Jill's Journal: The Journal: A weekly dose of good medicine

In the blink of an eye, seven years – and counting – have gone by since I began publishing the Brandon Valley Journal.  

As many have come to know, the newspaper industry has experienced many changes. Technology such as digital photography, the Internet and email have simplified the weekly process. Although times have changed, the focus of our newspaper remains the same – promoting the goodness in our small-town communities, educating readers on topics of importance, celebrating the highs and sharing together in the lows.

During my near 20 years in Brandon, I’ve witnessed multiple state championships, city celebrations, new businesses and leaders have come and gone, and continual growth in the Brandon Valley Journal coverage area. Sadly, I’ve also had to cover devasting storms, floods, tragic deaths and the passing of many great people. 

We can never say it enough, “Thank you to all of our loyal readers and advertisers who have supported us in our seven years – now in our eighth. You are truly the reason we are here.”

I hope you appreciate the product that is labored over every week – most of the time it’s a labor of love. There are those weeks though …

This week, I’m borrowing a colleague’s “recipe for success to owning a local newspaper.” I hope you enjoy, and continue to keep reading the Brandon Valley Journal.

• A tablespoon of a perpetual smile (necessary to play the poker game while attending school and city meetings or when being told how you screwed up). 

• A pinch of patience (to endure endless phone calls and emails). 

• Seasoned with self- sacrifice (for giving up personal time, think game nights and weekend events). 

• A large cup of progressive attitude (needed to keep the newspaper moving forward with the changing times). 

• Wrapped in a thick skin (I make mistakes. What can you do after it’s printed right there in black and white?). 

• Sprinkle with understanding (many don’t know how a newspaper is run but one common mistake, which always brings a smile, is when someone comes in wanting to refill their prescription. I’m surely not a pharmacist, but I’ve always touted that the local newspaper is like a weekly dose of good ‘medicine.’

• Top it off with love of community and the people here. (It’s the driving force behind the local newspaper.)