This issue of The Royal Register marks the beginning of our second year, and we are pleased with the results of the first year.

The South County community has been welcoming and gracious. And this year has been a lot of fun for me personally. I've had a chance to learn.

I'd never been to Royal City except for a few sporting events after dark. I didn't realize it is a relatively new town, set to celebrate its 50th birthday next year. I didn't know Smyrna existed.

I was surprised at how the Desert Aire, Mattawa, Schawana and Beverly area has grown economically and in population. What has happened there is a testament to man's industriousness.

There were a handful of homes the first time I saw Desert Aire. Mattawa was a village, and the strip from Beverly to Desert Aire was undeveloped.

According to folks who live there, Mattawa has a population of about 4,000, and Desert Aire's is around 2,500. Counting everyone up to and including Beverly, we're guessing the entire population at more than 8,000.

I drive a lot in my work, partly because I live in the Yakima Valley, but also because this area is so vast. It's an absolute joy to see what the agricultural community has done with the Wahluke and Royal Slopes.

Sometimes, when I come up from the Valley, I turn right after the Vernita Bridge. On those occasions I start my drive to Mattawa at the eastern edge of the Wahluke Slope just to view all of the farming.

I enjoy coming into the Royal area from the north side of Frenchman Hill, whether it be by Dodson Road, Highway 262 or Adams Road. The farm colors of the Royal Slope are impressive.

We started the Royal Register because we thought it would take root and eventually thrive. Thanks to the people - advertisers and readers alike - we are on a good track.

I don't work the advertising side of the operation but, working the editorial side, I've seen the community's support. Every week I receive emails and phone calls with news that is important to our readers.

I can't name all of the people who help in that way, but two at the forefront are Leslie Fanning of Royal City Harvest Foods and Jay Scott, who works at the Wahluke Schools. Both regularly alert me to potential news items.

One area resident who deserves a lot of thanks is Royal's Sharon Chesterman. When she offered to do the community calendar, I explained it would have to be weekly and could become tedious. She has provided it faithfully ever since.

One entire group that needs to be thanked is the coaches at Wahluke and Royal High Schools. There is an occasional slip-up, but generally they e-mail or call in their results every weekend.

I'm looking forward to this second year. My principal wish as we start is that more of you will participate in the news gathering. We could use more social news, such as weddings and anniversaries.

My phone number, which is printed in the paper, is 509-952-7189. My email address is tedescobar@aol.com.