EDITORIAL: Press focus is close to home

We like to think what we do matters. By telling the stories of the people who live here, of the events that shape our lives, of the ways locals look out for one another, we believe it provides a window into the communities we call home here in North Idaho. We believe by doing so, we are sharing with our readers, our friends, our neighbors, what makes this place so special.

We can't state emphatically that is the case. It is, after all, our opinion. And in these days of social media when information is often put out there without regard to accuracy but is readily accepted by many, The Press often stands alone in first trying to verify something before reporting it. It's a reason why there are some who feel print journalism is like a dinosaur still roaming Earth. Some might ask, "What is your purpose?"

We have an answer.

Not ours. 

A longtime Coeur d'Alene resident recently shared a note with us that brought smiles to our faces. When someone else says we are providing a service that impacts our communities for the better, it gives us confidence we are on the right track. 

His note, he noted, not for publication, "but rather just to show my appreciation for your efforts."

Here are his comments:

"Community newspapers, have declined greatly in the past few years. As a result people are inundated with national news. This situation results in a lack balance in our understanding of what is impacting our lives and leads to more extreme views.

"Local/community newspapers provide news that pertains to our daily lives. We learn what is happening where we actually live rather than a barrage of information which is important to know but has a minimal effect on our daily lives. The Coeur d’Alene Press by simply surviving is important to our community and our state of mind. We learn of matters that impact our daily lives such as zoning, different city actions, what’s happening closer to home. This information focuses our concerns on our daily lives which keeps us informed and minimizes the distorted influence of the national media and the negative impact of social media. Thank you."

The Press will continue to be a reflection of our communities and of the people who live here. We will continue to tell those stories. 

And they are great stories.