From the editor: Here are some of the standards that guide our work

Journalism is as much an act of service as it is a job, at least for me.

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a child, and I realized journalism was the route for me in high school.

Since then, I’ve covered big events — like former President Barack Obama visiting my college campus and a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump — and ones closer to home, like the first baby born in the new year.

I’ve been to more school board meetings than I can count. I’ve talked with police officers after heartbreaking tragedies. I’ve listened as family members remember loved ones they lost or shared deeply personal experiences with the hope of letting others know they aren’t alone.

This job offers something new every day, but no matter the story, we aim to do our best.

That’s why journalists at the Pine Journal and the Superior Telegram and our colleagues at the Duluth News Tribune adhere to ethical reporting standards. The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics is far more detailed, but here are a few of the items mentioned there that we incorporate into our work:

We strive to provide fair, balanced coverage of local issues.

We report events as they happen.

We do not send sources quotes or stories before they are published.

We do not allow reporters or editors to cover stories where they would have a conflict of interest. If this cannot be avoided, the story is edited with extra care and we will say in the story what the conflict of interest is — for example, a breaking news story quotes an officer who is related to the reporter.

We correct errors as soon as we find them or are notified about them.

We include correction or clarification language at the bottom of stories online.

We print corrections and clarifications in the paper, as well.

We value your feedback and take it seriously when readers send us their thoughts on our work.

We are constantly looking for ways to improve.

If there’s a story you think we should cover or an error you spot online or in print, let me know: 218-720-4102 or jzvandenhouten@duluthnews.com .

And thank you for supporting local journalism.

Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten is the editor of the Pine Journal and the Superior Telegram.