A new and expanded direction

As most of you know if you look at the pages of the Tribune and Democrat, I've never been one to write a column just to hear myself talk. If I didn't have something to say, I just didn't write a column. That's why it's been some time since I've written in this space.

Anyway, since we, the Tribune and Democrat that is, are merging into one paper entitled the Poinsett County Democrat-Tribune, I thought the time was appropriate to say something about it here.

This merger is due to a number of factors, not the least of which is the economy, of course. It was deemed necessary to do this to continue to give the citizens of Trumann, Marked Tree, Lepanto, Tyronza and related areas the best possible coverage possible. And I have no doubt we will continue to do just that.

But not only will our coverage not diminish for the said areas, it will increase to cover the cities of Harrisburg, Weiner, Waldenburg as well as the other parts of western Poinsett County.

Personally, I'm excited about the move as well as now covering the Harrisburg Hornets and Weiner Cardinals as well as the Wildcats, Indians and Warriors. Will the coverage please everyone, of course not, because everyone wants to hear about their team not someone elses.

However, the coverage will be as balanced as it possibly can be, and always has been, considering that all of the teams play at the same times on the same days.

As I've told many fans, this is where each of you can help greatly.

If you're at a game with your camera, take some pictures. If the action shots are too blurry, take some still shots of the coaches, bench or whatever.

Then once you get home, email the pictures along with an explanation to our sports website at poinsettdtsports@centurytel.net.

We'll be more than happy to give you credit for the pictures and your team will get additional coverage.

Anyway, as I said, I'm already looking forward to our expanded sports coverage and encourage you to let your friends in the western parts of the county know that the Poinsett County Democrat-Tribune is coming to town.