I am very pleased that Houston County News will join our group of community newspapers. Tom and Jean have worked very hard to build this newspaper, which will make a fine addition to our group of weekly newspapers.

It will be extremely difficult to replace the commitment to the La Crescent and Houston County that Tom and Jean have. But our goal with the paper will be to continue the tradition of serving local readers and our advertisers.

The new Web site is a logical extension of what newspapers already do very well ? providing important information about government. Putting that information online makes it easy and accessible for those who prefer the Internet.

Many people don't realize that we actually produce six different newspapers and the HCN (Houston Community Newspaper)-wide entertainment section Greater Houston Weekly in this office. That is an average of 150 pages each week! We do all that with just a handful of folks - who don't receive much in the way of money for their efforts.

With most American newspapers in the throes of massive change, community news is more critical than ever.

[It worked. A contributor subsequently came through with funding for the group.] It was one of those deals where you feel you are led in a particular direction, ... When you take the risk to do it that way, there is the payoff.