This edition marks the First Anniversary of the Kingston Observer. It’s hard to believe that time has passed so quickly. Back in December of 2001, our introductory editorial said that "Kingston deserves its own newspaper, we’re a growing town and unique in its own right." That statement is as true today as when first penned. A scan of the front pages of the first 12 issues show the full range of emerging news emanating from a place we call home. Like our own lives, sometimes the news is good, other times events are funny, confusing or troubling, and on other occasions the issues are disturbing and downright embarrassing. But, we believe our readers deserve to read it all, and in a manner that cuts to the chase.

We have endeavored to provide balance. Your ideas and opinions have always been welcomed, and for those who communicated with us, your thoughts are reflected within our pages. We have spent considerable time within the schools, highlighting, with words and photos, the concepts and images of our children. We have championed the events and needs of our senior population and provided insights into our rich, historical past. Through a corps of local writers, we have both laughed and cried, sometimes simultaneously. We have taken a peek at the bounty of Kingston’s nature and environment, shown the trial and tribulations of wedded bliss, opened the window on our political past, and provided reviews of the latest literary offerings. Other writers have endeavored to help answer your automotive questions, and to view the trends in pro football. Our cartoonist is one of the best in the business.

The Ringside pages have probed all aspects of the governmental process, ventured into the world of predictions, tweaked at political folly and placed a pat on the back to those whose actions may have gone unnoticed. Our editorial pages have delved, headlong, into political analysis and issues. A year ago we said "We want to be the kind of paper that you turn to when you want the inside scoop. You will find us plugged into the grapevines that encircle our town. You will have a grandstand seat at the core of the political process." We stand behind those thoughts and believe we have delivered.

A locally owned newspaper is a vanishing breed. We do not rely upon the vast resources and money that accompany the publishing monopolies, we instead depend upon our readers , advertisers, and each other to make our existence possible. A loyal lineup of local businesses have made the delivery of the news possible and allowed for a free newspaper. They all deserve the support of our readership. And what about the readership? It is for you that the paper exists. It is from you that we draw upon our coverage. You have provided us with encouragement, fair criticism, story ideas and tips.

The Observer joined five other newspapers that provide excellent coverage to our town. The Reporter and the Marinor contribute on a weekly basis, the Ledger and Enterprise daily and the Globe South twice a week. Each publication brings a range of varied prospective and a journalistic check and balance. The monthly Observer sought to establish its own turf in this crowded field. We live in Kingston, and have for 30 years. It is our home, a place where we work, socialize, serve, laugh and cry. We have raised our children in Kingston, sent them to our school system, cheered them on the baseball fields and sent then into the world and seen them return home. As residents we have attended weddings, Christenings, shared milestones and achievements. We have mourned the loss of our numbers, who to "family" are never just numbers.

Working with essentially a cadre of volunteer writers, and a small, part-time production staff, there is one quality that has enabled us to remain more then competitive, we are full-time residents with a lifetime commitment. Our immeasurable gratitude goes to those who provide us with the volumes of "insider" information that allows us to "hit the streets", month after month, with exclusive, breaking news. We are humbled by the trust they have placed with us. In many cases, our sources trust us in providing anonymity, realizing that a broken promise could leave them in fear of job security, reprisals, and ridicule. Trust cannot be manufactured, it must be earned. It doesn’t happen among strangers. Because we wake up in Kingston, spend our days in Kingston, and go to sleep in Kingston, we are never isolated from the results of our coverage…no matter where it takes us. Our position, is therefore, a unique one, quickly understood by our "citizen reporters.".

We appreciate the fact that in just one year, the Observer has been welcomed into your lives. Your kind words and encouragement is greatly appreciated and will continue to be a source of energy as we begin our second year here, at home, in Kingston.