Kosel recalled. “I thought, do I really have to wait a whole week to report this?”

Instead, he pulled together a special edition and published it online. That day, the Groton Daily Independent was born.

Known locally as GDI, the daily edition launched in 1999 with just seven subscribers. Today, it reaches around 200 readers, who receive a link in their inbox each morning.

GDI became the first weekly newspaper in South Dakota to establish a daily online presence – an early move that helped future-proof the paper.

Once a week, stories are compiled into a print edition which is sent to another 200 subscribers. Kosel prints the paper in house, giving him flexibility to operate on his own timeline.

Diversification expands reach

With Kosel’s schedule, flexibility is key.

During the day, you’ll find him working for the city of Groton as the technology specialist, helping with everything from summer pool prep to electric department projects. 

Before dawn, he’s at the newspaper office assembling the daily edition. After his city job, he returns to work on stories or prepare the weekly edition. And if there’s a local event or game, he’s on the road to livestream it.

That livestreaming effort, known as GDILive, began as a way to connect the community with local sports and activities—and has grown into a vital extension of the Groton Daily Independent. 

Groton Superintendent Joe Schwan appreciates the work Kosel puts into making sure activities are always available online.

“Having Paper Paul be a local supporter and producer of all of our school activities is a huge advantage to those people who live away from here and parents who are chasing kids to multiple activities,” Schwan said.

Kosel covers everything from athletic and fine arts events to graduation ceremonies. During games, he calls the plays and keeps detailed stats while running the camera. The next day, readers can find a full recap in the GDI. 

GDILive is bundled with newspaper subscriptions, while non-subscribers can pay a small fee to access events.

It’s all part of a broader strategy Kosel has embraced to keep local journalism thriving. 

“You have to diversify yourself if you want to stay in the business,” he said.

“GDI Live really helped sustain the whole operation. If you just try to stay in one thing, social media will run you out of business.”

A legacy rooted in community

The Groton Daily Independent was nominated for the Community Spark by Kosel’s colleagues at the city of Groton – people who see his impact firsthand every day. 

“GDI is essential to the well-being of our community. It plays an essential role in promoting our businesses and community events through advertising and editorials. GDI keeps Groton and surrounding communities informed and connected,” the nomination stated.

Kosel is more than the local newsman. As a longtime city employee, he brings deep institutional knowledge and a dependable presence the staff says they couldn’t imagine doing without.  

“He’s up to date on all the events in town, everything that’s happening in the city,” said Groton Finance Officer Douglas Heinrich. “With the GDI, he helps to maintain the transparency that we as a city strive for.” 

Kosel takes pride in keeping his community informed – a place he’s proud to call home.

“Everybody is still caring and works together,” Kosel said. “When there’s a crisis, people chip in. Everybody gets together and helps out.”

Community Spark

Heartland Energy created the Community Spark to recognize small businesses that serve as the lifeblood of rural communities. Nominations for the award were accepted throughout their customer base. Heartland provides wholesale power and energy to the city of Groton as well as other municipalities throughout the Midwest.

“Paul is an innovator and what he has done with the GDI exemplifies what it means to serve a community with dedication and heart,” said Heartland Energy Director of Economic Development Casey Crabtree. “His commitment to local journalism and community engagement truly sets him apart.”

While Kosel wears many hats, he is the first to admit that he can’t do it all alone. He has a small team of reporters and counts on the community to help him stay in the loop.

“It’s a group effort – a community effort,” he said. 

Under his leadership, GDI has become more than a newspaper. It’s a hub for everything happening in and around Groton and is a cornerstone of the community. 

As for the future? Kosel says he’ll keep going as long as he’s able.

“It’s something I enjoy doing and if you enjoy something, keep doing it.”

When asked how he hopes he is remembered, his answer is simple.

“I just hope my legacy is that I served the community well.”