The Daily Inter Lake’s newspaper carriers are in many ways the unsung heroes of our business. They’re the early-morning lifeline that connects our readers with the day’s top stories. No matter what the weather, they’re out there day in and day out. We couldn’t be a daily newspaper without them.

This week we said good-bye to a Kalispell family that has been delivering the Inter Lake for 18 years. Jefferson and Michelle Oxford’s three daughters handled the route in Mission Village north of Kalispell at various intervals during their youth. When they grew up, Michelle continued the 4:30 a.m. chore, and Jefferson helped when he could.

They’ve decided it’s time to retire the route, and another hard-working carrier will take over their daily delivery. The Oxfords’ dedication and work ethic have been exemplary, and we take this opportunity on behalf of all Inter Lake employees and readers to thank them and all of our carriers for their service.

Speaking of hard work, we think that Brock Osweiler deserves a hat tip for his perseverance as backup behind one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

Osweiler, who was a football and basketball standout at Flathead High School and then went on to an exemplary college career at Aizona State, is in his third year as the No. 2 signal caller for the Denver Broncos. That means he doesn’t get a lot of playing time because No. 1 is Peyton Manning.

But Osweiler is a dedicated student of the game, and has taken seriously his opportunity to learn from Manning. And last Sunday, when Osweiler got a chance to play at the end of the game against the Chargers, he put what he has learned to use and fired off his first NFL touchdown.

He was also happy to share the credit with Manning, noting that his mentor had drawn up the play, which also got a first NFL touchdown for fourth-year tight end Virgil Green.

Way to go, Brock. And even though Manning remains as strong as ever, we can’t wait to see you get your first start! Maybe in 2015?