There’s something special about newspapers. 

If you’ve ever picked up a print edition of any of the thousands of the papers produced from this publication, you’ve felt that special quality. It’s older, but not quite archaic. Vintage, but not out of style. A newspaper is a continuous, ongoing community project filled cover to cover with ink and intention; a newspaper is the Sullivan County Democrat.

This week marks 135 years of this newspaper reaching doorsteps, breaking news, delivering opinion and cultivating community. For 98 of those years, the newspaper and its adjoining special publications have been under the leadership of the Stabbert family for three consecutive generations – Fred Stabbert Sr., Jr. and now, the III. 

This week marks 135 years of countless hours of hard work, steeled dedication, studious research, number-crunching statistical breakdowns and creating headlines that make you bite your lip have been put into this newspaper; and it’s all thanks to you, our dearest readers. 

Of course, we are still human, and the passing of over a century and three-and-a-half-decades has invited automation, souless writing via AI and other tools into the world of writing and imagery. But we still choose humanity. With that humanity, there may come mistakes. But each and every time, truth prevails and great lengths are taken to right any wrongs. And we are more than just human; we are your neighbors, friends and colleagues. That is what separates the Democrat from other newspapers. It is inragined in its legacy with that of trust, accountability, knowledge and dignity. 

Because after all, newspapers are, at their surface level, just a collection of data, images and ideas – it’s only when the eyes of a caring community take interest and benefit from that which is presented is truly when you have a news source. We at the Sullivan County Democrat are beyond proud to still be that news source for so many people throughout our shared home county.

As we move into serving readers for our 135th year, the proof has been in the pudding all along – there is something special about this newspaper – it’s you.