-Isms

If you are reading this on July 25, today’s a special day.

I am celebrating another trip around the sun, for which I am grateful.

It’s a tale old as time: sometimes, you think you have life mapped out and believe you know where you’re headed. Then, God sets up a roadblock, noting something different is about to play out in your life.

Take a right turn and you’ll head down the beaten path.

Venture left and discover the proverbial road less traveled.

I suspect he knew what direction I would choose and my ultimate path to land in Clearwater decades ago.

I imagine I knew it, too, but didn’t always heed the signs.

Community journalism - the local newspaper - has been a staple of my reading diet as long as I remember, presenting a constant source of information and enlightenment.

As a youngster growing up in Clay Center, area residents had the option of two strong, yet equally unique, weeklies: The Leader and The News.

“News is news,” you may be thinking, “How is that unique?”

The differences included a defined editorial vision and distinct voice evident through writing styles.

People’s stories were the focal point and a reporter’s writing style added a different perspective.

My parents believed in the importance of supporting local businesses, so I grew up perusing copies of each as soon as school dismissed every Thursday.

During a career day presentation my junior year in high school, the local editor spoke about the power of journalism and its responsibility to serve as community watchdog, share the full spectrum of life’s achievements and failures and become the local archivist.

That editor presented my first assignment: an interview with Nebraska running back I.M. Hipp, a family friend.

Lead feature story on Page 1 of the sports section.

I was hooked.

That experience laid the groundwork for where we ultimately arrive.

For several months, the Summerland Advocate-Messenger has been an idea that at various times, lived in the forefront, then shifted to the back burner, before being brought into perspective and given life.

Today is about the launch of the Summerland Advocate-Messenger, a new weekly published by me and husband, Scott.

Our goal will be to focus on the people and places that make our region unique, elements that formulate a bond stronger than mighty wind gusts sweeping down the eastern slope of Nebraska’s Sandhills.

Simply put, that bond is a sense of community, a sense of building something permanent and worthwhile through hard work, dedication and determination.

A sense that we’re all in this together - a collective community - even though our differences and opinions may vary.

Community, and the resulting relationships, will always be the heartbeat of this publication. It’s what hyperlocal journalism is all about.

Scott and I recognize the importance of the area’s rich history. It is showcased in the name. The Advocate and The Messenger were two of the earliest papers covering this region.

We also believe the future holds continued promises for greatness, and this publication will be an advocate for and share that message.

We welcome building a strong relationship with you, our readers and friends.

Thank you for sharing this venture with us and letting us tell your stories.