We just published our first newspaper and it feels good

       I’ve taken thousands of photos, written a ton of stories and put together more newspapers and special sections than I can count on my fingers and toes in five years.
       I’ve been involved in the newspaper business for the biggest part of life. It all started on Sept. 1, 1972 when my mom and I started throwing the Tulsa World newspapers in our neighborhood. I wanted a paper route and my mom didn’t want me out on the streets at 4:30 a.m. by myself, so she joined me in the business.
The money I earned helped buy my school clothes and gas for my first car, a 1959 Chevrolet Impala and more.
        By the time I quit, we were throwing nearly 400 newspaper a day, morning and evening, and 400 or more on Sundays. It was a family affair as my brother and dad chipped in most Sundays.
        I spent 7.5 years in newspaper circulation in my hometown of Tulsa. I went back to school and earned an agricultural journalism (photojournalism) degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia at the age of 38.
It’s a testament to the goodness of God, hard work and a never give up attitude.
       I was pushed and I was challenged and I went from barley passing high school English to graduating 19 years later from one of the best journalism programs in the world.
        Anything is possible. All you have to do is believe and make a step.
      I’ve spent nearly 24 years as a community journalist, both as an editor and freelancer, since moving to Iowa in December 1997. I’ve worked or written stories in North English, Montezuma, Brooklyn, Victor and Grinnell. I’ve also did interviews and wrote stories in Williamsburg and Marengo, Searsboro, Malcom, Guernsey, Deep River, Millersburg and Des Moines.
     I’m proud of all the work I’ve done through the years and appreciate the many kind words and even correction and guidance I’ve received from my editors and readers through the years.
       What you are holding in your hands is a testament to my a wife who loves me and believes in me and my love for community journalism.
        Debbie pushes me and challenges me every day and or oldest nephew, Gavin, helped get this publication from an idea to an actual product.
        I’ve never published my own newspaper and I’m proud of what we did together. And I hope you are, too!
       There has been so much change in the newspaper world. I know how important the printed product can be.
      As quick and easy as websites and social media can be, there’s nothing like holding an actual printed newspaper in your hands written by someone local who knows the community and area.
        Historical societies use the newspaper for keeping records and families save them for when their child or children graduate from high school and college or scored the winning basket or touchdown at state.
         I’m sad that a lot of that has gone to the wayside.
         That’s why printing this newspaper is important to us and I hope it is to you.
       I appreciate all the advertisers who opened their pocket books and made this happen. It’s entirely funded by them.
         It’s free of charge because of the advertisers.
         Please try and support them if you can.
         And thank you for supporting what we are doing.
          Let me know your thoughts and enjoy reading about our corner of Iowa.
          Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.