Gopher Gulch: A few words about the paper you’re reading

It was a time when columnists were not allowed to write about the paper we write for. We were not to mention co-workers, personal lives or the difficulty of making a newspaper happen in a rural area where the printing plant often loses power in the winter and hillsides fall on the road.

Everything had to be written at a 5th grade reading level and the front page came straight off the AP wire. Fundraisers and school events were mentioned only if they were part of paid announcements. Objectivity ruled.

And objectivity is important for news regarding council and committee meetings, law enforcement, zoning issues, sewer plants and such dry and necessary stuff. We have great reporters who sit through these meetings and remain so objective and focused I’m in awe of them.

In its current incarnation, I see The Daily Triplicate as an expression of community building at its best. I look forward to the morning paper. Is there anything cuter than a “baby cow” closely examining a photographer? The story tells of a Smith River family dairy, of milk available in stores less than 20 miles from where the cows graze and calves are protected from weather and predators in warm little houses. And the story is on the front page!

Among the things I appreciate is an editor who wants to be here, who loves our forests and beaches and whose editorials address local issues. I’m grateful for the coverage of local fundraisers, festivals and school activities. The paper has finally become, as it was 50 years ago, a full participant in our community.

I’m grateful for our photographers, both the professionals and the gifted amateurs. I appreciate reporters so dedicated they manage to keep us updated on the doings of various dull but important councils and committees while still putting endless hours into documenting the lives of local people.

For the first time, I’m reading the sports page because it covers the activities of kids I know. The Daily Triplicate has truly become a local paper, and I’m proud to be associated with it. Our morning paper is created through the efforts of our neighbors working very hard with a short staff.

And I appreciate Josh, who delivers my paper. Having been “the paperboy,” I know what a hard job it is. It’s a mitzvah to tip your delivery person during the holiday season and all year long.