Letter from the editor: Where your story lives — and where good deeds get noticed

Two of my favorite stories we cover each year center on the people who make our communities great. When we select our Citizen of the Year, I’m regularly left in awe by the difference one person can make. Over the years, we’ve highlighted leaders who have accomplished big things and others who make a difference in quieter but just as meaningful ways by being a steady hand to people in need. We also see that spirit during the annual Chamber of Commerce awards, another favorite story of mine because it starts my new year with a focus on community.

At the Star-Herald, telling the stories of those who live and work here has always been at the heart of what we do. Recently, we shared the story of Westmoor’s “Grandma Cathy” Kroeker, who used her crafting talents to make weighted bears for students at the school. The toys not only serve to help with sensory regulation, but also comfort. What a perfect way to give of yourself to help others.

We’ve seen that kind of generosity many times in our community — from the ladies who work so diligently to make Quilts of Valor to neighbors who quietly step up when someone is in need to organize a fundraiser or other effort.

And I don’t know about you, but these days I could use more of those stories. Too often, my day starts with "doom scrolling" on social media, where some seem to enjoy the sport of making others miserable by lobbing insults instead of making contributions. Then there are the days that start with watching or reading news headlines that leave me shaking my head.

With that in mind, we’re joining other Lee Enterprises newsrooms in putting an even brighter spotlight on the good in our communities. I like to think of them as “Caught Doing Good” stories, and we’re asking for your help to find them.

Do you know someone who brings joy by regularly helping their neighbors — shoveling sidewalks when it snows (remember snow?) or wheeling an elderly neighbor’s trash to the curb each week? Maybe someone at your workplace who shows kindness in unexpected ways and deserves a little recognition. How about a volunteer at your church who contributes often without being asked and can always be counted on? We all know people who may never receive a big award, but they make our lives and the pockets of our community better.

We hope you will help us find those people. Send an email to our newsroom at news@starherald.com, fill out our news tip form at starherald.com/news-tip, or, if calling is more your style, give me a call at 308-632-9054.

We’re also looking forward to visiting with many of you in person for story ideas through an activity we’re calling “mobile office hours.” On a regular basis, we’ll set aside time for the public to stop by, share story ideas, ask questions, and hopefully have some great conversations. We’re starting at the Gering Public Library on Tuesday, March 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. We hope you’ll come by, check out the library — where lots of people do great things in the community — and bring your ideas of volunteers and neighbors we should feature.

As always, thank you for supporting the Star-Herald as your local news source — by sending story ideas, sharing our work online, and subscribing. We are “where your story lives,” and we’re proud to live and work in the same communities you call home. We couldn’t do our jobs without you.