Since we’re approaching the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s a great time to share some of the things I am thankful for in regards to this newspaper I edit.
I’ve heard a fair share of comments since returning to the paper in July that the product looks and reads better than it has in some time. I’m thankful — no, grateful — to hear that. There are lots and lots (and lots) of stories to be told in our county, and it’s not easy work preparing them with our small, but ultradedicated, staff.
Something I’m most happy to see is the return of receiving Letters to the Editor. I love hearing from our readers on the local topics that affect them the most, and their thoughts on them. Participating in what I call the “process of the news” is the sign of an engaged community, one of the best things one can be called.
So it’s probably a good time to remind all of you, our faithful readers, of the the guidelines for sending one in.
Since timeliness is a factor in letters we choose for publication, we strongly encourage submitting them by email. Use the Submissions tab at AroundOsceola. com, or write to editor@ osceolanewsgazette. com (please put the text in the email and not an attachment), or Letters to the Editor, 22 W. Monument Ave., Suite 5, Kissimmee, FL 34741.
Please keep the topic on a local issue, preferably referencing an article or other item that has appeared in the News-Gazette. If it is a state or federal/national issue, please state what the “local hook” is.
While the ideal length is 150-250 words, please keep your letter under 400 words. Longer submissions will need to be trimmed to fit space, and I’d just as soon send it back for you to make those edits, because I don’t want it to stop being your letter.
The letter must include your name; anonymous letters or those written with pseudonyms will not be considered. For verification purposes, include your email address, city of residence and a telephone number you can be reached.
We will accept one submission per reader every 30 days. Adding new thoughts or depth to an ongoing local discussion go far in getting your letter published. Namecalling, inaccuracies or inflammatory statements … don’t. Let’s be a community to be taken seriously. That’s about it. Collect your thoughts, share them with us, and let the chips fall where they may. It’s a great thing for the community. I will say we are no longer publishing letters regarding Osceola County’s new logo that debuted last month, as we think that topic has been fully encapsulated.
Aside from that, I look forward to reading, and sharing, what is on all of your minds. Have a very Happy and Thankful Thanksgiving! …
… This is as good a time as any to remind our neighbors that there is still emergency rental, mortgage an utility assistance available from Osceola County (if they don’t provide, they can point to who does). But you need to apply, and do so online here: https:// osceola.formstack.com/ forms/covid_rental_ assistance
