By Jay Dellinger, Publisher

Fourteen years ago today, on August 26, 2012, LincolnHerald.com went live.

For me, this anniversary is about more than a newspaper. It is about the people who helped build it and the community that has supported us along the way.

The Lincoln Herald was co-founded by my father, Larry Dellinger and I. Starting the newspaper with Dad is something I will always treasure. Sadly, he passed away in 2015, just three years after we began. He didn't get to see what the Lincoln Herald would become over the next 11 years but what we started together continues today.

Wayne Howard was also with us from the beginning as a reporter. Wayne brought tremendous experience and knowledge of our community to the Lincoln Herald. He has since passed away but the many stories he wrote remain part of our newspaper and our community's history.

Thomas Lark has also been with us since the very beginning. For 14 years, Thomas has been an important part of our writing and reporting and today covers many of the stories our readers see. He does a fantastic job and his dedication to the Lincoln Herald and our community is greatly appreciated.

I also want to give a special thank you to Angie for everything she does in sales. Angie plays an important role in building and maintaining relationships with the local businesses and advertisers who support the Lincoln Herald. Her work helps make it possible for us to continue providing local news to our readers. Sales is an important part of keeping any local newspaper going and we are very fortunate to have Angie as part of our team. Her hard work, dedication and continued support of the Lincoln Herald are greatly appreciated.

And now, we can finally put a name to someone who has long deserved recognition: Freda Elmore Reynolds.

Freda is an invaluable part of LincolnHerald.com, handling much of our graphics work, uploading stories and taking care of countless details behind the scenes that help bring everything together each day. Her creativity, dedication and willingness to do whatever is needed make a tremendous difference. So much of what she does happens quietly, but her contributions are seen, appreciated and truly essential.

Thank you, Freda, for everything you do. Your hard work absolutely does not go unnoticed — and we are proud to recognize you by name.

Most importantly, thank you to our readers.

For 14 years, you have read our stories, shared them with others, sent us news tips, submitted announcements and photographs and supported local journalism. Some of you have been with us since the very beginning and others have joined us along the way.

Without our readers and advertisers, there simply would not be a Lincoln Herald. Your continued support is what has allowed us to keep telling the stories of Lincoln County and our surrounding communities.

On August 25, 2012, my dad and I started something together.

Fourteen years later, we're still here because of all of you.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting local news. And thank you for 14 years.