By Lexi MooreYears ago, Luella Schlueter started writing the "Hills Local News" for the Hills Crescent newspaper. The column covered the events, travels and stories of local residents and businesses.Along the same lines, Mildred Paulson, Steen, began submitting a column, "Clinton Chatter," to the paper.The women received phone calls and letters from residents interested in having their news published in the paper.This time of year was always the busiest for the contributing writers. Families would report their holiday news including who came to Christmas dinner and what was served.Little did they know that they were responsible for recording a big part of the history in the area.In June of 2005, Luella announced that she planned to retire from writing in July. She wanted more time to enjoy her life and to travel.Luella and the Crescent searched for a new candidate to continue the tradition of capturing local news and found Cheryl Pavel, Hills, to be an ideal and willing candidate.Cheryl took over the position in July and began submitting a weekly column.Unfortunately, Cheryl’s schedule made it hard for her to keep up with the news on a regular basis, and she felt that support for the column was diminishing in the area.In November she announced to the paper staff that Dec. 27, the week following the Christmas holiday, would be her final column."It’s been fun; I really enjoyed getting to meet new people through this experience."Cheryl continues, "For me personally, it was a good opportunity to come out of my shell and meet some more people in the community."In September problems with Mildred’s health prevented her from continuing writing for the paper. She took a medical leave of absence and the paper began advertising for someone to write her column while she worked on improving her eyesight.After a month of advertising, the Crescent had not heard from any parties interested in writing on Steen news, so the column disappeared from the pages of the paper.The editor of the Crescent is asking its readers for feedback on "Hills Local News" and "Clinton Chatter." This time of year, when families are gathering and children are performing in various activities, the column seems both helpful and entertaining.If readers enjoy this column, they need to help keep it alive.First, the paper needs a creative and devoted resident who is interested in gathering the news of local residents and businesses for the paper. The individual could cover the social news of Hills, Steen and Beaver Creek or they could just take over where Cheryl left off.Second, the area needs a readership that is not only interested in reading about local news but also interested in submitting their stories and travels as well.Cheryl was not happy to hear that the column might not be published following her resignation."I would hate to see it go," she said. "I think it needs someone who can give it the attention it desires and unfortunately, right now, that is not me."Columnists for the Crescent are compensated for their time and welcomed into the Crescent family with open arms. Residents interested in helping write the history of our area are encouraged to call 283-2333 or 962-3561 and talk to Lexi or Lori.If a willing writer cannot be found, then the first Crescent publication of 2006 will be printed without featuring the stories of the residents who keep this paper in existence.