COLUMN: It’s time to say goodbye

Published 1:40 pm Thursday, April 27, 2023

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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Change has a way of coming in cycles. I call it the two- to three-year shuffle. Every two to three years in my professional career, there have been multiple shifts in staff and titles.

It was a day in May nearly three years ago when I found out my boss was leaving, making the managing editor position available. It had appeal, so I pursued the promotion and received it.

Less than a year later, my boss, the general manager, told me she was leaving.

Now, I am the one who is choosing to go. I am apparently on the three-year plan of titles changing.

I recently celebrated six years working here, but my last day will be May 5.

It has been an adventure. I have cheered with this community, and I have mourned with this community. I became a part of this community. A community that I hope to stay a part of for as long as possible.

I have enjoyed getting to know everyone. I have learned so much about agriculture, bees, art, local government as well as the history and intrigue of these towns. Thank you to the numerous people in the community who have been willing to share information, point me in the right direction and answer questions. I estimate that I have written more than 2,000 articles in my time here, from hard news updates to profile features to columns.

I have had the rush of excitement posting an article I know the community will be excited about. I have been frustrated alongside you when things did not work out the way anyone planned. In many ways, I will miss it.

But, it’s time for the next adventure. It’s time for someone else to get the chance to lead. I am so glad to say that Carey Reeder will be the new managing editor. Chilton County is in good hands with his skills.

As always, he will be looking for story ideas and news tips from the community. If you have a story you think needs to be told, send it to news@clantonadvertiser.com.