There is no easy way to say goodbye after more than 82 years together.

As you probably know, this is the final edition of the Bridgeville Area News.

Bridgeville historian John Oyler traces the history and ownership of the paper over the years in his "Water Under the Bridge" column today.

There has been a lot of water under the bridge since Duquesne University student Francis Cavanaugh founded the newspaper in 1926 as a means of financing his education.

I have been editor on and off for about 10 years, which is long enough to develop some knowledge of what makes the town and its people tick.

Eric Poole succeeded me as editor after my first stint. Kevin Ritchart succeeded Poole. I then followed Ritchart to begin my second stint as editor.

Other modern-era editors included Mary McCracken, Bob Wertz and Donna Seiling.

Reporters and photographers in the past 10 years have included Eric Blimon, Tim Edmonson, Ed McGovern, Tim McNellie, Craig Rice, Kristy Graver, Dave Pinchot, Renatta Signorini, Dave Mayernik Jr., Becky Shetler, Jeff Widmer and Brady Wolfe.

All of us have had the privilege of chronicling the ups and downs of life in and around Bridgeville, Collier, Heidelberg and South Fayette.

One of the things that makes Bridgeville special is its small-town charm.

It even has sidewalks, which is something sorely lacking in the modern suburbs.

Neighbors know each other and look out for each other.

Never was this more evident than on Sept. 17, 2004, and the ensuing days.

This was when Hurricane Ivan tore into town in all of its fury.

The situation was catastrophic along the Chartiers Creek flood plain.

The flood brought out the best in our communities. People helped people. Strangers became partners in their suffering, clean-up and relief work.

With more than a quarter of its approximately 5,300 residents over the age of 65, Bridgeville is older than its neighboring communities.

It is also one of the poorest, with a per-capita income under $20,000, which is several thousand dollars below each neighboring community except for Heidelberg.

But Bridgeville has its positives, and this is where the potential lies.

Bridgeville can offer reasonably priced homes that appeal to younger buyers.

Specialty shops lining Washington Avenue make Bridgeville a destination rather than a throughway.

In recent years, Bridgeville has gained more businesses than it has lost.

Twenty-five years ago, there were numerous buildings that had closed from their original uses, but there has been a gradual improvement.

There is no denying that it has persevered because of its tough- minded, dedicated people.

We will miss you.