An editorial opinion of The Luverne Journal

Newspapers publish stories of interest to readers. Traditional newspapers offer breaking news, articles that clarify what took place recently in a manner that gets the facts out quickly.

Traditional newspapers also publish public notices, arrest records, classified ads, comics or puzzles, and features which may include local happenings and people. In between all of this, publishers sandwich highlights of national and international news, a little something for everyone.

The Luverne Journal is a community newspaper, incorporating many functions of a traditional newspaper, intertwined with the events and personal features that resonate with readers in Crenshaw County and surrounding areas.

What matters most to local communities is what matters most to the newspaper staff. Reporters follow social media posts for local residents, churches, schools, and organizations and work to uncover “the rest of the story” or the “why” behind every good deed and initiative.

They also comb through state and local agency press releases, seeking out information impacting Crenshaw County residents and placing that information at the fingertips of citizens who need it.

While the Journal posts breaking news online and in print, the bulk of the paper is reserved for the stories of Crenshaw County, its people, happenings, and sometimes its history.

Journal readers look to see their faces in the photos. They want to clip and save a loved one’s obituary or an article featuring their grandchildren for a scrapbook.

Magazines such as Southern Living or national newspapers like The Wall Street Journal sometimes contain interesting articles that also resonate with readers, but only a community newspaper, like the Journal, will share the “heart stories” of Crenshaw County.

Readers are a vital part of the process, alerting reporters to local news, events, and people other citizens want to learn more about. Editors and reporters rely on the community’s help and look to readers for tips, photos, facts, and the “story within the story” that uncovers the human element behind the news.

The Journal staff welcomes submissions. Because they cannot be everywhere at once, they value photos and facts which help them share the important news – who did what, when, where, and why in and around Crenshaw County.

Thank you for partnering with us. We welcome your stories and also your comments on how we can better serve you, our valued readers.

To submit information or comments, please email Managing Editor Lanell Downs Smith at lanell.smith@greenvilleJournal.com.