Dear Readers,
Here at the West Plains Daily Quill, we’re more than just a newspaper, we’re a reflection of our incredible community. Every single person on our team is deeply honored to be part of this paper, and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously. We’re here to mirror you, the community. Full stop.
Do we always get it right? Not always. But let me clarify: When I say we don’t always get it right, I’m not talking about the facts in our stories. We are meticulous in our fact-checking. Like Jack Webb said in Dragnet, Jjust the facts, ma’am.” I’m talking about sometimes missing the mark on perfect community reflection. Also, don’t make the mistake of believing that just because our take on a particular story doesn’t reflect you and your circle, it doesn’t reflect anyone in the community.
Do I always get it right? Of course not. I make missteps; I say the wrong thing sometimes. But I want to be very clear, we are never taking anyone's side. We are never playing favoritism. If we miss something that happens in West Plains, it’s just because we missed it. It got by us, we were uninformed. It absolutely is not because we’ve chosen to ignore it.
I want to assure every single reader and citizen that I have no agenda. I am the first to admit my faults. Do I ramble on too long in some (most) of my stories? Absolutely. I do the same thing in person! Do I stick my foot in my mouth? For sure. But I can promise you this, I don’t mean to offend anyone. If I green-light a cartoon to go in the paper, it’s because I thought it was funny, and I for sure didn’t give any thought to the political implications it might have.
If I say something wrong or step on toes, tell me about it! But keep the conversation going. Keep reading. Don’t just write me or the Quill off because you read a story you didn’t agree with. Conversation leads to progress; disconnecting leads to nothing. We are a community. We are you. This is your newspaper.
We pour our hearts into what we do here at the Quill. We care deeply about this town and everyone in it. We celebrate your triumphs, we share in your sorrows, and we strive to highlight the things and people that make West Plains unique. Sure, we’re not perfect. No one is. But every piece we publish, every story we share, is done with the intention of bringing our community closer together.
We’re not here to dictate what you should think or feel. We’re here to give you the information you need to form your own opinions and foster meaningful conversations. If you ever feel like we’ve missed the mark, please let us know. We’re always open to feedback and eager to improve. Our goal is to be a reliable source of news and a platform for diverse voices. Your voice matters to us, and your perspective helps shape the Quill.
West Plains is more than just a place on the map, it’s a community filled with dynamic, passionate individuals who make it a wonderful place to live. We’re honored to tell your stories and to be a part of your daily life. So, keep reading, keep talking to us, and keep engaging. We’re here to listen, to learn, and to grow alongside you.
This newspaper is a collaborative effort, and we’re grateful for every single one of our readers. You inspire us to do better every day. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. We’re committed to serving you, and we’re excited to continue this journey together.
Together, we’ll continue to make West Plains a place we’re all proud to call home.
