We have gotten a lot of feedback of late concerning things we have covered both in print and on the web, and we are so grateful that you would share your thoughts with us.

A newspaper that is on the grow is always concerned with the thoughts and opinions of our readers. Sometimes the comments are critical, sometimes they are filled with ideas and insights and sometimes praise.

That being said, we love all comments with the mindset the criticism is constructive and we can learn from it. The ideas are wonderful and from time to time, we have implemented them as our time and budget can afford. And of course, the praise is warming and humbles us.

When you read a newspaper, it’s important to know that each word written, whether it is a story, a cutline or a headline, doesn’t come from a company or a big organization or a cookie-cutter template. We are a small-town paper that has a small staff with a big heart and a huge vision.

And each word comes from the heart of a person dedicated to their craft and their passion. A real live person with real life emotions and feelings. When we receive your comments or your likes, it makes us feel like we’ve made a difference. It lends to our sense of purpose, which is to inform the readers concerning the events that make up our lives. Ours and yours.

And, trying to be objective in the midst of today’s problems can, at times, be a challenge. It’s like setting a thermostat in a room full of people. One-third will say it’s too hot – turn it down, one-third will say it’s too cold – turn it up, and the final third say it’s just fine – don’t touch it.

And we do our jobs, not for fame or fortune, because, frankly, if we wanted a bigger stage, we wouldn’t be here in Steele County. If we wanted more money, we wouldn’t have chosen journalism. It’s something we do because we feel called to it. And we’ve chosen this county because it is a labor of love.

From the well-crafted stories featuring the people, to the legal notices, to the news and intensive sports stories, it is our lot in life to sow into you, Steele County. We have chosen to live among you and become a part of you and to be the watchmen on your walls. 

It’s not always popular, it’s not always gratifying, it’s not always easy delivering what we have, but we have put together an award-winning paper in a very small corner of the world. You may not know it, but when we get a letter or comment or critique, we share it with all of our newspaper family. It means the world to us. You are why we’re here.