During these interesting times, the need to highlight what brings us together as a community is even stronger. And the need for robust, independent local community journalism has never been greater.

Every day, our experienced Valley Record staff bring you stories that celebrate the common bonds that connect the people, businesses, nonprofits and community groups of North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation and Duvall. We hope you’ve been informed, enlightened, inspired, entertained or educated by our coverage of the things that help keep the Valley ticking.

The wide range of topics we’ve covered include inclusivity and local activism to the success of your local farmers market. How about a multimillion-dollar model train display coming to Snoqualmie? With fairness and fact-based reporting, we also help hold the Valley’s city governments accountable. Recently, that has included stories on funding issues, a fraud investigation and government turnover.

The Valley Record also continually spreads the word on the good in our community by reporting on local nonprofit and service groups, such as Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank, North Bend Art and Industry and Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis — and by sharing ways our readers can give back.

We’re there when things are great — and when they are not so great. We also keep a watchful eye on crime and unfortunate events. Our staff produces stories that can better the lives of Valley residents, like how to manage flood season and access funding for storm victims.

We also remain committed to keeping our local business community thriving by introducing our readers to Hartwood Cafe, Corie’s Cafe, Freestone Collective, Art Major and ASH Fine Arts. We also share stories of businesses the community already knows and loves, like Falling River Meats, Carnation Farms, Aroma Coffee Co. and Snoqualmie Valley Candle Company.

Our staff are at Chamber events, ribbon cuttings, grand openings and other community festivals like Fall City Days, Festival at Mount Si, Snoqualmie Days and others. Reporting on local arts, culture, nonprofit and service groups, we covered Empower Youth Network, Snoqualmie Valley Shelter Services, Keep it Local Snoqualmie Valley and other great organizations.

But our trained, seasoned reporters and editors also require an investment. Whether it is from our digital and print advertising partners or our loyal reader subscribers, the Valley Record’s journalism efforts need to be supported to ensure that we can continue to cover the Valley with valuable, unbiased and honest reporting.

Check your mailbox this week. Many of you will find a mailer inviting you and your household to support local community journalism in the Snoqualmie Valley Record’s 112-year mission by becoming a subscriber. You can also visit www.valleyrecord.com/svr2025 for a time-sensitive special subscription offer.

And, if you have a hot news tip, a comment or critique, a letter to the editor, or a great story idea, please connect with me or our award-winning reporter Grace Gorenflo at grace.gorenflo@valleyrecord.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading and supporting the Valley Record and www.valleyrecord.com.

William Shaw is the general manager and publisher of the Snoqualmie Valley Record. You can reach him at william.shaw@valleyrecord.com