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Not long ago, I was helping someone at the front counter in our office when she said to me, "You know, I used to work here." It isn't unusual to hear those words - I've heard them many times before from dozens of people in the community. The newspaper has been covering the news of Iowa County for over 150 years, and there have been lots of employees that have had the pleasure of working here, and working together to put out an informative and quality product each week.
I've learned that it used to be quite the process, as without computers, everything was done by hand. Employees carefully cut and pasted everything up; black and white photographs were developed in a dark room on the premises. Obituaries were mailed, in hopes they would make it to Dodgeville in time for deadline. And everyone who ever worked here was treated like family - because that's truly what makes this place so special.
This week I will become another person who can say, "I used to work here." And although some are sad to see me go, working at the Dodgeville Chronicle for the Reilly family is an experience I will never forget - just like all the other employees who have taken pride in the part they played while employed at the community newspaper.
Growing up, working at a community newspaper was my dream. I had doubts as I worked my way through college at UW-Platteville, wondering if a degree in journalism was really worth it. I can tell you, it was worth every penny to find my passion and give it the proper foundation to grow.
I feel very fortunate to have started my career as a journalist at my hometown's newspaper. I feel very connected to this community and everyone in it, and the decision to move on was a tough one. But every once in awhile we need a challenge, and I have accepted mine.
I'm happy to report that I will be staying in the newspaper world, and that I have accepted a Regional Editor/Reporter position with The Country Today, a rural-life oriented newspaper that covers all of Wisconsin. My turf will include 20 counties in the southern part of the state, where I will be covering agricultural-related business at the Capitol and interviewing individuals and families with their own unique stories to tell about life in rural Wisconsin. My experiences reporting in Iowa County over the past five years have prepared me for this challenge, and I'm so excited to continue to grow my passion in journalism.
This past September, a member of the 1951 Dodgeville High School football team addressed the student body at the Homecoming pep rally. He said something that has stuck with me and that I won't soon forget: "Dodgeville is the foundation of everything I've ever accomplished."
You've all helped shape me into who I am today, and I am forever grateful. I wish you all happiness, health and success in the new year! Maybe your own challenge awaits in 2018...just remember to never forget your foundation.