By the time The New Falcon Herald is on the stands May 2, this column could be old news. I am writing this column on April 23 because we need to have the copy to our graphic designer tomorrow and then we proof the paper, usually two to three times over the weekend. When Marylou and I have given a thumbs up, Dean (our designer) sends the copy to Pueblo for printing. A couple of days later, we have the newspaper.The process is completely different from a weekly or daily newspaper. Obviously, we canít bring you the latest breaking news; thus, the reason we try to do more in-depth articles. For example, the wolf reintroduction legislation will be on the November ballot this year; Lindsey Harrison outlined the bill and presented the pros and cons. And Robin Widmar provides us with a detailed piece on the gray wolf itself.Back to my original thought. The COVID-19 situation seems to change every day so there is no way the NFH can keep up with it. However, we know that Gov. Polis has given the go-ahead for some businesses to reopen, with restrictions. Hair salons can open (now we know our hairstylist is essential), dog grooming services can open as well and tattoo parlors. Tattoos ó essential?Dentists can reopen, too. Realtors can once again show homes, but they canít have open houses. By the time you pick us up on the stands, I predict there will be more businesses getting the nod to open up. And for most†business owners, it canít come soon enough. I hope that our local small businesses will somehow survive this unprecedented situation. Itís more vital than ever to support our local†businesses. If some businesses are still shuttered, check out their websites. If you can, order from our local restaurants. Do anything you can to help these home-town, hard-working businesses.†At the NFH, we have been OK. I am thankful for the advertisers who have hung in there with us.Also, remember the Helping Hands Food Pantry. Their needs have greatly increased, and they need help with donations. See Caraís article on Pg. 6.As of this date, Colorado has had 552 deaths from the coronavirus. I am sorry for all those families who have lost loved ones to this unforeseen disease. And I canít imagine not being able to be with someone who is close to me when death is imminent.Also in this issue, Leslie Sheley interviewed a therapist about her attempts to help people emotionally affected by the coronavirus shutdown. Lindsey has talked to D 49, and itís up in the air right now if the kids will return for school in the fall, but they are out for this year. Read her articles in D 49 news.Pete Gawda talked to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the El Paso County Planning and Community Development Department on how they have handled the restrictions mandated by the state.As I said, this column could be bogus by the time you read this. But if those changes are good, hallelujah!And we cannot forget Motherís Day and Memorial Day.Happy Motherís Day and remember those who fought for our freedoms.See you in June!– MichelleCorrections: See FFPD News for corrections to the last board meeting writeup.
