Production of the Kingston Community News sometimes comes at a challenging time.
As I write this, the newsroom and production staffs are busy working on the February edition of KCN, while simultaneously working on the North Kitsap Almanac, the North Kitsap Herald and Kitsap Week, and posting stories to websites and Facebook and Twitter.
A challenging time it may be, but I enjoy this time of the month, when I read the dispatches from our KCN correspondents. Kipp Robertson, Megan Stephenson and I write news and feature stories, but our correspondents are the ones who give KCN its community flavor. Their columns inform, enlighten, entertain. They tell stories. They compel action. They let us into their lives, connecting with us through a like experience.
What I’m trying to say is, our correspondents make KCN what it is. Their work is worth more to us than any “thank you” gathering or certificate of appreciation could ever say.
And what a group it is: Betsy Cooper, who’s donned snorkel gear to introduce us to the thriving sea life in the Apple Tree Cove estuary. Walt Elliott, who can boil down the workings of the ferry system and bring it home in understandable and humorous language (and draws some fine editorial page cartoons). Harriet Muhrlein, who mines interesting stories from Kingston’s past and gets a column to me without fail, even when sunning in Indio, Calif. Marylin Olds, our deep thinker who writes an insightful New York Times-worthy issues column for our Op-Ed page.
Our understanding of the Port Gamble S’Klallam people and culture is strengthened by S’Klallam Chairman Jeromy Sullivan’s Noo-Kayet column.
We learn about our environment from Naomi Maasberg, local goings-on from Donna Lee Anderson and Shana Smith, life lessons from Denise Roundy, Jacque Thornton and Wendy Tweten.
Marilyn Bode’s student-artist profiles help us see the importance of art education. Pete DeBoer keeps readers apprised of what’s going on at the port — and we learn a new word every month. Kyler Lacey helps us see the world through a teenager’s eyes. Mark Ince helps us stay aware of needs in the community. Because of Michele Laboda’s column, we know that North Kitsap Fire and Rescue is about so much more than just fire and rescue. And because of Dr. Thomas Lamar, we know that chiropractic is about more than just getting an adjustment, it’s a philosophy and a way of life.
Nick Jewett, Bob Lee and Nancy Martin keep us apprised of the difference volunteers are making in our community, and how we can be a part of the good work. Tomi Whalen brings the library and its activities to life in each column. Jan Zufelt doesn’t just dispense advice in her real estate column; she has a conversation with readers about issues they are facing.
I am proud of the Kingston Community News and its correspondents. Over the last two years, KCN has grown in number of pages. I think that’s because there’s so much cool, important, and useful stuff to read. Columnist contact information is located at the end of each column. Let them know what you think. They’d like to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and advertising in KCN.
