There's nothing quite like a crinkling, printed, newspaper feel and sound with today's local news-- and a good cup of coffee.

Choices are many in our media machine-operated world. Consider the addicting computers, television news with fine-looking folks reading and commenting on current events.

Still, it's just not the same thing as turning crinkling pages to re-read something missed. Try that with a live TV broadcast.

The Greatest Generation grew up with newspapers and street corner vendors loudly calling, "Get you newspaper here. Pearl Harbor bombed." Or whatever catches attention.

Television and computers changed this world with colorful, interesting subjects that strongly influence our lives. Especially when our eyes become less age-efficient and reading options are limited.

Not for a minute do I believe that printed newsprint is going out. Some newspapers are producing fewer pages, given the present economic impact. That will change when advertisers' business picks up.

The Internet is a powerful tool too. Check out www.highlinetimes.com.-- the Web site for current news and story archives.

Can you believe people in Europe read what's happening here, too? What an exciting world we live in!

Local news, whether in print or Web site, is the touch to community that sustains small town atmosphere. It's what's happening here, it's about our home. The more news we know about our communities, the better.

Years ago I was lamenting in a less-than-fully informed way about how sad it was that another like business started up that would be competition to an existing nearby business.

Well, it only took a minute for that seasoned business person I was sympathizing with to say, "Actually, the more competition the merrier, because each one brings more interest and more people here."

Newspapers made Des Moines and Highline history. I picture Des Moines and Burien as sister cities, yet independent, and beautiful. Normandy Park is the golden loop that ties us together. Cities working together benefit residents and newspapers make newsworthy information public.

The first Des Moines history book was published in 1975, "Timber, Tides and Tales," authored by historian Melanie Draper, now deceased.

Richard T. Kennedy, who masterfully reproduced her writings in 1989 after significant editing, incorporating and up-dating it into the current edition "One Hundred Years of the "Waterland" Community, was assisted by Grechen Schmidt.

Explorers sailed these waters in the early 1800's. And newspapers played a significant role in Des Moines and Highline history:

In 1884 Des Moines had a new Black Powder Manufacturing Plant.

In 1900 a mushroom growing business was unsuccessful at 240th and 12th Ave. So.

The 1908 Des Moines Express newspaper reported Markwell Lumber Mill burned down (at now Beach Park) and was rebuilt at 227th where Anthony's Restaurant is now located.

In 1952, the Federal Way News owned by Jerry Robinson and Al Snead, also covered the Des Moines, Midway, Fife, Milton, and areas.

In 1957, Tom and Ruby Petersen founded and produced The Des Moines Tribune for seven years from their home. It was a family project with three sons, Donald, Roger and Gary, (better known now as Gary Petersen, owner of Pete's Towing) who delivered the newspaper to residents.

In 1964, Jerry Robinson established the newly named Des Moines News. Its official office was above the Dugout Tavern (now Lighthouse) later moving it several times, including to a lawyer's office and where E.C. Computer is now.

In 1967, the newspaper narrowed and concentrated its efforts on Des Moines and Midway. Copies cost 10 cents or 30 cents per month if delivered.

The first editor was Agnes Webb, a natural for homey, intimate weekly newspaper columns that fits a small growing, tightly knit community. Sometimes I think my writing has a touch of Agnes' writing style, though not planned. We seasoned citizens think alike.

In 1975, the first Sunday issue was printed, though it has not continued.

From then to now, it's been Gerald (Jerry) Robinson who keeps Highline Times and Des Moines News in our neighborhoods.

His last rescue was after he sold his interest. He canceled his retirement to quickly step in and take back these newspapers when the Seattle Times chose to quit publishing them. We really are fortunate to have our local newspapers.

So, with some "Irish Luck" I'll be visiting with you again, Over The Fence, -- with a good cup of coffee and lots of memories and fun facts.
Today's Thought: "One kind word can warm winter nights."