So long, and thanks for the stories

It’s been two years since I first put pen to paper for the Lake County Leader, and after hundreds of stories (some of them good), I feel it’s time to move on.

Tomorrow will be my last day here and chances are I’ll spend it abusing my Internet privileges and making non-business related long-distance phone calls. Oh, and there’s this funky odor surrounding my desk. I hope to find the source of it before the new guy gets in.

I like to think I did a reasonable job at this paper. Granted, I was off to a rough start. Anecdote: Within my first six months, I actually resigned. It was on a Wednesday evening and the paper was hot of the press. After reading an article of mine, I discovered such a horrendous error, I thought for sure I’d get fired. That night, I snuck back into the office and left a letter of resignation on Ethan’s desk explaining why I wasn’t cut out for this job. I didn‘t bother going to work the next day. I remember packing my bags when Ethan called and said “I’m not accepting your resignation.”

I was relieved.

Then he said “You’re fired.”

Just kidding.

He actually gave me another opportunity and for that I’m grateful. And I’m grateful to Copy Editor Paul Fugleberg who was always there to point out when I switch “it’s” with “its” and “its” with “it’s.” I’ll get it down eventually.

After proving myself a competent newspaper man, I am moving to Eugene, Ore. — my old college town. While I don’t have a job lined up, I’m confident I’ll get one soon enough, provided the top brass at the Leader give me a good reference. Publisher Dan promised to tell potential employers that I only showed up for work drunk two times a week, when office policy permits three. Thanks, Dan.

In all seriousness, I’ve enjoyed my job and I’m glad I started my career in Polson. What a better place to cut your teeth than your own hometown.

I remember when I first started applying for journalism jobs, I was interviewed for positions in Wolf Point and Havre. Things could have been worse.

So to all the superintendents, teachers, principals, students, judges, attorneys, police officers, criminals (alleged and convicted), emergency responders, pro skateboarder Tony Hawk, public information officers, communication directors, PR folks, mayors, council members, politicians, artists, business owners, tribal elders, highway patrolmen and everyone else, thanks for taking time to answer my questions. I hope I’ve served you well.

While I’m leaving for greener pastures (literally Eugene is the greenest town in America. It rains 200 days a year there), it isn’t without some reluctance.

And chances are I’ll be back some day — that is, if you’ll have me.