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Calling community to the community paper

As editor of the Rossland News, I make it my mandate to publish only content about Rossland and the immediate area.

As editor of the Rossland News, I make it my mandate to publish only content about Rossland and the immediate area. That’s what acommunity newspaper is, and that’s my job. However, with fewer ads, there is much more editorial space to fill each week and that makes it challenging to adhere to my mandate.

In pursuit of good stories, and because I don’t actually live in Rossland, I rely heavily on the community to advise me of what’s going on.Our reporter, Chelsea Novak, has done an outstanding job of hunting down and responding to newsworthy stories. She does this withintegrity, knowledge and spirit for the community she lives in, often on her own time. She writes honestly, without opinion, and sometimesprovocatively.

We take the news side of the city very seriously as well. Mayor Kathy Moore is a dedicated contributor to the paper and her passion for hercity is remarkable. From water pipes and bear issues, to refugees and music, Mayor Moore walks the walk. I’m a big fan.

Recently, I invited the city councilors to write regular columns, a great way to inform their voters of the progress of the various committeesthey serve on, and the issues they are passionate about. Not one of them responded. Not one. Disappointing, to say the least.

I also want to acknowledge Ron Shearer for his remarkable monthly contribution of historical stories about people who lived in Rosslandmany years ago. History is a huge part of this area and, in my opinion, something that should not be lost.

As for the youth of Rossland, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a community with a more vibrant, active population. The parents, businesses andorganizations that support youth and their many activities in the community are unmatched and should be commended. I take greatpleasure each time I receive an article from Maggie Chan about the Interact club, or when I have the privilege of publishing yet anotherarticle about a young athlete who has achieved greatness. Bravo, Rossland!

I know you would all agree Rossland is a vibrant city, its residents passionate about the events, causes, history and workings within thecommunity. I want to believe that it matters to the community that we have a weekly newspaper where events, causes and political debatesexist.

I would love to hear from you. Tell me what you want to see in your local paper. Are there any would-be columnists itching to write aboutgardening, mountain biking, hiking, fashion, senior’s issues, food or politics? Do you know someone who has done something great for thecommunity and should be celebrated? Email me, call me, or write a letter to the editor.

For all of the businesses who regularly advertise, I thank you. To the businesses who don’t advertise regularly, I ask you to consider thevalue of a community newspaper that publishes the events, photos and stories that happen in Rossland and what it means to the peoplewho read and rely on the paper for information and news in their community.

Some say print newspapers are going the way of the Dodo bird, and yes, I’m the first to say the Internet is a great source of information andnews. But you can’t put an online story in your child’s scrapbook. I believe there is still a place in our screen-crazy world for printnewspapers. I also think it would be a real shame if we lost our community newspaper.

Think about it.