A thanks to community

The Aurora News-Register recently took part in the 2021 Nebraska Press contest and as we listened to the various articles that won a thought occurred to me. 
We wouldn’t be where we are without the people in the community willing to share their stories with us.
It isn’t always easy to be interviewed, especially if it is on the spot or on a tough subject. Regardless, community members across the county share events, life moments and more with us every week.
While some may be reluctant, by the time we get to the actual interview I have found everyone has something to say. It may be funny, profound, heartbreaking or educational but their words are always worth sharing.
During the awards presentation, I was fortunate enough to win first place with a few of my stories and as we celebrated I really thought about how I only did half the work.
It was thanks to people who knew about these issues or thought to do a story on them that I was able to write what I did. Their passion was so strong that they knew there was a story to tell.
That, or their friends and family let us in on their success and achievements. I love when friends and family let us know what others are up to.
When it came to creating the story itself, it was their words and the emotion behind them that gave those stories information and weight that made them interesting to read.
I could write stories with just the plain facts and nothing else, but let’s be honest, that wouldn’t be very interesting without finding that local connection.
It seems to me at times that we are merely a mouthpiece for the county and all who reside here. Whether it is our highs or lows, we are here to share and remember the stories that have made us who we are.
Yes, I can type and turn an interview into a story, but without those words, I would have nothing to bring the article to life. Community members lend a certain depth to the writing with their thoughts and insight.
One of my favorite things about writing for not only a small community but one I grew up in is that I get to see how much these stories resonate with people.
There is something special about visiting businesses or homes and seeing old newspaper articles clipped out and hanging up. 
Because at the end of the day it is the human component that makes me want to go out and find these stories and preserve them for generations to come.
So even if you or someone you know don’t think you have a story to share and wouldn’t be able to do an interview, you’d be surprised. Wonderful stories come from the most unexpected places.
So remember if you or someone you know has an event, achievement, unusual hobby or interesting story to share please reach out to us. Even if you aren’t sure that it is a story worth sharing, please let us know. 
All this to say thank you to everyone in the county who has helped me to create and share your stories, events and breaking news. What a privilege it is to share your stories and I can’t wait to see what we will do, together, in the future.
JENI OBERMIER can be reached at features@ hamilton.net