Welcome to the new year. I hope you enjoyed quality family time during the holidays while also staying safe and warm.
Throughout the year, I hear from many of you via emails and phone calls. Most are positive comments or questions about our content. One reader last month shared that he found our magazine “weirdly engaging,” saying he just can’t put down the magazine. We’re considering adopting the phrase as our new motto!
A few readers felt our November coverage of the Honor Flight program slighted our Korean War veterans, even suggesting there was a bias against those brave soldiers. It saddens me when readers feel as if we don’t care about them. We value each and every member of our military branches, regardless of when or where they served.
We kick off 2024 with a story about a group that wants to return sea otters to the Oregon Coast. These critters are a critical piece of the ecological puzzle, providing predator balance to the eccosystem.
Because no sea otters exist on the Oregon Coast, we chose to illustrate the story with an AI-generated image. This marks the first time we have used this type of illustration as the lead art for a story. Please note that we clearly labeled the image as an AI illustration. On those rare occasions we find this type of illustration to be the best option, we will be transparent about its use.
Our Up Close feature highlights STEM programs in rural communities and how they connect with industries such as farming and manufacturing. Some high school students are gaining valuable work experience as interns, taking what they learn in school and putting it into practice in the workplace.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read our work. Happy New Year!