by Alexandra Edwards

Many times the article on this page has recognized and commended  people who give back something to the community by generously donating the most precious gift of all... their time. The numerous volunteers that help in our hospitals, nursing homes, schools, senior centers, law enforcement, fire department, military and local government.

As this newspaper will enter it's ninth year and 100th issue this month, it seems a fitting time to recognize the writers of The People News, a paper made for the people, by the people. All of the people that make this paper possible, donate their time every month to bring you the reader, a free newspaper full of informative articles, facts, humor and entertaining brain food. Though not a non-profit newspaper, the revenue made from its advertisers go directly into producing the printed page - printing costs etc., any left over is used for general expenditures such as telephone, internet and website services, stationary and office supplies.

The People News was created in February 1998 by my husband Pete Edwards after realizing that the people of Bradley County had absolutely no voice when property rights were being

threatened by the adoption of countywide zoning. Attending and voicing opinion with others at numerous Bradley County Regional Planning Board meetings, writing letters to the editor of local mainstream papers and being part of a newly formed Citizens Property Rights Association seemed to have little affect. Local media were not reporting all the facts and were in fact biased on the subject of zoning. Pete, who is an engineer by profession, always steered clear of any kind of office work, rarely used a personal computer and had absolutely no typing skills, so his decision to publish his own newspaper came as quite a surprise to those who knew him. After getting a few hints from publishing contacts he had made, on what equipment was required, our spare bedroom was suddenly converted into an office with two computers, a tabloid size printer,  a few boxes of paper and a copy of "Typing Tutor."

While Pete was busy at the keyboard gaining the speed of two words a minute with two digits, my part in this crazy endeavor was to try to sell ads to local businesses. I had absolutely no experience in advertising sales and was unsure how to start. It was during this first sales venture that the acquaintance of Joe Kirkpatrick the colorful and witty owner of Tri State Import was made. Not only did he want to take out an ad, he also mentioned that he liked to write. Joe submitted a sample of his work and has been writing for the paper ever since. It seems everyone knows Joe in Cleveland, and either love him or hate him. He is kind of like an old hippie from the sixties, loves import cars especially Volkswagens and when he is not in his shop

selling auto parts, chatting or writing his column, he is working on his other business - body-piercing.

Mel Griffith who had attended and been vocal at most of the zoning and planning meetings at that time, agreed to join the team and has since submitted his column by fax each month. His column "A Personal View" is usually on the subject of local government affairs. We are fortunate to have Mel who now ironically is a member of the Bradley County

Planning Commission, helping to protect our property rights. He is also sixth district School Board member and is currently a candidate for county commissioner.

June Griffin, although a Rhea County resident, was also concerned about Bradley County losing their property rights to zoning and many times traveled to Cleveland attending meetings to defend those rights. June has also been very active in the displaying of the Ten Commandments here in Bradley and all across Tennessee. After accepting an invitation to write for the first edition, she has sent her column "Tennessee Mockingbird"  to us every month via e-mail. June is currently running for the office of U.S. Congress, District 3. June's son JB, a master automobile service  technician, and his wife Stacey also contributed with "Old Soldiers Never Die." JB presently helps readers fix problems with their cars through his column "Car Talk."

J.C. Bowman, well known from his career as a Bradley County educator, also agreed to write a column each month. J.C, one of our most seasoned writers, moved to Tallahassee, Florida after accepting a job in the office of Governor Jeb Bush. The strong ties he still holds for Bradley County often show through in his writing and though he presently runs his own business in Tallahassee, there is no telling when or if he will return. The People News  were delighted when J.C's daughter Jennifer became its youngest writer with her column, "Jennifer's Corner" at the age of just 12 years old. It was clear to see from the start that this little girl sure could write. Today, at the age of 17 she has proved herself an extremely talented and mature writer.

B.J. Armstrong, a retired 2nd Grade teacher at Waterville Elementary School, contacted The People News after reading the first edition and offered to share her knowledge of

fitness and health by submitting her health column, which for the first few years was written in long hand but is now neatly typed and sent in the mail way before each deadline.

Pastor Joel Lawler, father of our four beautiful grandchildren, kindly offered to submit his column "Matter of Faith." Joel was ordained in 2004.

After reading an excellent article in the Farm Bureau News by editor Pettus Reed, he was contacted and asked if we may publish it. Pettus generously added us to his list for his monthly column "Read All About it" and is still with us today.

Selling advertising enabled contact with local vendors  who would show an interest in contributing to The People News. Jerry Keys of Bradley Title Exchange offered to write a sports page and has stayed with us from the start. His knowledge of sports has attracted thousands of readers, especially since our online edition appeared on the web in 2003.

Another popular writer, Toneeke Henderson of Toneeke's Mystical Garden. This very talented artist with strange mystical ways, despite often baffling the editor with her  column "Realm of Reality," has attracted a large readership. Pauline Murphy, formerly owner of 55-60's Ice Cream Parlor offered to write recipes for the paper. She said she never sends a recipe without first trying it out herself. She has loyally e-mailed her recipes on the 16th of every month without ever having a reminder.

Cecil Owen, a veteran of World War 2, contacted The People News in September, 2002 with many great stories he had to tell and asked if he may share them with our readers. His articles have received much online response from fellow veterans and historians. Last but not least, humor columnist Ned Hickson, editor of the Siuslaw News, Florence, Oregon, joined the team in October 2004 after submitting a sample of his work. Ned has recently been accepted into the National Media Corporation and is now submitting his articles to newspapers nationwide.

The only person that has received any compensation for their work with this newspaper is Toneeke's daughter Rina of Greenrain Graphics, who for a minimal fee, does a wonderful job of designing our ads.

The People News, has come a long way since its inception in 1998. It was designed to be and still is a paper of the people for the people but if it wasn't for the loyal, dedicated and talented writers, could not have be the most respected, eagerly read paper it is today.
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