This week, newspapers across the country are celebrating. From the dailies, to the monthlies, and all those in between, for 79 years we have all collaboratively honored our craft with a week commemorating everything that our industry stands for. As we celebrate National Newspaper Week, we recognize the service we provide our communities, and we emphasize the importance of our role, as both a forum and a voice.

“The power of the press rests in the ability of journalists to hold government accountable, to mobilize public opinion on matters that are important to individuals, communities or the nation, and to provide necessary information of value,” says Gene Policinski, a founding editor of USA Today, and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute and of the Institute’s First Amendment Center.

Holding government, locally, regionally, and nationally, accountable is at the core of what we do. But, at least at this paper, we are much more than government watchdogs. We live in the community we work in. We celebrate state wins right along with you. We mourn the losses of lifelong residents just as you do. And, we visit the same businesses and eat at the same restaurants as most of you.

Our hearts are poured into our pages week after week, whether we’re writing good news or bad. We consider our work a privilege, and we understand that our job here is never really done. As long as there are stories to tell, and as long as there are people to read them, we’ll be here keeping a watchful eye on things, and cheering our community along with each of you.