Fielder’s Choice

This week, as we celebrate history in Holly Springs, I have to turn my thoughts to your community newspaper, which as been around since 1865.

As I turn from my desk and look over my shoulder, I see many bound copies of The South Reporter from years gone by. I realize how important a good community newspaper is to a good community.

It’s where you find the birth or the wedding or the death.

It’s where you find the decision by the board of supervisors or board of aldermen.

It’s where you find the championships of the sports teams.

It’s where you find the Honor Roll.

It’s where you find the public notices.

It’s where you find the yard sale.

It’s where you find the grocery ad.

It’s where you find the crime report.

It’s where you find the columnist sharing his or her opinion.

It’s where you find the ribbon-cutting.

The South Reporter is Marshall County’s history book. And occasionally flipping through some of the old bound copies makes me stay focused on that enormous responsibility.

When I was young, my mother used to cut out all the articles from my hometown newspaper about her son – whether it be sports-related or academic-related.

And after I started working at newspapers, she cut out a lot of my writings and saved them.

Here’s hoping that doesn’t ever fade away. Community newspapers are unique. There’s no substitution for them. They’re special.

Just this week a man came into the office and bought four copies of The South Reporter.

He wanted to see the photos, taken by Sue Watson, of his company at work and pass out some copies to co-workers.

Another lady, from the same company, called and wanted us to save more.

Another person came by for several copies. She wanted to make sure family members had copies of an obituary to save.

Then I had a note on my desk that a parent wanted copies of sports photos from basketball season.

At home, in a box somewhere, I have copies of many of those old newspaper articles from my high school days – saved by my mother.

And I kept copies of the old “Aggie Bark,” the high school newspaper from Hamilton, Ala.

I’ve saved copies of a weekly devotional that my late father-in-law, Phil Hefley, published in the weekly newspaper in Itawamba County.

And the list goes on and on.

I grew up loving the newspaper. And then when a couple of teachers found out I had a bit of talent for writing, they pushed me into journalism.

That was 40 years ago.

I still love the newspaper, and I’m so thankful the people of Marshall County, Benton County and beyond still love their newspaper.

And we appreciate all the kind words.

Last week, my wife waited on a nice young lady at the front counter.

“I just want y’all to know how much I love your newspaper,” she said. “I look forward to it every week. It’s the best.”

Thanks, and remember, it’s your community newspaper – and your history book, too.