LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: One final word...
Four and a half years ago, I took a job that didn’t turn out as I expected. I accepted a position as a reporter with the Columbia Basin Herald, thinking that I’d be walking away from an editor’s position at a Texas newspaper. The idea, at the time, was to get a bit more work-life balance and return to the Inland or Pacific Northwest to be closer to family.
Upon walking in the door to let folks know I’d made my 2,200 mile trek from the Houston area to the Columbia Basin, I was surprised by our publisher, Bob Richardson, saying, “I’ve been watching what you’ve been doing, and I’m going to make you editor.”
So, the plan didn’t work out as I’d expected. In some ways, it was better than expected. But in others, it’s been a struggle to find work-life balance and time to spend with family I’d moved closer to so I could see them.
One of the most rewarding things at the paper, from an internal perspective, has been building a team of reporters that cares about the communities the Columbia Basin Herald serves. The team was in a bit of disarray when I first arrived, with morale low and expectations uncertain. With the help of wonderful team members, past and present, I was able to create a work family. Yes. I know that’s cliche’ but I don’t care. It’s a simple truth. Cheryl Schweizer, Joel Martin, Nance Beston, Caleb Perez and Mike Maynard are absolutely wonderful humans to work with, and if you have the chance, make sure you remind them that I said so. Don’t forget to remind Cheryl that she earned the title “Baroness of Bylines.” She’ll hate it, but it’s well earned.
From a management perspective, working with Bob, our CEO, Clint Schroeder, Distribution Director Dana Moreno and Sales Manager Jeannie Austin has been a privilege as well. I’ve learned from all of them and had more than a few laughs with them as well.
The communities of the Columbia Basin have been an adventure to learn and explore as well. Whether it’s a trip to Farmer Consumer Awareness Day in Quincy; a city council meeting in Mattawa; a lunch with the Moses Lake Police Chief; or any number of other adventures, even meeting the wonderful Joan Green – AKA Grandma Green – the communities of the area are absolutely stocked to the brim with wonderful people. I count you, dear reader, among those wonderful people.
I’m off on a new adventure though, with the hope that it provides me with the work-life balance I’ve been seeking – especially time with my amazing wife, Brandee. Many already know, but I’ll be taking on the role of Administrative Services Manager/City Clerk for the City of Ephrata. It’s the city I live in, and I’m looking forward to a shorter commute and getting to know my neighbors in Ephrata a bit better. I may even get to spend more time with a fishing rod or some gaming dice from time to time.
I would like to send a special thanks to a few people who have helped me learn and grow during my tenure at the paper. However, as I started writing that out, I realized there isn’t enough space for the list of names of those who have been valuable partners in informing the communities of the Basin.
So, instead, I’ll leave you with this final word: responsibility.
As individuals and communities, it is up to us to take responsibility for how the Columbia Basin thrives. We stand or fall together. Vote. Attend council and board meetings. Send letters to the editor to make sure you’re heard. Advocate for the things you care about. Show compassion to one another. Being responsible for each other's wellbeing is part of being in a community. We should care about how the guy across the street is doing. We should have civil conversations with one another when we disagree, and sometimes, we should make it a point to have a meal with a friend.
Take care of one another and never forget that you’re empowered to do great things.
With deep appreciation,
R. Hans “Rob” Miller
Managing Editor (at least until Sunday)
Columbia Basin Herald
Basin Business Journal