Today I am putting down my 779th consecutive, weekly newspaper, since I started working at the paper October 31, 2006. This week is Volume 44, Issue 49. That means in three more issues we will hit the beginning of our 45th year. That’s not a small number, my friends.

In all that time we have hit the hard deadline all but once, when we were a day late when I was in the hospital.

I’ve worked every job there is at the paper, including my current volunteer position. Design and layout remains my favorite part. I also take photos, write occasionally, take care of all the bookkeeping, process subscriptions, work on the website, sell advertising, manage up to 35 contributors per month, work on the podcast and work with our local interns.

Some weeks are easier than others. This one (32 pages) was easier than last week, only because it is a hybrid “It’s Your Turn” edition. That means some of it is reader written, some of it includes our hard-working reporters. I LOVE 32 pages. I love when there is that much news to read. I mean, there is always that much news. But sometimes we have just enough reporters, photographers, volunteers and staff to actually share that much news.

I won’t complain about it. Because really, despite all the chaos at times, I still LOVE doing this. Every week.

I hope you enjoy this weeks paper.

Have a question or comment? My door is always open (in Gilpin and in Nederland), my phone is on (303-810-5409), my email is checked regularly (publisher1977@gmail.com).

We are YOUR community newspaper.

#attitudeofgratitude #newspaperlife #themountainear