Who cares about Indian Lake?
By Sue Pitts
Examiner Staff Writer

It was recently suggested that the Examiner is lagging in coverage of the Indian Lake area.

Really? Really??

I beg to differ. And I think members of the other outlying county communities would agree. In fact, I think there are some who would say Indian Lake is shown favoritism over their villages.

As the county seat, it stands to reason that in large part, Bellefontaine is the hub of activity, if for no other reason than the fact that there are more people. More people equals more activity and therefore more to report on.

The first thing the naysayers should understand is that it isn’t that Bellefontaine is more important or any other community is any less important. As a “newspaper” we have to go where the “news” is. To know everything without enlisting the help of our readers and concerned citizens who often contact us with welcomed (yes, welcomed) legitimate news tips is impossible.

A letter received recently from an unidentified self-described “old lady” listed numerous news items from her locale that “the Examiner never covered” which were actually front page features - some I covered myself. Maybe we should add reading the newspaper to people to our list of assignments.

To the Indian Lake crowd, or select disgruntled few as I suspect, be careful what you wish for, for you just might get it. Good or bad. More coverage also means more scrutiny and more attention to the negative that also exists at the lake. I know there is both - I live there and always have.

Actually, when I started working for the Examiner in 2000, I somewhat felt the same, but admittedly wasn’t a steady reader and realize I may have missed things I thought should have been covered, that indeed were.

Since then, I have tried to bring a little more focus on Indian Lake without the perception of showing favoritism. I also have each year tried (with help and management’s encouragement) to make the Indian Lake supplemental Memorial Day weekend paper something more of a keepsake than an advertiser filled with Associated Press stories and cookie-cutter information. It has over the years gone from 28 pages with some local information to nearly 50 pages with the majority of its content specific to the lake, its changes and improvements.

(By the way, what other Logan County community gets its own 48-page annual publication dedicated solely to its promotion?)

I love the lake area and can’t imagine living anywhere else, but in reality it is no more special than any other Logan County community (even if I do live there). Everyone feels their area of residence is special.

So, who cares about Indian Lake? I do. And so does the Examiner, whether you choose to believe it or not.

P.S. Instead of bellyaching, pick up the phone and call me at 592-3060, ext. 121, with story ideas and news tips. I don’t think I have turned down a valid one yet.

Sue Pitts is a staff writer for the Examiner. She can also be reached at spitts@examiner.org.