About The 228 Times
News from your neighborhood.
The 228 Times is an independent, digital-first, hyperlocal newspaper dedicated to covering the people, places, businesses and events that shape life along the Route 228 corridor, including Mars Borough, Adams Township and surrounding communities.
Our mission is simple: to provide accurate, fair and timely local journalism that informs residents, strengthens community connections and encourages civic engagement.
As our communities continue to grow, so does the need for trusted local reporting. The 228 Times was founded to fill that need by providing independent coverage of local government, schools, business, development and community life—stories that often receive little or no attention from larger regional media outlets.
What We Cover
Each week, readers can expect coverage of:
• Local Government & Civic Affairs — Township and borough meetings, elections, public safety, planning, transportation and community development.
• Business & Economic Development — New businesses, local entrepreneurs, commercial growth and major infrastructure projects.
• Schools & Education — School board meetings, district news, student achievements and educational issues.
• Sports — Local athletes, teams and community sports coverage.
• Community Life — Events, nonprofits, volunteer organizations, history and the people who make our communities unique.
Our Editorial Standards
The 228 Times is committed to producing journalism that is accurate, fair, transparent and independent.
Our reporting is based on interviews, official documents, public records, attendance at public meetings and other verifiable sources. Whenever practical, we seek comment from individuals and organizations who are the subject of our reporting before publication.
Every news story is reviewed for factual accuracy, clarity and completeness prior to publication through our editorial review process. If new verified information becomes available after publication, stories may be updated to reflect the most accurate information.
Opinion columns, guest commentaries and letters to the editor are clearly identified and are separate from our news reporting.
Ethics & Independance
The 228 Times operates independently and serves the public interest.
Editorial decisions are made without influence from advertisers, sponsors or outside organizations. Advertising relationships do not determine what stories we cover or how they are reported. Sponsored or promotional content, when published, is clearly identified.
We strive to treat all individuals fairly, accurately represent differing viewpoints and provide appropriate context so readers can make informed decisions.
Corrections Policy
Accuracy is one of our highest priorities.
If we publish information that is inaccurate or incomplete, we will promptly review the matter. Verified factual errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Significant corrections or clarifications will be noted within the article when appropriate.
Readers who believe an error has been made are encouraged to contact us at news@228times.com.
Community Engagement
Local journalism is strongest when the community participates.
We encourage readers to submit story ideas, news tips, event information and letters to the editor. We also welcome respectful discussion through our website and social media platforms. Community input helps us identify stories that matter most to our readers.
Funding & Transparency
The 228 Times is independently owned and supported primarily through local advertising, sponsorships and business partnerships.
Our advertisers make independent local journalism possible, but they do not influence editorial decisions, story selection or news coverage. Sponsored or promotional content is clearly identified so readers can distinguish it from independent news reporting.
Our Contributors
The 228 Times is produced by a small team of journalists, photographers and community contributors who are committed to providing accurate, independent local news.
Our regular contributors include:
• Harold Aughton, EdD — Founder & Publisher. Oversees the editorial direction of The 228 Times and is responsible for reporting, editing and publishing much of the organization’s local news coverage.
• Rodney Phillips — Sports Columnist and author of Rodney’s Rundown, covering local athletics and student-athletes.
• Ian Schauble — Contributing Reporter covering education, school board meetings and community issues.
• Cheryl Aughton — Community Columnist and author of Everyday Grace, celebrating faith, family and the people who make our communities special.
• Jason Swanson – Freelance photographer covering sports and community events.
• Additional freelance writers, photographers and guest contributors periodically assist with coverage of local news, sports and community events.
Get Involved
The 228 Times is more than a newspaper—it’s a community resource.
You can help strengthen local journalism by:
• Sharing a news tip or story idea: news@228times.com
• Submitting a Letter to the Editor: letter@228times.com
• Advertising or sponsoring The 228 Times
• Signing up for our weekly newsletter
• Following us on Facebook and sharing our stories
Our Founder
The 228 Times was founded by Harold Aughton, EdD, a journalist, marketing communications professional and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in journalism and strategic communications.
His reporting has appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and The Columbus Dispatch, among other publications. Throughout his career, he has covered local government, education, business and community issues while leading marketing and communications initiatives for nonprofit organizations.
Harold founded The 228 Times with a simple belief: every community deserves independent, trustworthy local journalism that keeps residents informed, encourages civic engagement and celebrates the people and places that make the Route 228 corridor unique.
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