For Your Information
In light of response to a recent personal column published in this newspaper, The News feels a need to explain certain functions of this newspaper.
Personal columns, generally appearing on pages 4 and 5 of this paper are columns written by either staff members, syndicated columnists, such as Bill Shipp and Savvy Senior, or guest writers.
The columns are solely the personal view/opinion of the writer.
Several local preachers periodically offer spiritual insights. Vernon Garrett, a local resident, approached me some time ago about writing a column, and since that time sporadically expresses his personal opinion. Commission chairman Jack Bernard sometimes offers his views. Staff member Susan Jacobs and myself sometimes express our views in a column.
Personal columns do not necessarily represent the views of the newspaper, and often are very different from the views of the newspaper.
Personal columns are the work of one individual.
Editorials, which this newspaper offers rarely, are opinion pieces from the management of the newspaper. They generally concern public affairs, such as city or county government, schools, or other public policy. They typically are strongly-worded opinions on items that affect a number of people.
Letters to the editor are written by individual citizens to the newspaper to publicly express their feelings. Some will comment on a positive or negative personal experience. Others will offer their opinion of our community’s leadership. There is no limit to the subjects addressed in such letters.
The News reserves the right to edit, but generally does very little editing of letters. The News occasionally, but rarely, will deem something inappropriate for publication. The News sometimes has to limit the number of letters, and will try to present a balance of letters submitted on a particular subject.
The paper offers feature stories on persons, places or events that we feel our readers would enjoy. Sometimes the features are designed to educate our readers, such as the current series being run about methamphetamine use. Oftentimes the features are a view of light and/or upbeat news to offset the grim that often makes the headlines.
News reporting is the attempt at an unbiased account of the news that affects our community. The Monticello News is Jasper County’s newspaper and strives to present a good mix of news to its readers. We report on school news, community news, sports, etc. in addition to the hard news such as government meetings, accidents, crime, and numerous other events.
Staff is limited, so not every single news event can be covered, but we try to stay on top of news that affects the most people.
Hopefully, this clears up any confusion. If there are questions, please ask. We are the news source for Jasper County, and we aim to keep our readers informed and knowledgeable about our community.