In this week’s edition of the Marion County Record, we are beginning a new feature. The blogs of some Marion Middle School and Marion High School students are featured.

What are our youths thinking about? What are teens talking about? Are they concerned about war, health care, or youth centers?

This newspaper has always been a mentor of young journalists. Many of our reporters can claim this newspaper as their first professional newspaper job. We want to foster that attitude with our local teens.

We want teens to read our newspaper and be informed about local issues. We also want to read about their concerns, interests, and lives.

Our plan is to present a few blogs each week, both in print and on our Web site from different writers. If you are a teen and want to contribute, contact me at the office.

We hope these columns will enlighten and inform our readers and encourage our young people to get involved in our community.

After all, our youths are our future leaders.

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Speaking of community leaders, the Tampa community lost one this week. Jim Clemmer died after suffering from an illness.

Not only was Jim involved in his community as mayor, he also was tireless in his efforts to help the county. Regardless of where or when a person might see him, it was typical to walk away with a smile after one of his humorous comments.

He will be missed for his ideas, community service, and even his stubbornness.

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A few dozen brave souls attended the Marion Chamber of Commerce drawings Friday evening. After the annual Halloween costume contest, some stuck around to have a chance to win gift certificates and chamber checks.

Despite the cold, winter-like wind, fun was had by all.

— susan berg