It Has Been An Honor
Author: JB Howick, MT43 News
Sometimes building a newspaper is like making soup from scratch. You start out with a clear picture in your head of what that soup will be, but learn as you go that making soup is its own challenge that requires adjustment and modification during the process. In the end, you have a delicious-tasting soup! But it might not have been what you imagined in the beginning.
MT 43 News has been a wonderful challenge. The paper is growing and while we’ve had to make a few adjustments along the way, the newspaper is becoming something amazing! Today’s paper is no exception. Our decision to have an annual, free, county-wide edition (meaning that a one-year subscription is 53 weeks long! We’ll adjust everyone’s existing subscriptions.) provides our local, state, and federal political candidates a chance to introduce themselves to every member of the Broadwater County family—and a few more beyond! In only a few instances of U.S. history has the importance of voting been more critical than it is right now and we’re proud to take part in that process.
But the annual change of county, state, and federal leadership is not the only change we’re experiencing. It is with nearly overwhelming regret that my own time serving as President of MT 43 News, Inc. Board of Directors and the pro tempore Editor in Chief must come to an end. My experience serving my neighbors and friends in Broadwater County has, itself, been amazing. Newspapers (not unlike hardware stores!) get into your blood and soul. But my service came with a price—I was working the equivalent of two and a half full-time jobs, impacting the quality of all and my family. It’s been an honor to participate in the birth of a new newspaper, one that I feel confident will continue for many, many years to come.
It is my pleasure to announce that I will be replaced on the Board by Jeff Ross, who will serve as President pro tempore until the Board can fully reorganize itself. If you have interest in the power of the written word and the good it can do for our Broadwater family, I encourage you to submit your name for consideration as a Board member to our administrator, Sarah Tallwhiteman (sarah@MT43News.com or 266-0086).
I am also greatly relieved that my duties as Editor in Chief pro tempore will be carried by Laura Cater- Woods, a talented editor and insightful person who I believe will carry the paper to its next milepost. We are still looking for a permanent Editor in Chief, a paid full-time position with the company. If you have that interest, please contact Sarah.
Finally, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the MT 43 News team: Board members and dedicated supporters Nancy Marks, Rachael Elliott-Brug, Vic Sample, and Jeff Ross, who suffered the bulk of my volatile personality during this time; our office administrator Sarah Tallwhiteman who has navigated the murky waters of a start-up very well; and our regular contributors including Dee Gannon, Ellie West, Angie Janacaro and Alison Kosto, without whom the paper would have sizable blank spaces. Thank you!
And above all, let me thank you, our readers, for giving us this chance to bring education, inspiration and entertainment into your lives. Your subscription and advertising support is what allow this modern version of the market-square post to thrive. And if you ever have anything to say or a tip for us to know, let me direct you to our masthead on page 2 where you will learn everything you need to know.
Thank you!
JB Howick
