The Brookings Register is back! I know Im not the only one celebrating. Many have commented about how important it is to have a local newspaper. There are myriad reasons why. Im simply going to offer my top 10.
One reason is, seldom mentioned, a local paper can help us broaden our vocabulary. Take myriad for instance. Myriad means a great indefinite number or quantity. The word comes from the Greek and Latin for ten thousand. Did you know that? If not, tell people you learned it in the Brookings Register.
A second reason to celebrate the return of the Register is, its a trusted source of news. Im not always sure of what I read on Facebook anymore, or even in online news. Has it been doctored? Is it some of the presidents fake news? How much of the story was generated by AI rather than by a human being? You can always go to the Register office downtown and speak with a writer in person, to clarify any questions or doubts.
Most of us arent able to attend every City Council meeting or keep track of what the county commission might be planning. It helps that someone is keeping a watchful eye out for the interests of the whole community, and keeping our representatives accountable. Small communities like ours can get lost in the larger governmental dealings of state and nation, but we can be informed about them in the Register, and be informed decision makers on the local scene.
You can always write a letter to the editor. Some people are known for writing regularly. This columnist has a critic who writes so often friends approach me asking if Ive heard from him lately; always with a chuckle and a smile on their face. This platform is always available to anyone with a concern to raise or a word of appreciation to offer.
Where did I go when I wanted to sell our old Volkswagon? The Brookings Register! For a small fee I had an ad in for one day. Thats all I needed. I had a call the next morning from someone who wanted to see the car and test drive it. An hour later it was sold. How could you ask for anything quicker or more effective than the Register want ads?
Brookings is home to the largest University in the state of South Dakota. There is a lot happening on campus. For those interested in sports or music or art or theatre or agriculture, activities are likely to be reported in the Register. There are local school activities as well. You can attend some event almost every day or evening of the week in this busy place. The Register informs us!
What if you finally admit you have a drinking problem, after your arrest for DWI (reported in the Register). Who knows when theres an AA meeting? Just look in the paper. You need not be embarrassed to ask anyone. Its right there in black and white. So is the meeting of Kiwanis and Rotary and so many other organizations.
The local paper helps us keep track of each other, building community with announcements of births, weddings and anniversaries.
Its always interesting to see a picture of the couple when they were first married, and then now, as they celebrate anniversary number 50 or 60. (No way will I have our picture in the paper on our anniversary, since it always includes how many years youve been married. People would say, What? How old are they?)
Of course, a local paper also publishes obituaries. Id like a big write up when I die. I want all my friends and critics to know of my death.
I want a large and fun funeral. How would that be possible without a local newspaper to report it on the obituary page. Maybe you want to depart quietly with no fanfare. So just dont tell the paper. But if you want to splurge, give the Register the news.
I tire of screens! I still have a flip-top phone, not one of those things I see people on all the time, scrolling away their life. Young people walk by our house looking at their phones instead of the flowers and trees. Im sure they get their news, if they get it at all, on a screen.
No thank you! I want to hold a paper in my hands. I want to read bold, black type! I want it to be delivered fresh to my door! Welcome back, Brookings Register!
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