-Isms: Views on life in rural America

Another year, another milestone.

The volume number on page one's flag notes a flip of the calendar. This edition marks the beginning of what will culminate in our fifth year of publishing the "Summerland Advocate-Messenger."

It's been a whirlwind. It's required late and/or early hours. It's meant hard work, occasional frustration and an intense amount of laughter. Plus, it's been some of the most rewarding work in which we've played a part.

We believe in the power of community journalism, how a newspaper is a mirror of the communities it serves, how telling the truth brings light to even the d...