So a few people have asked me lately, “What made you start writing for the Mountain Eagle and Schoharie News?”

And honestly… I think it comes down to this—I’m a little old school. Okay, maybe a lot old school.

I grew up in the 80s and 90s, when life felt a bit simpler. Back then, if you wanted to know what was going on, you didn’t scroll… you strolled—right down to the local store, grabbed a paper, and caught up on everything from town gossip to who won the chili cook-off.

Now don’t get me wrong—I love the internet. It’s fast, it’s convenient, and it’s got everything. The problem is… it’s got everything. You go online to check one thing and suddenly you’re 45 minutes deep into a video about a raccoon stealing pizza in Florida. Meanwhile, you completely forgot to find out what’s happening this weekend right here at home.

That’s where the magic of a local paper comes in.

There’s just something special about holding it in your hands—seeing familiar names, familiar faces, places you’ve been a hundred times. It reminds you that you’re part of something real. A community. Not a comment section… an actual community.

That’s what makes the Mountain Eagle and Schoharie News so important. It shines a light on what makes our area special, different, and honestly… pretty amazing.

Because let’s face it—we live in a place people vacation to.

In the summer, the Catskills are about as close to heaven as you can get—fresh air, mountains, winding roads, and that feeling you just can’t put into words. And in the winter? People come from all over the world to ski, explore, and experience what we sometimes take for granted.

And this paper captures all of it.

It tells you what’s happening this weekend, what you missed last weekend, and what you better not miss next month. It connects you to the heartbeat of where you live.

And here’s the thing—something this good doesn’t stick around by accident. It sticks around because people support it.

So if you’re a business, take out an ad—even a small one. It helps keep this paper alive and thriving.

If you’re a reader, spend a buck a week and pick up a copy of the awesome paper. That’s less than a cup of coffee… and way more satisfying.

And if you’re like me—if you’ve got something to say, a story to tell, or an event worth sharing—write it. Seriously. Jump in. Be part of it.

Because this isn’t just a newspaper… it’s our newspaper.

And I’ll tell you what—I’m proud to be a part of it.

I’m your bro,

LJ James

…and I’ll see you around the Mountain.