For millions of Americans — including approximately 15,000 in the Natchez and Vidalia area — the day cannot start without a simple morning routine, reading a daily newspaper.

Ink on paper has been around for centuries and, we fully expect, it will continue to be around for a long, long time to come as well.

Newspapers are interesting entities. Good ones are mirrors, showing the flaws and imperfections as equally well as the beauty and grace inherent in the communities they serve.

Newspapers are like quasi public utilities in that their audiences depend on them for services that can scarcely be found elsewhere.

Newspapers are businesses as well, businesses that aim to seek a profit adequate enough to allow it to fairly compensate its employees and remain independent from outside influence.

Newspapers are also imperfect. They make typos and errors, despite the best efforts to avoid them. Those typos can often lead to good-natured public ribbing from time to time. Former late night comedian Jay Leno amused the nation for years with newspaper clippings showing typos and oddly juxtaposed headlines and photographs.

Newspapers continue to function through a symbiotic relationship between their readers, advertisers and the community at large.

All too often the newspaper in a nation, a city or community is the only entity available to shed light on the public’s business, keeping all involved in constant check.

Newspapers can be great at rallying a community behind a project or cause, often more thoroughly than any other entity.

We are delighted to celebrate National Newspaper Week this week, but even more delighted that you invite us into your houses and into your lives. Thank you for your trust and your readership.