ANOTHER YEAR HAS COME AND GONE and suddenly we all have to get used to writing “2006” on everything. It is a tradition that in the first issue of each year, Vevay Newspapers takes the time to recap the year that has just passed. Those events are found in this issue, and I hope that you remember and enjoy them.
In putting that information together, I am reminded each year just how quickly time passes. Someone once told me that “the days drag by and the years fly by”, and as I get older, I find the truth and the value in that statement.
Things that happened in the early Spring seem as though they just occurred, and as I look for specific events, I find that they actually happened a year ago — or more.
I don’t know where the time goes; but I do know that the staff of the Vevay Newspapers works very hard to provide as much information to our community as possible. Do we always do it right? No, we don’t — no one does.
There are always events and occasions that are vitally important to people; and we try as hard as we can to get that information within the confines of the limitations that we have as a small staff.
Remember: we are covering an entire county, and sometimes that means that we have to make judgments as to where we’ll be and how long we’ll be there. Those decisions sometimes make people angry, but we try and work with everyone who tries to work with us.
This is a unique newspaper in that it tries very hard each week to provide information that is of specific interest to the people who live here. There are so many avenues for information of a national scale, it seems redundant to bring national news to you through the pages of a weekly newspaper.
Based on that belief, this newspaper believes, as it always has, that this community and the people who live in it are the most important thing — and the most interesting thing.
That means that we try and find the good in most things that happen, from a blowout basketball game to an award that someone has earned. Is it always filled with good news? No, of course not, but we do strive to provide information that makes you think, and also puts a smile on your face on occasion.
With that said, it is often overwhelming to put together this newspaper each and every week. When it’s finished on Wednesday afternoon, we all sit back and try and find a way to recharge our batteries quickly so we can start again the next day.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for being the people that you are. I can work at a newspaper anywhere in this country, but I want to work at a newspaper right here in the Switzerland County community because of the people — each of you — who make this a special and wonderful place.
As with each of you, there are times when I have to do my job — and to be perfectly honest with you, sometimes it’s harder on me than it is on you. There are times when the names in our newspaper are more than just letters on paper — there are faces and personalities and friendships behind them.
That makes being a small town newspaper editor a tough job at times, but I believe that as long as we try and be fair and honest and consistent, then no one can ask for more than that.
Do we enjoy printing the public record? No, we don’t. In fact, if no one does anything wrong next week, there won’t be one. The problem comes when we are asked to pick and choose who goes in and who stays out.
If we leave someone out and include others, we are not being fair to those who don’t call. So what’s the fair thing to do? If a person gets cited or arrested, they go in the public record — no exceptions. Some may not like it, but it’s the fairest way to handle that situation.
Through all of the difficulties of this job, I must say that the good times and the opportunities that I am presented with far outweigh those few problems. I am blessed to have a front row seat as this county rouses from its slumber and begins to grow and prosper and thrive.
I get to watch children who won coloring contests as elementary students stand and give valedictory speeches as graduates; and I get to see people of all ages accomplish amazing things — and then I get to tell you about them.
I also get to celebrate with the community as new babies are added to it; and mourn with them as loved ones are taken from it. It’s all part of the “circle of life” that each of us goes through.
It’s that circle that the true character of this community of friends and family is seen. People genuinely care and are concerned for each other, and when someone passes away, each and everyone feels the pain and separation. We shoulder each other’s burden; and we share in each other’s joys.
What will 2006 bring? I have no idea, but I know that the fellowship of this Switzerland County community will endure through whatever comes along.
It’s just what we do — we’re family.