2013 has arrived and the last of 2012 can be put to rest. For the Polk County News, it was a tumultuous year. There was a lot of unexpected change and unheaval that left us scrambling to hold things together - but hold things together we did. We may have made a few mistakes along the way, but the paper kept on going.

With the new year now ahead of us, we intend to start anew. It is coming up on four months since our leader, mother, and mentor, Ingrid Buehler, passed away. With a new year beginning, we want to take the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to continue the tradition of good community journalism that Ingrid carried on for 30 years. She may be gone, but as it has since 1883, the Polk County News carries on.

So as we begin anew, we ask for your input. We have some new faces and fresh ideas, but would love to hear from you. If there is something you’d like to see more of or if you have a feature story idea or even just have a question for us, our door is always open.

We want your paper to be what you want it to be. Ingrid never considered the newspaper something that belonged to her - she was merely its caretaker - and that mentality has not changed. This newspaper belongs to the community and we will strive to include as much information every week that we can.

Because our staff is small, we can’t always get everywhere we would like to be. We always welcome submissions from our readers. If you want to see it and we were not there, never hesitate to email, call, or just come by the office with information or pictures. We apprecite those of you who take the time to keep us informed more than you will ever know.

Never assume we know it all - we probably don’t. We’re just people like you, but we are people who truly intend to continue the legacy of the Polk County News. From county government to honor rolls, from heritage stories to new births, if it matters to Polk Countians, it matters to the Polk County News.

Here’s to 2013 - our 130th year - and here’s to every one of you! May this and every year be blessed.