By Lee McLane Editor/Publisher and Simba the late Squeaks adoptive baby

This week is National Newspaper Week (Oct. 7-13) and I have put a few articles on this page to support  the importance of newspapers in our society.

As far as I am concerned, in this small city, having a family-owned newspaper is fun. Sure, it’s hard work - and who among us actually gets paid what we feel we are worth? I am no different there but I do appreciate the fact that on some weeks - what I convey to you through The Beebe News is important to you in some manner.  I believe that our little city is a microcosm of the United States. We may not be the melting pot of humanity here like in a big city  like New York City or some other big city - but we are all the basic make-up of each city throughout  the United States.

As far as this newspaper goes, I appreciate having the opportunity to cover the happenings in this town for you. I know that I don’t cover everything that you wish I would, and I would love to, but as a small newspaper our staff is limited and we do rely on you to help out with some of the happenings that are important to you. And, you do a great job with that!

Every October, when National Newspaper Week rolls around - I think about writing something and some years I do and some years I don’t. Each year when I think about writing something, it’s always the same thing. The fact that you let me into your lives for just a bit to report on a story and how much that means to me. I do not take it lightly that you trust me and you let me know it. Not to say that I can’t make a mistake (ex. school spends 1/3 budget on athletics…ha!) anyway - that is a testament to my failing hearing, apparently, and/or writing late at night.  Anyway, I do appreciate you trusting me for the years I’ve been doing this job and I promise you that I will continue to try to bring you the news of our little city as unbiased as I can for many years to come.

Please take the time to read one or all of these articles on this page which outline the importance of newspapers in our lives. I believe, after reading them, you will agree that newspapers are an important part of your lives and are here to stay.

Go to your happy place!

See you next week!