An introduction of sorts

Since this will be our first edition of the new paper, I wanted to properly introduce myself. My name is Marissa Holiman. I am from Lepanto and a 2005 graduate of East Poinsett County High School. My parents are Mark and Kaye Holiman. I have two sisters and two nieces. My grandparents are Reva and the late G.E."Buck" Guin and the late Mary Helen and Johnny Holiman. I'm currently taking a break from college. When I return, I will be seeking a journalism degree.

In this column I plan to write on today's interest or topics, some human interests about people in our community, sometimes reviews of the happenings in the area (movies, concerts, special events in the area, etc.) and articles of opinion. I love history so I will occasionally "go into the time capsule." I'm not a very big political person, so I very rarely write about politics.

I want to begin my first column by telling you a little secret that you may not be aware of in the journalism field. Journalists and newspapers do not have a magic genie that tells us "who, what, when or where." There is no blue face Aladdin to yell "Meeka-lekka-hi-mekka- hiney- ho...send a reporter to the next school function at 11 o'clock in the school cafeteria." Although, that would be great.

For the most part we get stories from various groups submitting and tips from readers, occasional press releases and emails from government agencies. The most important source we have that keeps us on top of what's happening is you, our readers and the businesses in this area. We have five employees at this particular office that do the actual reporting, photography, advertising and lay-outs. We cover sports; club activities; board meetings for the cities and schools; school and church news; government, county and state news; human interest stories; obituaries; police news; senior citizen news; business news and just about everything else you can think of.

It is hard to cover events after they are over (unless you have pictures and information). We have to know before, so please - if there is something happening in the area that is important to you or you feel is news worthy, please, please email or call ahead of time and make us aware of the event. We will be more than happy to do our best to cover what you feel is important but remember we are a small, hardworking staff. You have to also allow us time to work on the story once you have submitted it in order for us to have it ready for the next week's paper. Not to mention the fact that we are a weekly paper, meaning once a week.

As in any job, and as all of you are well aware of, regardless of what you do, how little or how much, someone, somewhere is not going to be completely satisfied with your end results. It is not our intention to offend or inconvenience anyone. We do try to please everyone, but sometimes there are circumstances that are beyond our control. We are writers that are just trying to "spread the word" and do our jobs to the best of our abilities. The power of words sometimes can be unintentionally misunderstood. However, it is our top priority to try to be as accurate as possible.

By the way, if anyone knows where I can find a "genie in a box," please forward me the information at marissa_layne_22@yahoo.com. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.