LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Words are your gift to the world and we are truly thankful to have each of you and our local newspapers in our lives. Positive and public press is so important, particularly in the Main Street Chamber arena. Shining a light on specific topics is not the easiest job at times. Marshall County has experienced natural disasters, economic downturns, a global pandemic and more. To have the news reported in a non-objective manner, is even more difficult when you are affected personally, yet The South Reporter remains a steadfast friend that we can all count on no matter what we are experiencing.

You are our local news source of articles and photographs for data, history, business, jobs, ribbon cuttings, family and friends. We have developed friendships with you and previous Editors and Staff that will continue and grow long past our positions with the Chambers.

Thank you for all you have done to support us in our roles as Executive Directors of the Holly Springs and Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street organizations. You’ve made our jobs more fulfilling, our lives richer and better just by being you! Your support, input, ideas and enthusiasm have made it possible to make quality improvements to the communities for Marshall County’s economic development.

We were most honored to be featured in the 2023 Annual Profile Edition! In doing the interviews with Sue Watson, we were able to express the importance of our jobs, family and friends. In doing our work, it took unyielding support from all entities. Sue’s ingenious interviews, photos and articles allowed us to express our thoughts and hopefully, our advice in living a blessed life.

Week after week for over 155 years, The South Reporter Staff meet the tremendous task of deadlines, writing articles and having the photos in place to provide THE news of Marshall County. We offer our sincere gratitude for your time, talent and expertise through the numerous day-to-day situations to report the news.

Newspapers are a a record of history and a communication tool like no other platform of business advertisements, documentation of meetings and events, features and obituaries of people to be remembered. You connect us with the written word! Reading “off a screen” is not as easily remembered or documented. We both want to join together to express how essential and appreciated you are!

In saying this, we urge others to support the newspapers by subscribing, purchasing ads or weekly papers at your local stores! You cannot feel the emotions or connections like you can with the newspapers. We as many others have, certainly felt the emotions over the years when we worked with you and read the weekly South Reporter and Pigeon Roost News

“I read about eight newspapers a day. When I’m in a town with only one newspaper, I read it eight times.” - Will Rogers

Our best and love to you,

Sarah Sawyer Christy Owens