And the local news keeps coming at you. Let’s put an emphasis on local while we’re at it.

Lots of daily papers are disappearing into the economic haze, but the Bothell-Kenmore Reporter is still standing. Weekly papers like us will always have a place in the community because that’s our first, middle and last name: community.

We’re out there amongst you, asking questions and telling your special — and often controversial — stories. Each one is crucial in displaying what the cities are all about. There’s a passion for everything that goes on here, from sports to news to arts and entertainment.

Some of us on the Reporter staff live on the Northshore and some travel from surrounding cities, but we’re all part of the scene here. It gets ingrained in you each hour of each day, and we’re all better people because of our association with the locals.

We don’t always see eye to eye on subjects, whether it’s a city-council or schools issue, but we’re all working together to tell the stories. We’ll all come out of the experience with respect for each other and a feeling of accomplishment for doing our jobs. You can’t beat that rush of energy that comes with the territory.

This week, you’re still getting your news, but in a sharply redesigned paper. Stories, headlines and photos will pop out at you even more, and we hope you’ll enjoy the product that we bring to your home and business each Wednesday.

We are passionate about what we do over here on Bothell Way Northeast and try and give you nothing but the best local news coverage each week. You’ve helped us along the way, as well, with great story ideas, submitted photos and constant encouragement that we’re succeeding in our quest to keep the area informed. Our local columnists are wizards behind their computer screens in giving their take on Northshore happenings, and we couldn’t be happier with their input each time out.

We hope you’ll stay on board with us throughout the new year — and well into the future, of course.

We’ll still be here, because papers like ours thrive on what’s going on downtown and in the many neighborhoods. Daily papers may take a stab at our local stories, but we’re here and like to think that we know the Northshore terrain the best.

So keep us busy, and keep up the good work at school, business and whatever else you have on your plate.

We’re right around the corner, maybe even knocking on your door for a quote or two. We’ll see you around town, for sure.