Delivering newspapers was once a daily ritual that shaped mornings. For Doug Grow, the memories of that paper route carry a reminder that the printed page can often hold more meaning than we first realize.
Opinion | Paper route memories from a former reporter

Key Takeaways:
- This article offers an opinion-based reflection on paper routes and their lasting significance.
- Doug Grow’s perspective carries a nostalgic tone, tying his past experiences to modern discussions of print vs. digital media.
- The piece highlights that newspapers hold deeper value than most people recognize.
- Published by the Star Tribune on September 13, 2025, it offers timely insight into how print media remains relevant.
- The article reminds readers that everyday routines can leave a lifelong impression.
Paper Route Reflections
Long before news traveled at the speed of a click, delivering newspapers was a morning undertaking full of promise. For Doug Grow, a former reporter, those days of hefting bundles of papers provided more than just a means of making pocket money—they were the beginnings of a life spent immersed in stories.
Personal Anecdotes from a Former Reporter
A paper route, he suggests, teaches one about responsibility and connection. “The print paper holds more stories than you’d think,” the piece notes, hinting at the unexpected depth found in physical newspapers. For those who once walked porch to porch or yard to yard, each delivery was a chance to bring the news closer to home.
Why Print Endures
Even in an era of continuous digital updates, the tangible power of print newspapers can’t be denied. There is something about reading a story on paper—flipping through the pages, taking note of photographs and headlines—that feels more lasting. This opinion article underscores that even as technology advances, print media carries a heritage worth preserving.
The Memories We Keep
The routine of delivering newspapers, day after day, can define a person’s worldview. It is an activity steeped in the weight of shared information and collective knowledge. Through these early morning routes, a future reporter found not only a news source but also a crash course in community engagement—reminding readers that the simplest routines can shape a career and an entire perspective on the world.