Never say never!
That’s what they say.
A couple of years ago, I was thinking I was “retiring” from the newspaper business. I started doing other things. I had fun.
Yet – here I am again. Another foray into the world of pen and ink.
Okay, so maybe there is not a pen anywhere in my office, but you know what I mean.
I’ve always enjoyed being part of a community newspaper. It’s all I’ve ever known. It makes for exciting days, and no two are ever alike.
I started my career with a little shopper that I purchased from a friend in Bessemer, Ala. From there, I became a journalist at The Western Star, also in Bessemer. Later, I was named editor.
I left the Star for the sunny beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, taking a job with Gulf Coast Newspapers. In addition to being a general assignment reporter (which kept me busy during the days covering the BP oil spill), I was also a syndicated sports columnist and…are you sitting down…a food review writer. Yes, I ate free food, then wrote about it, AND got paid to do it.
Eventually, I became editor once again, this time at The Foley Onlooker, in Foley, Ala.
Working with community newspapers has allowed me some amazing opportunities.
I’ve interviewed many mayors, governors and senators, I’ve been inside the White House, I’ve done television news programs, judged beauty pageants, been up in a blimp, and even played a round of golf with Charles Barkley.
None of this would have happened had I not been part of a newspaper.
But you know what I love the best about community newspapers? Covering local community news. School events, baseball games, high school plays, BBQ cookoffs, and I’ve got to tell you, city council meetings can be entertaining.
I believe it was Mark Twain who said “you don’t mess with a guy who buys ink by the barrel,” but trust me, Trussville, when I say, I’m not that guy. I’m more along the lines of the guy who would rather join you for lunch at the Cracker Barrel.
Chances are, we will, from time to time, cover a story you just don’t like. I will, no doubt, write something occasionally, that you don’t agree with. But I can promise you this – we will do everything in a professional manner, with integrity, and my phone and email will always be open for your comments and suggestions.
I’d glad to be at the Trussville Tribune, and look forward to meeting you.
Email news information, story ideas and letters to the editor at tribunenews2@gmail.com