It’s funny how things turn out sometimes. I first worked with The Clanton Advertiser as a student at the University of Montevallo about five or six years ago.

While at Montevallo, I edited the school’s newspaper, The Alabamian, for three years.

We printed Montevallo’s paper at The Advertiser, and I often traveled back and forth to Clanton dropping off files and picking up newspapers.

Back then, Mike Kelley, publisher of The Advertiser, joked with me about how I was going to come work for him after college.

However, life took me in a slightly different route: a short stint in graduate school and, eventually, a job with the Shelby County Reporter in Columbiana.

I hadn’t planned on moving—that was until I was presented an opportunity last month to join the Advertiser’s newsroom.

Now, three years later, Mr. Kelley’s prediction has come true.

I started Thursday, June 26 as managing editor of The Clanton Advertiser and clantonadvertiser.com.

I’m excited about this opportunity and look forward to covering the stories of Chilton County and learning more about the area. I had a great time covering the Peach Festival last week. I covered a lot of events with peach in the name … Miss Peach Pageant, Peach Jam, Peach Parade and Peach Auction.

But no matter, where I went, people made me feel welcomed and at home.

It’s an exciting time to be at The Advertiser as we prepare to launch new print and online products.We are also constantly looking for ways to improve our paper and Web site.

Feel free to send me an e-mail or call me up with story ideas, comments or suggestions.

Again, I’m glad to be here and hope to meet you soon.