One reason many of us ink-stained wretches remain in the newspaper business is to try to make a difference in people's lives. We believe we can help build a sense of belonging, a sense of place, even a sense of purpose in the communities where we live and serve. He first used that term after floodwaters from the raging Red River destroyed or heavily damaged most homes and businesses in northeast North Dakota in April 1997. Jacobs said that disaster made him realize just how much his newspaper and his community were connected. The word ''we'' took on a broader meaning and added significance, and the newspaper's actions and attitude in the aftermath were ''we're all in this together'' as they identified problems and tried to find some solutions.
Disasters do seem to somehow pull families and communities together.
We also see that spirit of cooperation and sense of courage and conviction during the holidays. At this time of year, our pages are filled with stories and photos of individuals and organizations helping our neighbors in need. I'm glad our newspapers can spotlight many of those efforts. I'm proud that Athens Newspapers sponsors the Empty Stocking Fund, and even more proud of the community support. Most newspapers sponsor or participate in some seasonal program, but the Empty Stocking Fund is by far the most successful of the four I've been associated with.