Letter *FROM* the Editor

Dear Times-Record readers,

It has been a blessing and a privilege to get to know you and your community through these past three years. On Friday, November 5th, I close what has been a wonderful chapter in my life as I step away from my position as Editor here.

When I took this job in 2018, I didn’t know much about Barnes County or Valley City. I didn’t know much about the newspaper world, either; the majority of my experience was in creative writing, though I’d had a couple of college classes focused on journalism. What I really didn’t know was how much I would grow and learn as a professional and individual through my time here.

I’ve grown to know and love many people who I wouldn’t have connected with had it not been for this job. I’ve become a better writer and communicator, and I’ve come to love this county and city—in both its past and present—deeply. While learning things about the newspaper business, journalism, interviewing, relating and everything else, I was also learning more about myself and discovering a deeper passion for writing and telling people’s stories. I might not have known that was happening, but it’s quite clear as I look back. I feel very privileged to have been entrusted with telling local stories and allowed into people’s lives in such a special way.

I will dearly miss spending my days in Valley City with the folks who call this place home, though the feeling of being welcomed, appreciated and valued you’ve given me will remain with me all my life.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives for these three years and for the generosity (and forgiveness) you’ve shown me as I navigated the ins and outs of life as a small-town newspaper editor.

Thank you all—everyone here I know well, everyone reading from afar, everyone I’ve emailed but never met in person—for being with me on this journey.

I wish you and your remarkable community nothing but the best.

TR Editor signing off – Ellie